Srirangam Temple, also known as Sri Ranganathaswamy temple and ThiruvarangaTirupati, is an eminent Vaishnav temple of India. Spread over an area of 155 acres, Srirangam is considered to be the largest Hindu temple of India. This humongous temple is devoted to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu on Shesh Nag. Srirangam temple is also considered to be the first of the 108 Divya Desams (holy abodes) of Lord Vishnu.
How to reach Srirangam Temple:
Sri Ranganathaswamy temple is located on the Srirangam Island inTiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu. Tiruchirapalli, often called Trichy, is well connected via air, road and rail routes. Srirangam temple is located at a distance of 0.5 km from Srirangam Railway Station, 9 km from Tiruchirapalli Rail Junction and 15 km from Tiruchirapalli Airport. You can also rent a car from any of these spots. 24*7 bus services are also available from Trichy Railway Station, Chatiram and Cental Bus Stop.
Timings:
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple timings are as follows:
Vishwaroop Seva: 06:00 to 7:15
Pooja: 7:15-9:00, 12:00-13:15, 18:00-18:45 (No darshan)
Darshan: 9:00-12:00, 13:15-18:00, 18:45-21:00
*Darshan timings are subject to change on festival days
Srirangam Temple and its Significance:
Srirangam Temple is a sacred center of pilgrimage nestled between two rivers- Cauvery and Kollidam, its tributary. This humongous temple is more of a self-enclosed city or a temple-town. Srirangam Temple has over 50 shrines, most of which are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. These shrines display different avatars of Lord Vishnu such as Sakrathazhvar, Narasimha and Rama. Some of these shrines are also dedicated to Goddess Laxmi and renowned poets and saints of the Vaishnava cult.
One of the unique features of this magnificent is its Sapta Parakaram formation. The sanctum where the deity presides is surrounded by sapta or 7 concentric rectangular enclosures (parakarms) made up of huge and thick walls. The outer two enclosures serve as settlements while the inner 5 enclosures constitute the temple.
Apart from the gigantic sapta parakarams and over 50 shrines, Sriram Temple has 21 colorful gopurams, about 9 sacred pools, a gilded dome over the sanctum of the deity and a plethora of very beautiful fresco paintings. There are some mini mandapams starting from the eastern outer wall of the temple.
Festivals:
Vaikunta Ekadasi is an important and main festival of Srirangam temple and is celebrated in the month of Margazhi. It is the holiest of all ekadashis (11th day of each month in Hindu calendar) according to Vaishnavite tradition. Another important festival of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is Brahmotsavam celebrated in the Tamil month of Panguni. Jyestabisheka is an annual gold ornament cleaning festival and is celebrated in the Tamil month of aani. Other festivals of Srirangam Temple are –Rathothsavam, Chitra Poornima, Vasanthotsavam, etc.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple isa treat to one’s eyes and soul as well. The Dravidian Architecture of this marvelous creation is breathtaking. An important pilgrimage for Hindus, Srirangam temple is considered to be the greatest functioning temple of the world.
