Exploring the Sacred Marvel
Welcome to an enchanting journey through the Shri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu. Nestled in the ancient town of Srirangam, this Hindu temple is a beacon of spiritual devotion, architectural brilliance, and rich cultural heritage. Let's delve into the fascinating details of this revered shrine.
Deity and Significance:
Dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a revered form of Lord Vishnu, the temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, sacred temples celebrated by the Alvar saints of the Sri Vaishnava tradition. It holds immense religious significance for Vaishnavites.
Grand Complex:
Prepare to be awestruck by the sprawling temple complex, spanning a remarkable 156 acres. Enclosed by seven concentric walls, the complex boasts 21 towering gateways, or gopurams, adorned with intricate sculptures and carvings.
Architectural Marvel:
The Ranganathaswamy Temple showcases a blend of architectural styles. The main entrance gopuram exemplifies the Dravidian architectural style. The sanctum and the majestic vimana (tower) exhibit the traditional Dravidian temple architecture, characterized by elaborate carvings and towering structures.
Captivating Festivals:
Immerse yourself in the vibrant festivities that grace the temple. The highlight is the annual Vaikunta Ekadasi festival, a 21-day extravaganza filled with grand processions and religious rituals. This event draws devotees from far and wide.
Sesha Mandapam:
Witness the mesmerizing Sesha Mandapam, also known as the Hall of Serpents. This captivating hall features intricately carved pillars depicting intertwined serpents, showcasing the artistic prowess of the craftsmen.
Historical Legacy:
The temple's history can be traced back to the 1st century CE, with subsequent contributions and expansions by various dynasties like the Cholas, Pandyas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara Empire. Explore the temple's architecture and inscriptions, which offer a glimpse into its rich historical legacy.
Mystery of Ranganathswamy Temple
Mystery of Vellayi Gopuram
A white-colored Gopuram stands out from all the 21 Gopurams of Srirangam. Do you know about the legend of Vellayi Gopuram?
The word Vellayi means white, but it also represents the name of a Devdasi who sacrificed her life to protect the idol of the temple. The story is real and not just legend locals say and interesting too.
In the year 1323, Sultanate forces from the north of India invaded Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. They looted it of its precious jewels and gold ornaments. It is said that they carried away precious jewels and gems in 20 bullock carts. However, due to the quick presence of mind, the main idol studded with precious gems was hidden. The Sultan desperately tried to search it out. Approximately 12,000 people of Srirangam laid down their lives fighting against those Muslim forces.
Vaishnavite Acharya, Pillailokacharya had taken the main idol away. He fled to Madurai. To distract the Sultan from his search for the idol, a Devdasi called Vellayi danced nonstop for hours entertaining him and his people. Towards the end, she lured him to the top of the gopuram. Once up there, Vellayi pushed the Sultan down to death. Immediately after, she was overcome with guilt for having cheated somebody to death. She too then jumped down from the gopuram to her death.
(In South and parts of Western India, a devadasi (Sanskrit: servant of deva (god)) or jogini is a girl “dedicated” to worship and service of a deity or a temple for the rest of her life.)
The then chief of Vijayanagara forces, Kempanna, defeated the Sultanate forces. He named the tower after Vellayi hailing her sacrifice and painted it white in her memory. So that is the story of why only this gopuram continues to be painted white. It distinctly stands out among the 21 gopurams of the temple. Vellayi Ammal is credited with defending the Srirangam Temple with her cleverness.
Srirangam Temple Golden Vimana
Shaped like Omkara (ॐ or Om symbol), the gold-plated Vimana of Srirangam Temple is a sight to behold. It is a lesser-known fact that in the year 1976, the Indian Postal Department also issued a special cover on the same. We can view the Vimana from the North and East but not from the West direction as some structures obstruct the view from there. It is a top place to see in Srirangam.
Mystery of the mummified body of Sri Ramanujacharya
Did you know about Srirangam Temple Jeeva Samadhi? Very few people know that the idol of Sri Ramanujacharya in the Ramanujar Sannidhi of Srirangam temple is ais embalmed physical body. The mummified body has been preserved for hundreds of years and centuries.
This sacred idol is known as ‘Thaanaana Thirumeni’ in Tamil Vaishnava text. This is the biggest Srirangam Temple Mystery.
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