Ranganathaswamy Temple
The Srirangam Ranganatha Swamy temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered the most important among the 108 temples in Divya Prabandham dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Located on a large island between the Cauvery and Kollidam rivers, Srirangam is known as ‘Temple Island’ and is not only very ancient but also the largest temple complex in India.
Ranganathaswamy Temple - Srirangam - Tamil Nadu
Specialty :
The temple is a very popular pilgrim place and is located in between two rivers. The entire temple is built on hectares of land houses multiple shrines as well as a town-within-a-temple and a large population. Srirangam is the largest functioning temple complex in the world and has a festive look throughout the year with devotees and tourists visiting the shrine every day.
History Of Srirangam Temple
Lord Ranganathaswamy is a self-manifested form of Lord Vishnu who lives in Sri Vaikuntam as per the staunch faith of Sri Vaishnavites. Lord Brahma was worshipping Him for a long time and appointed the sun god, Surya, to continue in his absence. Since then the Sun clan has been worshipping the Lord. Lord Sri Ram who belonged to the Sun clan worshipped the deity and after the war with Ravan, to rescue his wife Sita, in recognition for his loyalty and services Lord Ram presented the idol of the Lord Ranganathar to Vibishana. On his way back to Sri Lanka he placed the idol down to rest and when he tried to lift it up again the idol did not budge. The Lord expressed his desire to stay near the Cauvery River and that he would be facing south, the direction to which Lanka is located.
Temple Timings
The temple is open for worship from 6.15 am to 1.00 pm and between 2.00 pm to 9.00 pm
Dress Code
As the temple is witnessing devotees from across the country and globe round the year, decent dress code without harming the temple custom can be followed.
Festivals
The temple celebrates Vaikunta Ekathasi during November-December on a massive scale attended by lakhs of devotees from across the country. Lord Vishnu coming out of the Doors for Heaven in a gorgeously decorated form is an awesome sight. Srirangam is a pilgrim destination where you can witness and enjoy festivals throughout the year.