One of the largest temple complexes in India, Ranganthaswamy Temple is located in Srirangam, a small town adjoining Trichy (6 km). This renowned temple is included among the 108 Divya Desams (divine centers) as mentioned in the Nalaira Divya Prabhandham, composed by the Tamil saints (Azhwars). This prominent pilgrimage center for the Hindus is dedicated to Lord Ranganatham. It also houses the shrines of various forms of Lord Vishnu such as Sakrathazhvar, Narasimhar and Rama, and dozens of other shrines dedicated to some of the important saints of the Vaishnava tradition, such as Ramanujacharya.
Architecture
The temple is characterized by its huge 1000-pillar hall and 236 feet (72 m) high Raja gopuram. The Ranganathaswamy temple is constituted by seven prakaras (elevated enclosures) with gopurams. Covering an area of about 156 acres (6,31,000 sq m) with a perimeter of 1,116m (10,710 feet), the temple regarded as one of the biggest functioning Hindu temples in the world. The entire temple complex is surrounded by seven concentric walls, which lengthen to 32,592 feet.
Festivals At Ranganathaswamy Temple
Vaikunta Ekadesi is the main festival at Ranganathaswamy Temple. During the festival one can enjoy the best of cultural programmes and explore the lifestyle at Trichy. This popular temple serves as the most revered site during Aadi Bharam Mahotsavam. Celebrated in the month of Panguni, this festival is best suited to explore the traditional art, music and dance forms of Trichy. Besides, the temple also hosts the festival of Adhyayanotsavam, in the month of Margazhi.