History of Srirangam

The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu, located in Srirangam, a suburb of the city of Trichy in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The temple is considered to be one of the most important and largest temple complexes in India, and is a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus.

The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is situated on an island formed by the Kaveri and Kollidam rivers and covers an area of over 155 acres. The temple complex consists of seven concentric enclosures or prakaras, with the main sanctum located in the innermost enclosure. The main sanctum is surrounded by several smaller shrines and mandapams (halls), which are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.

The temple’s history dates back to the 1st century CE, and it has been expanded and renovated several times over the centuries by various dynasties including the Cholas, Pandiyas, Vijayanagar Empire and Nayaks. The temple is known for its impressive architecture, including its towering gopurams (entrance towers), which range in height from 45 to 73 meters.

The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is a popular pilgrimage destination, with millions of devotees visiting the temple each year. The temple is also known for its annual festival called the Vaikunta Ekadasi, which attracts a large number of devotees from all over the world.

In 1987, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Great Living Chola Temples, a group of three Hindu temples in the state of Tamil Nadu.