Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple - Srirangam, Srirangam - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 1 km from Srirangam Railway Station, 9 km from Trichy Railway Junction, 62 km from Thanjavur, 145 km from Madurai & 327 km from Chennai, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is a prominent Hindu temple situated at Srirangam near Trichy. It is one of the famous temples in South India, and among the most visited places in Tamilnadu.

Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is the foremost of the eight self-manifested shrines of Lord Vishnu, and among the important places of pilgrimage in Tamilnadu. Built across an area of 156 acres, this temple is dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Hindu deity, Lord Vishnu. This temple lies on an island formed by the twin Rivers Cauvery and Kollidam. Though the temple existing since the 2nd century BC, the archaeological inscriptions are available only from the 10th century CE.

Among the must include places in Trichy tour packages, this temple is also known by other names such as Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Periyakoil, Bhoologa Vaikundam, and Bhogamandabam. It has seven enclosures formed by thick and huge rampart walls which run around the sanctum. Apart from the 7 enclosures with massive walls, the temple complex has 21 very colorful sculpted gopuras, 50 sub-shrines, 9 sacred pools, and a golden Vimana (dome) over the sanctum sanctorum of the presiding deity.

During the invasion of Malik Kafur in 1310-1311, the idol of the deity was stolen and taken to Delhi. In a daring exploit, devotees of Srirangam ventured to Delhi and enthralled the emperor with their histrionics. Moved by their talent, the emperor was pleased and returned the statue of the deity of Srirangam. During the second invasion in 1323 AD, the deity was taken away before the invading troops reached Srirangam. The deity was kept in the hills of Tirumala Tirupati for 6 decades until its reinstatement in 1371. It is believed that 13,000 devotees laid down their lives in the fierce battle to protect the temple.

This temple is the biggest functioning Hindu temple in India and among the top places to visit in Trichy. The vimana over the sanctum of the temple is made up of gold and so is protected by an electric fence. The 236-feet Rajagopura (tower) is the tallest temple tower in India. There is also a royal temple tower, which covers a base area of 32500 sq. ft and has a height of 196 ft. It also comprises a hall containing 1000 pillars. Intricate sculptures are the most attractive part of the hall. The Hall was built during the Vijayanagara period (1336-1565). The second enclosure contains the shrine of Ranganayaki, an incarnation of the Goddess of Lakshmi.

The Orlov diamond of 189.62 which is part of the Diamond Fund of the Moscow Kremlin was actually installed as one of the eyes of the deity. During the Carnatic wars, a French soldier disguised himself as a Hindu convert and stole the diamond in 1747.

The annual 21-day festival conducted during the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec / Jan) attracts one million visitors. Jestabishekam (Jun / Jul), Pavithrothsavam (Aug / Sep), Oonjal (Oct / Nov) are other festivals celebrated here.

Timings: 6 - 7:15 AM, 9 AM - 12 PM, 1:15- 6 PM and 6:45 - 9 PM

Entry: Free, Rs. 250 for Quick Darshan, & Rs. 100 for Viswaroopa Seva