The The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam is considered one of the most important Vishnu temples in India. It is a huge – 236 feet height with its 13 tiers – and is considered the tallest temple tower in the world. It covers an area of 155 acres with 81 shrines, 21 towers and 39 pavilions. The temple has a huge hall which was built during the Vijayanagara period (1336-1565) and has 953 beautifully carved pillars.
According to archaeological evidence it belongs to late 1st millennium CE. However it was built and rebuilt many times. The temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
According to legend Lord Rama performed a Puja to the idol of Lord Vishnu’s idol in a reclining posture. He gave the idol to Vibhishana, brother of Ravana, to take with him to Lanka and worship it. He put a condition that on the way he should not put the idol on earth. Vibishana took the idol of Vishnu and was travelling to Lanka. When he reached the banks of the Kaveri river he found that a religious procession was going on and he placed the idol on the banks of the Cauveri river and waited for the procession to pass. When the procession passed, the idol of Lord Vishnu refused to move. When Vibhishana prayed him to come along with him to Lanka, lord Vishnu refused but He promised to bless Vibhishana by always facing the South direction of Lanka. So the sleeping deity in a reclining posture faces South.
Srirangam is an island surrounded by the river Cauvery. Apart from the Sri Ranganatha swamy temple the complex has Sri Lakshmi Narasimha, Sri Gangadereshwara temples also. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu. The temple complex is full of beautiful carvings.
Festivals: The annual 21-day festival during the Tamil month of Margashira Month (December–January) attracts more than 1 million visitors. Apart from this many of the festivals of Vishnu are also observed.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Places to visit nearby: Jambukeshwarar Temple, 1.5 km away is a very famous Pancha Maha Bhuta Shiva temple
By Air: The Trichy Airport is 15 km from the temple.
By Train: The Trichy railway station 8 km from the temple is well connected with most major cities.
By Bus: The temple is located at a distance of 8 km from the central bus stand and at a distance of about 3 km from the Chathiram bus stand of trichy. Many regular buses from most of the cities of Tamil Nadu are available.
Accommodation: Trichi nearby has all types of accommodation from budget to 5 star hotels.
