Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam)
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- For information about other temples of lord Ranganatha, see Ranganathaswamy Temple (disambiguation).
| Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple | |||
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| Name: | Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple | ||
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| Date built: | unknown (it existed in some form for the last 2000 years) | ||
| Primary deity: | Ranganatha | ||
| Architecture: | Kovil | ||
| Location: | Srirangam, Tamil Nadu | ||
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu India is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu. It is the first and foremost among the 108 Divya Desams, the holy abodes of Lord Vishnu. The temple occupies an area of 156 acres (6,31,000 m²) with a perimeter of 1,116m (10,710 feet) making it the largest temple in India[1] and one of the largest religious complexes in the world. Actually, Srirangam temple can be easily termed as the biggest functioning Hindu temple in the world (it's termed as biggest "functioning" because Angkor Wat is the biggest but non-functioning Hindu temple in the world). The temple is enclosed by 7 concentric walls and the total length of these seven walls is 32,592 feet or over six miles enclosed by 21 Gopurams (Towers). Among the marvels of the temple is a "hall of 1000 pillars" (actually 953). Though, the term Kovil is generically used in Tamil to signify any temple, for many Vaishnavas the term Kovil exclusively refers to this temple, indicating its extreme importance for them. The presiding deity Lord Ranganathar is praised by many names by His devotees, including "Nam-Perumal" (our Lord, in Tamil), "Azhagiya Manavalan" (The beautiful groom, in groom), while His divine wife Ranganayaki is affectionately called as "Thayar" (Holy Mother). Apart from the main shrine of Ranganathar, the complex also houses shrines of dozens of forms of Lord Vishnu including Sakrathazhvar, Narasimhar, Rama, a separate shrines for Ranganayaki and dozens of other shrines for the major saints in the Vaishnava tradition, including Ramanujacharya. The temple follows the traditions Thenkalai sect of Iyengars (mainly identified by an "Y" shaped mark in the forehead, in contrast to the "U" shaped mark for the other sect, Vadakalai).
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[edit] History of the Temple
[edit] Mythology
Sriranga Mahathmiyam is the compilation of the mythological and religious account of the temple, detailing the nuances of its greatness. According to it, Lord Brahma, the Lord of Creation in Hindu Mythology was once in a state of deep meditation and in His supreme trance got the gift of the Lord Vishnu's idol, "Ranga Vimana" and was told by the Supreme Lord that there would seven other appearance of such idols on earth - Srirangam, Srimushnam, Venkatadri, Saligram, Naimisaranya, Totadri, Pushkara and Badri.[2] The idol was then passed over by Brahma to Viraja, Vaiswatha, Manu, Ishwaku and then finally descended to Rama. Lord Rama, himself an avatar of Vishnu worshipped the idol for a long time, and when he returned victoriously from Sri Lanka destroying Ravana, he gifted it to King Vibhishana as a token of appreciation for his support for Rama against his own brother, Ravana. When Vibhishana was going via Trichy enroute to Sri Lanka, he was tricked by Lord Vinayaka.
Though Vibhishana supported Rama, he was basically an Asura, and hence the Devas (who are arch rivals to Asuras as per Hindu mythology) wanted to stop this idea of an Asura taking Lord's supreme form to his Kingdom. They requested the help of the God of Happiness, Lord Vinayaka and the Lord accepted the plan. Vibhishana, while on the way back to his Kingdom, passed through Trichy, and wanted to take his bath in the river Kaveri and do his daily rituals. However, he was perplexed as the idol once placed in land, could never be removed and had to be in that place forever.
As a solution, Vibhishana tried to find someone to hold the idol while he was taking bath and found under the disguise of a cowherd boy. As per the plan, when Vibhishana was fully into water, kept the idol firmly on the sand in the banks of Kaveri. On seeing this, the angry Vibhishana chased the boy to punish him, but the boy kept running and climbed over the rock near the Kaveri bank. finally caught the boy and hit him on the fore-head, who then revealed himself to be Lord Vinayaka. Vibhishana immediately apologized and the Lord gave him his blessings after which Vibhishana continued on his way to Lanka.
[edit] Ancient History
The place on which the Ranganathan idol was kept was later covered in deep forests, due to disuse and after a very long time, it is discovered when a Chola king chasing a parrot finds the idol accidentally. He then establishes the Ranganathaswamy temple as one of the largest temple complexes in the world. The rock to which Vinayaka for escaping, now forms the famous temple of Uchi Pillayar Kovil.
According to History, most dynasties that ruled the South (Dravidian land)- Cholas, Pandiyas, Hoysalas, Nayakkas - assisted renovation and assisted in the observance of the traditional customs. Even during the periods of internal conflicts amongst these dynasties, utter importance was thrown on the safety and maintenance of these temples.
The temple finds mention in Tamil works of literature of the Sangam Era, including Silapadikaram, though archaeological inscriptions are available only from the 10th century AD.[3].
[edit] Invasion of Srirangam Temple
During the period of invasion by Malik Kafur and his forces in 1310–1311, Namperumal was stolen and taken to Delhi. In a daring exploit, devotees of Srirangam ventured to Delhi and enthralled the king with their histrionics. Moved by their talent, the King was pleased to gift them the presiding deity of Srirangam, which was requested by the performers. Things took a drastic turn immediately. Surathani, his daughter fell in love with the deity and followed him to Srirangam. She prostrated to the God in front of the Sanctum Sanctorum and is believed to have attained the Heavenly Abode immediately. Even today, a painting of "Surathani" (known as "Thulukha Nachiyar" in Tamil) can be seen in the Arjuna Mandap adjacent to the Sanctum Sanctorum for whom, "chappathis" are made daily. This greatly explains the Secular nature of the temple and also its all inclusive nature.
Having assumed that the magical power of the deity had killed his daughter, there was a second invasion to Srirangam in 1323 A.D. This time it was more severe that the presiding deity, was taken away, before the Islamic invaders reached Srirangam, by the group led by the Vaishnavite Acharaya, Pillai Lokacharyar, who died en-route to Thirunelveli in Tamil Nadu. The Goddess "Renganayaki" was taken in another separate procession. Swami Vedanta Desika, instrumental in planning the operations during the siege of the temple, closed the Sanctum Sanctorum of the temple with bricks, after the processions of the presiding deities had left - thereby protected the temple for generations to come.
13000 Sri Vaishnavas - people of Srirangam - laid down their lives in the fierce battle ensuring that the instution was protected. In the end, "Devadasis", the danseuse of Srirangam, seduced the Army Chief, to save the temple.
Almost after six decades, the presiding deity returned to Srirangam and the same Swami Vedanta Desika, who built a brick wall in front of the sanctum sanctorum broke it open. We learn that the deity of Srirangam lived in the hills of Tirumala Tirupati for quite a long period of time.
It is not surprising therefore, to note that, the temple and the life of the people even today are intertwined. The Lord is their Ruler and also their Child. It is believed that Sriman Narayanan presently lives in Srirangam and not in His abode, Vaikuntham.
[edit] Significance of the Temple
There are in total eight Svayam Vyakta Ksetras ("self-manifested shrines"), of Lord Vishnu, according to Sri Vaisnava philosophy namely, Srirangam, Srimushnam, Venkatadri, Saligramam, Naimisaranyam, Totadri, Pushakara and Badrinath. Of these, Srirangam is the first and of foremost importance. The temple is situated in an island - enclosed by Kaveri river and Kollidam river.
Religious documentation informs that this temple is the only one of its kind for Lord Vishnu that was sung in praise by all the Alvars (Divine saints of Tamil Bhakthi movement), having a total of 247 "pasurams" (hymns) in its name. Acharyas of all schools of thought - Advaita, Vishistadvaita and Dvaita, recognize the immense significance this temple, regardless of their affiliation.
The temple amazes us with its astounding architecture and sculptural beauty. The "hall of 1000 pillars" (actually 953) is a fine example of planned theatre-like structure and opposite to it, "Sesha Mandap" with its intricacy in sculpture is a delight. The Rajagopuram (the main gopuram that is one of the tallest religious structures in the world) did not reach its current height of 73 m. until 1987, when the 44th Jeer of Ahobila Mutt initiated the process with the help of philanthropists and others.
[edit] Ramanuja and Srirangam
Srirangam cannot be discussed without mentioning about the great Vaishnavite scholar of Ramanujacharya who attained divinity here and his "Swayam Thirumeni" (the symbolic body) is preserved and offered prayers even today after 8 centuries. His Shrine is found in the fourth "prakara" of the temple and his "Thirumeni" is preserved in the temple in a seated position, by applying saffron and camphor every six months in a ritualistic style.
"Kovil Ozhugu" is a codification of all temple practices - religious and administrative - that is known to have been shaped and institutionalised by Sri Ramanuja after receiving the due rights from Sri Periya Nambi.
The Doctrine of Vishishta-advaita philosophy, Sri Bhashyam was written and later compiled by Swami, over a period of time. During his stay in Srirangam, he is said of have written "Gadhya Thrayam", which is recited in the temple everyday. The temple is a center for the Vishishtadvaita school and Sanskrit Vedas and Tamil works are preached and taught with great reverence.
[edit] Temple and Religious Works
Apart from Vedas, Upanishads, Ithihasas and Puranas, the general works of Sanathana Dharama, the following were exclusively composed in Srirangam.
- Sri Bhashyam - Sri Ramanuja
- Sriranga Gadhyam - Sri Ramanuja
- Sri Renganathashtakam - Adi Shankaracharya
- Paduka Sahasram - Swami Vedantha Desika
- Rengaraja Stavam & Gunaratnakosham - Sri Parasar bhattar
- Rengaraja Sthothram - Kurathazhwar
- Bhagavaddhyana Sopnam & Abheethi Stavam - Swami Vedanta Desikan
Thondariadi Podi Alwar and Thirupaan Alwar, sang exclusively on Renganatha. Andal attained Sri Renganatha on completion of her (Thiruppavai - a composition of 30 verses) in Srirangam. All Acharayas of Hinduism till date offer their prayers to this God. In toto there were 247 hymns of the 4000 Paurams (Nallayira Divyaprabandham) composed here.
This temple is rightly called the "Bhoologa Vaikuntam" (heaven on earth).
It is said that if Srirangam is to live in prosperity, then all other Divya Desams(108) would thrive with religious fervour.
[edit] Other notable temples with the same name
- Sri Ranganathaswami Temple (Srirangapatna). The deity at this temple is known as "Adi Ranga."
- Sri Ranganathaswami Temple (Shivanasamudra) at Shivanasamudra. The deity at this temple is known as "Madya Ranga."
[edit] References
- ^ Tiruvarangam Divya Desam.
- ^ "Srirangam - the temple par excellence".
- ^ "Indelible impressions " (Aug 25,2003).
[edit] External links
| Famous Vishnu temples |  |
|---|---|
| Tirupathy • Srirangam • Badrinath • Kanchipuram • Guruvayur • Puri • Thiruvananthapuram • Udipi • Srivilliputhur • Thiruvallikeni • |
