SHRI RANGANATHASWAMY TEMPLE
(World’s Largest Temple)
25 July 2024
South India Series (Episode 3)
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About Temple :
It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Bhagwan Ranganatha, and its sprawling campus spans an extensive 156 acres. The temple is enclosed by seven concentric walls known as “ Prakaram”, symbolizing the seven planetary systems in Vedic cosmology. Within these walls, there are twenty-one towering entrances, known as gopurams, each adorned with intricate sculptures and designs. The primary entrance tower, named the “Rajagopuram,” soars to a remarkable height of 236 feet making it the largest in Asia. The temple’s external beauty is matched only by the wonders within its sacred precincts. This colossal structure is visible from a remarkable distance of at least ten miles, a true testament to its grandeur.A substantial part of Srirangam town resides within the periphery defined by the three outer walls of the temple complex. As you venture into this sacred enclosure, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking array of meticulously crafted carvings embellishing the walls. These intricate designs narrate stories and impart the profound wisdom of Hindu scriptures, eloquently reflecting the opulent heritage and spiritual knowledge of the Hindu faith. The precision and artistry exhibited in these carvings are nothing short of captivating, leaving visitors in sheer awe.The temple also has many mandaps or halls, each meticulously designed and embellished with intricate artwork. These mandaps serve multiple purposes, from hosting religious rituals to providing congregational spaces for kirtans (devotional songs) and pravachans (spiritual discourses). Raganarhaswamy temple’s architecture is a testament to the skill and devotion of the artisans who dedicated themselves to this divine creation. The intricacy of the carvings, the layout of the temple, and the overall design all contribute to the sense of wonder and reverence experienced by visitors.Srirangam Temple’s architectural and artistic splendor is so enchanting that beholders often find themselves lost in its magic. The temple, with its intricate details and spiritual aura, offers a truly transformative experience that resonates with the hearts and minds of all who visit.
History Of Ranganathaswamy Temple
The history of Srirangam, as chronicled in various Puranas, dates back to the creation of the universe. Lord Brahma, born from a lotus sprouting from Lord Vishnu’s navel, was initiated with a mantra, empowering him to create. Driven by a desire to worship, Brahma embarked on intense penance, which eventually pleased Lord Vishnu.In response to Brahma’s devotion, Lord Vishnu manifested Himself as Lord Ranganatha, resting atop the divine Ananta Sesa, complete with a sanctified chamber or vimana. The Lord revealed that He would manifest in eight earthly locations, with Srirangam being the first and most ancient among them.
The deity, accompanied by the vimana, was carried to Satyaloka, where Brahma and his descendants, including Vaivasvata Manu, continued to worship it. Subsequently, King Ikshvaku of Ayodhya, an ancestor of Lord Rama, sought to install the deity in Ayodhya after performing rigorous penance.
Following Lord Rama’s coronation in Ayodhya, He wished to offer His most cherished possession to Vibhisana, the noble brother of the demon king Ravana. This priceless gift was none other than Lord Rama’s personal murti of Sri Ranganatha Swamy, an ancestral deity of the Raghu dynasty.
As Vibhisana journeyed with the deity and the vimana toward Lanka, they paused on an island along the Kaveri River, where King Dharma Varma reigned. The king, having witnessed the grandeur of Lord Ranganatha’s worship in Ayodhya, had fervently prayed for the Lord’s presence in his kingdom.
The deity, now in Sri Ranga, refused to move, declaring this place as His abode, akin to Vaikuntha. He promised to fulfill Dharma Varma’s prayers and safeguard Vibhisana, gazing towards Sri Lanka. The deity, unlike most others, faced southward, with His eyes directed at Sri Lanka, symbolizing His vigilant protection and benevolence towards Vibhisana.
The temple, originally constructed by King Dharma Varma in this sacred land, faced a fate of being buried beneath layers of sand and hidden by the ravages of floods. Time passed, and memories of its existence were lost.
But a remarkable turn of events occurred when a parrot perched on a nearby tree recited a sacred verse, revealing the temple’s long-forgotten location. Beneath that very tree, the Chola King rested, and upon hearing the parrot’s chant, he embarked on a quest to unearth the temple.
Over the centuries, the temple underwent a process of expansion and renovation, thanks to the efforts of Chola and Pandya kings, with King Kulasekhara standing out for his contributions.
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