Srirangam

Yesterday, we saw Kancheepuram Varadaraja Perumal Temple. Today, we are going to see Srirangam. Please do take a look.

“Srirangam (Thiruvarangam in Tamil) is an island and a part of the city of Tiruchirappalli (heart of Tamil Nadu), India. Srirangam is bounded by the Kaveri River (also known as Cauvery River) on one side, and the Kaveri distributary Kollidam (Coleroon) on the other side. Srirangam is home to a significant population of Srivaishnavites (followers of Lord Vishnu).

Srirangam is famous for its Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus (especially Srivaishnavites) and the largest temple complex in India.

According to the temple’s website, Srirangam can be considered the biggest functioning Hindu temple in the world, as it covers an area of about 631,000 square metres (6,790,000 sq ft) with a perimeter of 4 km (10,710 ft). Angkor Wat is bigger but non-functioning.

Srirangam among a few “self-manifested” shrines (Swayam Vyakta Kshetras) of Lord Vishnu. The temple complex is enormous and spans 156 acres (0.63 km2). It has seven prakaras or enclosures. These enclosures are formed by thick and huge rampart walls which run round the sanctum. There are 21 magnificent towers in all prakaras providing a unique sight to any visitor. The temple town lies on an islet formed by the Twin Rivers Cauvery and Coleroon.”

For more information, please visit the Wiki Page: Srirangam.

Also, there is another very important temple in Trichy: Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple (Last two photos in the album):

“Gunaseelam Vishnu Temple (Abhimana Sthalam), dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu located 20 km (12 mi) from Tiruchirappalli, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the banks of river Kollidam. A visit temple is believed to be a curative to the mentally challenged people, who are taken to the temple and kept in the temple premises for 48 days. At the end of the 48 days it is believed that their illness is cured by the grace of the presiding deity, Prasanna Venkatachalapathi. The temple has set up a mental health rehabilitation centre that has the official stamp of the Tamil Nadu Government license, the first of its kind in Tamil Nadu.”

For more information, please visit the Wiki page: Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple