Srirangam. Review on Srirangam

Srirangam

Srirangam, 7 km from Trichy (Tamil Nadu) is an island (actually islet) town known for its Temple of Sri Ranganathswamy steeped in rich history and culture. It is considered to be the first of 108 Vaishanava Temples also sometimes called Booloka Vaikuntam (earthly paradise). The Srirangam Temple is said to be modeled after the Sri Vaikuntam of Vishnu mentioned in the Vedas. The River Kaveri known as Perenial River (though a few years ago looked arid – at present flooded) is a great tourist attraction – Kollidam – a branch of Kaveri is very near to the temple – near to my home too.

Temple of Sri Ranganathswamy:

This temple complex is 156 acres in extent, having seven enclosures (prakaras) similar to the seven gates of paradise. All these prakaras are enclosed by huge walls – supposedly built by Thirumangiaalwar – a devotee of Lord Ranganatha. The Raja Gopuram which is 236 feet high and the gold Vimana is a magnificent sight. The Lord is in reclining position over the serpent (Adi Sheshan) bed. Everyday one sees a throng of devotees standing in line to have a darshan of the Lord. Adjacent to the temple of the Lord is the temple of Ranganayaki Thayar (Goddess Lakshmi) and all around the temple there are numerous small temples (sannadhi) of Lord Rama, Krishna, Srinivasa and many more. Lord Ranganatha has been celebrated by all the 12 Alwars (prime devotees) in various hymns like Naalaiyara Divyaprabandham and so its importance.

Legends:

It is said that Vibheeshana carried Lord Ranganatha (Lord’s Idol given to him by Shri Rama) during the treta yugam to safeguard his place- present day Srilanka on a condition that he should not keep it down until he reaches his country. But Vibheeshana while taking bath gives the shrine to the boy and the boy unable to bear the weight keeps it down (the boy is supposed to be Lord Ganesha). The place where the Idol is kept is known as Srirangam – the Lord Ranganatha promises Vibheeshana that he will take care of his country from the very place – So the Lord is Facing South –exactly Sri Lanka. The little Lord Ganesha ran away from Vibheeshana and sat on the top of a rock – hill – now known as Uchi Pillayar Kovil, the Rock Temple.

The Cholas and Pallavas (dynasties that ruled Trichy) has largely contributed to the growth of the temple -inscriptions can be found on the temple walls.

There are so many legends surrounding Srirangam - since I do not have space I have mentioned only the most popularly believed legend.

Darshan Timings:

In the early morning there is Vishwarupa darshan (Rs 50/- per person has to be paid) and after that Free darshan is allowed. They also give ticket pass (yearly), which costs Rs 6000/- Other details can be found in the website http://www.srirangam.org.

DasaAvatara Sannadhi (The temple of ten avataraas of Vishnu):

This is a small temple nearby Kollidam and very near to the temple of Srirangam celebrating the glory of The Ten Avatars of Lord Vishnu (All ten shrines are found here –the main deity of the temple is Lord Narasimha. As regards to the origin very little is known about this temple.

Note: Other attractions nearby Srirangam are Thiruvanyakaval Kovil (Lord Siva Temple) and the Rock Temple and St Lourdes Church in Trichy. There are couple of lodges in Srirangam offering rooms in affordable rates for devotees from far-off.