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|Sri Ranga Nacchiar, Peria Piratti

|Sri Ranga Nacchiar, Peria Piratti

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|Kshetra is referred to as

|Kshetra is

|Pancharanga Kshetra

|A Pancharanga Kshetra

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|Vimana is referred to as

|Vimana is referred to as

According to Prof. S. Narayanan, it can be deduced from the well preserved inscriptions that this temple enjoyed the patronage of almost all the famous ruling dynasties of South India; that rich endowments were made to the temple by the Cholas, Pandyas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar Nayakas, Pallavas and Marathas. Itihasas like Ramayana and many puranas like Padma purana and Bhagavata purana also refer to the glory of this kshetra. However, it was during the Vijayanagara rule that the temple attained its pinnacle of glory.

According to Prof. S. Narayanan, it can be deduced from the well preserved inscriptions that this temple enjoyed the patronage of almost all the famous ruling dynasties of South India; that rich endowments were made to the temple by the Cholas, Pandyas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar Nayakas, Pallavas and Marathas. Itihasas like Ramayana and many puranas like Padma purana and Bhagavata purana also refer to the glory of this kshetra. However, it was during the Vijayanagara rule that the temple attained its pinnacle of glory.

13th Century was a crucial period in the history of the temple. During the Muslim invasion in 1327, Swami Vedanta Desika, the greatest of the acharyas shifted the deity to Melkote and then to Tirumala. Finally, it is said that two Vijayanagar generals brought the Lord back to Srirangam. This is reinforced by Vedanta Desika's  praise of them engraved on the walls of the temple.  

13th Century was a crucial period in the history of the temple. During the Muslim invasion in 1327, Swami Vedanta Desika, one of  the greatest vaishnava acharyas shifted the deity to Melkote and then to Tirumala. Finally, it is said that two Vijayanagar generals brought the Lord back to Srirangam. This is reinforced by Vedanta Desika's  praise of them engraved on the walls of the temple.  

Prof. S. Narayanan says, ''"Very few temples in the country have so much religious, architectural and historical splendour as Srirangam temple. Even the architectural features of the temple demonstrate that the present temple was not the work of one dynasty but has gone through the centuries from modest beginnings."'' The handiwork of several dynasties collectively constitutes the massive temple complex.   

Prof. S. Narayanan says, ''"Very few temples in the country have so much religious, architectural and historical splendour as Srirangam temple. Even the architectural features of the temple demonstrate that the present temple was not the work of one dynasty but has gone through the centuries from modest beginnings."'' The handiwork of several dynasties collectively constitutes the massive temple complex.   

One case worth mentioning here is of the Mottai Gopuram. It originally, had just two tiers and was left incomplete by Nayakas of Vijayanagar dynasty. The construction to complete this structure commenced in May 1979 at the instance of 44th jeeyar (pontif) of Ahobila Mutt who was then 87 year old and was completed in 1987 in a record time of eight years. It is mentioned that despite his advanced age, the sanyasi went up the temple tower block almost daily to supervise personally the work in progress.<ref name=":0" />  

One case worth mentioning here is of the Mottai Gopuram. It originally, had just two tiers and was left incomplete by the Nayakas of Vijayanagar dynasty. The construction to complete this structure commenced in May 1979 at the instance of 44th jeeyar (pontif) of Ahobila Mutt who was then 87 year old and was completed in 1987 in a record time of eight years. It is mentioned that despite his advanced age, the sanyasi went up the temple tower block almost daily to supervise personally the work in progress.<ref name=":0" />  

== Structure ==

== Structure ==

The Srirangam Ranganatha temple is known as a Sapta Prakara Sthala. The Ranga vimana embellished with gold stands as a pranava encircled by the sapta prakaras. There are in all 21 towers in the temple forming entrances and is encircled by high walls and is dressed in stone and lime. Out of the 21 towers, 7 are on the southern side, 6 are on the north side, 4 are on the east and 3 on the west. The twenty-first tower is the sanctum of Goddess Ranganayaki. The towers are full of myriad sculptures of figures, processions, musicians playing different instruments, beasts and demons, couples in fond embrace, elephants, horses, dancers, devotees and brave warriors. The ceilings and pillars are also lavishly decorated with superb carvings. The walls are ornamented with gold paintings depicting 108 divya desas. As they are labelled in Telugu it is inferred that they may have been presented by the Nayaka kings of Tanjore. Also, the Garuda image at the entrance, hailed as Periya Thiruvadi is the biggest one of its kind. While the thousand pillared hall of the temple erected by Dandanayaka and Perumal Devan during Vijayanagar rule, is supported with 951 monolithic pillars. However, during the construction of this mandapa the place was attacked by an enemy and was therefore left incomplete. Even the Rajagopuram that is 236 feet high is the tallest one in the whole of Asia and the tallest temple tower in the world. The temple has 56 sanadhis (sanctum sanctorums) and is so big that a devotee without a proper guide will get lost at some point. The temple also once upon a time consisted of nine holy theerthas (holy ponds) and 34 Nandavanas.

The Srirangam Ranganatha temple is known as a Sapta Prakara Sthala. The Ranga vimana embellished with gold stands as a pranava (Aum) encircled by the sapta prakaras. There are in all 21 towers in the temple forming entrances and is encircled by high walls and is dressed in stone and lime. Out of the 21 towers, 7 are on the southern side, 6 are on the north side, 4 are on the east and 3 on the west. The twenty-first tower is the sanctum of Goddess Ranganayaki. The towers are full of myriad sculptures of figures, processions, musicians playing different instruments, beasts and demons, couples in fond embrace, elephants, horses, dancers, devotees and brave warriors. The ceilings and pillars are also lavishly decorated with superb carvings. The walls are ornamented with gold paintings depicting 108 divya desas. As they are labelled in Telugu it is inferred that they may have been presented by the Nayaka kings of Tanjore. Also, the Garuda image at the entrance, hailed as Periya Thiruvadi is the biggest one of its kind. While the thousand pillared hall of the temple erected by Dandanayaka and Perumal Devan during Vijayanagar rule, is supported with 951 monolithic pillars. However, during the construction of this mandapa the place was attacked by an enemy and was therefore left incomplete. Even the Rajagopuram that is 236 feet high is the tallest one in the whole of Asia and the tallest temple tower in the world. The temple has 56 sanadhis (sanctum sanctorums) and is so big that a devotee without a proper guide will get lost at some point. The temple also once upon a time consisted of nine holy theerthas (holy ponds) and 34 Nandavanas.

It is believed that the seven prakaras are symbolic of the seven worlds. The four vedas and shastras are the sthupis. The 24 pillars represent Gayatri mantra. The four sides of the sanctum are guarded by Narayana, Napinalina, Nagasayana and Narasimha. Also, at the northern entrance in the third circuit is the paramapada vasal or Vaikunta Vasal, a most sacred spot. Every year on the Vaikunta Ekadasi day this entrance assumes special importance and devotees who pass through this channel are believed to enter the heaven.<ref name=":0" />  

It is believed that the seven prakaras are symbolic of the seven worlds. The four vedas and shastras are the sthupis. The 24 pillars represent Gayatri mantra. The four sides of the sanctum are guarded by Narayana, Napinalina, Nagasayana and Narasimha. Also, at the northern entrance in the third circuit is the paramapada vasal or Vaikunta Vasal, a most sacred spot. Every year on the Vaikunta Ekadasi day this entrance assumes special importance and devotees who pass through this channel are believed to enter heaven.<ref name=":0" />  

=== Pranava Vimana ===

=== Pranava Vimana ===

The sanctum sanctorum of the Srirangam temple has a golden dome for its roof called the Ranga Vimana shaped like the first primordial sound Aum of the Vedas, called Pranava. The vimana is supported by the hood of Seshnaga. The origin of the Ranga Vimana can be traced back to the beginning of creation when Lord Vishnu first created Brahma and initiated him into the Pranava and asked him to meditate on that along with the word Hari. Brahma started meditating on the pranava and as a result the four Vedas, the Gayatri mantra and several living beings appeared. Thereafter, Lord Narayana appeared before him and initiated him into Ashtakshara mantra Om Name Narayana. Subsequently owing to Brahma's tapas, there arose from the Milky Ocean the divine Ranga Vimana shining with the celestial effulgence in which Lord Ranganatha in yoganidra was reclining on the serpent Adisesha. Also the inmates of Sri Vaikunta, Lord Vishnu's heavenly abode, were present. Brahma prayed to Lord Ranganatha to remain in the Vimana forever and the lord granted his wish. Ranga vimana is also the name given to a special chariot for Vishnu carried by Veda Murthis on their heads.<ref name=":0" />

The sanctum sanctorum of the Srirangam temple has a golden dome for its roof called the Ranga Vimana shaped like the first primordial sound Aum of the Vedas, called Pranava. The vimana is supported by the hood of Adishesha. The origin of the Ranga Vimana can be traced back to the beginning of creation when Lord Vishnu first created Brahma and initiated him into the Pranava and asked him to meditate on that along with the word Hari. Brahma started meditating on the pranava and as a result the four Vedas, the Gayatri mantra and several living beings appeared. Thereafter, Lord Narayana appeared before him and initiated him into Ashtakshara mantra Om Namo Narayanaya. Subsequently owing to Brahma's tapas, there arose from the Milky Ocean the divine Ranga Vimana shining with the celestial effulgence in which Lord Ranganatha in yoganidra was reclining on the serpent Adisesha. Also the inmates of Sri Vaikunta, Lord Vishnu's heavenly abode, were present. Brahma prayed to Lord Ranganatha to remain in the Vimana forever and the lord granted his wish. Ranga vimana is also the name given to a special chariot for Vishnu carried by Veda Murthis on their heads.<ref name=":0" />

=== Nandavana ===

=== Nandavana ===

The flowers and garlands that adorn the deities of the Srirangam temple are special. At one point of time this temple is said to have had as many as 34 nandavanams, thanks to the bountiful Kaveri and the Kollidam. And the garlands made from the flowers of these nandavana alone adorn the presiding deity Sri Ranganatha and his consort. The garlands are made of white, red and green flowers and leaves, thus making it a colourful spectacle truly a vanamala, a favourite of the Lord.<ref name=":0" />

The flowers and garlands that adorn the deities of the Srirangam temple are special. At one point of time this temple is said to have had as many as 34 nandavanams, thanks to the bountiful Kaveri and the Kollidam. And the garlands made from the flowers of these nandavana alone adorn the presiding deity Sri Ranganatha and his consort. The garlands are made of white and red flowers and leaves, making it a colourful spectacle; truly a vanamala, a favourite of the Lord.<ref name=":0" />

== Legends ==

== Legends ==