Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam

Divya Desam

First of the 108

Rajagopuram height

About 73 m

Enclosures

Seven prakarams, 21 gopurams

Nearest airport

Tiruchirappalli (about 16 km)

Nearest railway station

Srirangam

Ideal time needed

At least 3 hours

The temple complex

The temple is laid out in seven concentric enclosures, or prakarams, with a total perimeter of roughly 4 km. The outer rings hold streets, houses and shops, so you walk through a living town before reaching the inner shrines. There are 21 gopurams; the largest, the Rajagopuram on the south side, rises to about 73 metres and is among the tallest temple towers in Asia.

Inside, look for the thousand-pillared hall, the Sesharaya mandapam with its sculpted horses, and the many smaller shrines, including those of the goddess Ranganayaki.

History and tradition

Srirangam is sacred to the Sri Vaishnava tradition and is praised in the hymns of the Alvars. The philosopher Ramanuja, known as Udaiyavar, lived here and reorganised temple worship; many of the procedures he set are followed to this day. Tradition also says that the poet Kambar presented his Tamil Ramayana at Srirangam.

Festivals

Vaikunta Ekadasi in December–January is the biggest event, when the Paramapada Vasal (gateway to heaven) is opened and pilgrims arrive in huge numbers. Other major festivals include the Chithirai car festival, Vasanthotsavam, the Brahmotsavam, Serthi Sevai and the Adhyayanotsavam with Araiyar Sevai recitations.

Visiting tips

The temple is open through the day with breaks for rituals; mornings and early evenings are the most rewarding. Dress in traditional, modest clothing with shoulders and knees covered. Non-Hindus may enter the outer areas but not the sanctum. Allow at least three hours and wear footwear you can easily leave at the counters.

How to reach

Tiruchirappalli airport is about 16 km away. Srirangam has its own railway station with frequent trains, and Tiruchirappalli Junction is a short drive. Buses and cars reach the island easily from Tiruchi, and Madurai is about 140 km by road. We can combine Srirangam with Uraiyur, Thiruvanaikaval and the Rock Fort in one day.

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