Srirangam Ranganathar Swamy Temple, Biggest Hindu Temple in the World

Srirangam Ranganathar swamy temple in Tituchirapalli (Trichy or Tiruchi), Tamil Nadu, is the biggest functioning Hindu Temple in the world (Angkor vat Temple at Angkor, Combodia, is the biggest Hindu temple but non-functioning now).

Srirangam Temple complex, a major pilgrimage for Vaishnavites, is one of the largest temple complexes in India. The temple covers an area of approximately 160 Acres. Srirangam temple is surrounded by Kaveri River (Cauvery River) and it’s tributary Kollidam River (Coleroon River). It is also the prominent temple among 108 Divya Tirupatis or Divya Desams, popular pilgrimages dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Legend or Story associated with Origin of Srirangam Ranganathar swamy Temple

The legend or the story is associated with Ramayana. When Lord Sri Rama won the Ramayana battle, as a gift of love and affection, he presented a ‘Vimana’ to Vibhishana. But he set a condition that he should not stop the Vimana on the earth and if he does so the Vimana will set back on the earth. On his journey to Sri Lanka, tired Vibhishana wanted to take bath in Cauvery River at Srirangam. Lord Vinayaka played a trick and made the Vimana settle in Srirangam at place where we can see the Garbagriha of the temple now.

The Chola Kings, Dharmavarcholan and Killivalavan built today’s biggest temple at the place of small shrine.

Architecture of Srirangam Temple

srirangam temple seven towers

Architecture of Srirangam Temple symbolizes the style of Chola Architecture with large carved pillars, finest sculptures, multiple entrances, Rajagopuram, towers, and Prakaras. The temple consists of 7 centric walled sections and 21 gopurams. One can see the coast of Sri Lanka from the top of the Rajagopuram which is more than 70 meters height. Srirangam Ranganatharswamy Temple is the best example of beautiful and finest architectural styles we had even before the Jesus Christ was born.

Srirangam Ranganatha Swamy Temple, also known as Antya Ranga, is one of the three Ranganatha kshetrams located on Cauvery River banks. The other two are – Srirangapatna Ranganathaswamy Temple (Adi Ranga) and Shivanasamudra Ranganatha swami temple (Madhya Ranga) in Karnataka.

Vaikunda Ekadashi, Chithirai Vishu, and other festivals dedicated to Lord Vishnu mark the great celebrations in Srirangam Temple.

Written by Naveen Kumar Sanagala