About Temple
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu. Among the 108 Divya Desams, the holy abodes of Lord Vishnu, it is the first. It is also one of the eight Svayam Vyakta Ksetras (“self-manifested shrines”) of Lord Vishnu.
History
In addition to its architectural grandeur, the temple is widely known for its chariot festival during Margazhi (December-January). A sacred Vaishnavite text, Tiruvaimozhi, is recited every day during the festival before Lord Ranganatha, making it the largest non-functioning temple in India. It occupies an area of 156 acres (631,000 m2) with a perimeter of 4,116m (10,710 feet).
Srirangam, one of the world’s largest religious temples, is often cited as the world’s largest Hindu temple (Angkor Wat is also one of the world’s most complex). Seven concentric walls (called prakarams or mail sugar) surround the temple, which measures 32,592 feet or over 6 miles in length. These walls are encircled by 21 Gopurams.
AdiBrahmotsavam festival is celebrated with pomp and glory during the Tamil month of Panguni. The darshan saves and there are festivals throughout the year (about 322 days out of 365). Vaikunta Ekadesi is the most important festival in Sri Rangam.
