Changes

== History ==

== History ==

Vaishnavism believes eight Vaishnava temple idols to be Svayam-vyakta (self-manifest forms of Vishnu) And Srirangam Ranganatha temple is considered foremost among them. It is said that the actual shrine arose out of the ocean. However, the temple itself has a traceable history. It finds mention in the Silappadigaram (One of the 5 great epics of Tamil Literature) and in Kovil Ozhugu (a chronicle written in the 11th Century).

Vaishnavism believes eight Vaishnava temple idols to be Svayam-vyakta (self-manifest forms of Vishnu) And Srirangam Ranganatha temple is considered foremost among them. It is said that the actual shrine arose out of the ocean. However, the temple itself has a traceable history. It finds mention in the Silappadigaram (One of the 5 great epics of Tamil Literature) and in Kovil Ozhugu (a chronicle written in the 11th Century). Silappadikaram relates that Ranga reclined in a thousand headed serpent couch. Therefore it is clear that Srirangam  existed when Silappadikaram was composed.

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.

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.

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 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 Vaikuntha Vasal, a most sacred spot. Every year on the Vaikuntha 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 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" />

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 Vaikuntha, 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 ===

== Legends ==

== Legends ==

According to Brahmanda puran, aeons ago the deity of the Lord along with the Ranga Viman emerged out of Ksheerabdhi. This was in response to a severe penance of Brahma for thousand long years and more. From Brahma subsequently the idol was passed on to Ikshvaku, the son of Manu. Years rolled by, then came the turn of Vibushana who brought the idol and the viman to the river bank. Vibishana intended to take the Lord and the Viman to his kingdom Lanka. Vibishana kept it on the banks of river Cauvery while he did his evening prayers. The deity forged the earth and was immovable, settling permanently to the ground. Much to his dismay the Viman could not be lifted. Both the Lord and the Viman were to remain ever on the banks of river Cauvery. Vibishana was crest fallen. The Lord assured him that he would always look southward towards Sri Lanka lying on his serpent couch. This event is believed to have occurred in the month of Panguni and this is celebrated in all grandeur as Adi Brahmotsava in Panguni.  

There are many interesting legends enumerated with regards to the temple of Srirangam. Some of them are as follows.  

Sri Ramanuja spent his last twenty years at Srirangam. His Brindavanam is inside the temple on the east. Just as a king rules his country, Ramanuja controlled this temple and hence was rightly called Yathiraja-king of ascetics. Ramanuja is so inseparably linked with this temple that he is enshrined in Vasanta mandapa. His image has been sculpted and kept for all to admire and worship at Udayavar sannidhi. The town contains many monasteries.  

According to the Brahmanda purana, long long ago the murthi of Sriranga Perumal (the lord of Srirangam) along with the Ranga Vimana emerged out of Ksheerabdhi (the milky ocean). This was in response to a severe penance of Brahma for thousand long years and more. From Brahma subsequently the idol was passed on to Ikshvaku, the son of Manu. Years rolled by and then came the turn of Vibhishana who brought the idol and the vimana to the river bank. Vibhishana intended to take the Lord and the Vimana to his kingdom Lanka. Enroute, he kept it on the banks of river Kaveri while he did his evening prayers. Now, the deity got fixed in the earth and was immovable, settling permanently to the ground. Much to the dismay of Vibhishana, the Vimana could not be lifted. Both the Lord and the Vimana were to remain forever on the banks of river Kaveri. Vibhishana was crest fallen. However, the Lord assured him that he would always look southward towards Sri Lanka lying on his serpent couch. This event is believed to have occurred in the tamil month of Panguni and this is celebrated in all grandeur as Adi Brahmotsava in Panguni month at Srirangam.

 

It is believed that the river Kaveri is the very same river Viraja that eternally flows in Vaikuntha and Srirangam is considered as a heaven on earth - Bhuloka Vaikuntha. Hence, it is foremost among the 108 divya desas, the last one being Vaikuntha itself.  

The well in the east is deemed to be the Viraja river of Vaikunta. According to a legend, a huge flood devastated the country side and the idol of Ranga got submerged. In course of time Sriranga temple on the river bank was forgotten and got buried under the sands of time. Thus the hallowed shrine along with the deity did not have adequate patrons in course of time. Consequently, the shrine and the deity were buried beneath the earth. At this place a devotee regularly used to sing hymns of Ranga and a parrot used to listen regularly. Even after the temple was engulfed, the parrot, true to its nature used to recite the hymns daily. A descendant of Dharma Verma, again a Chola King accidentally reached the spot at the riverbank during one of his hunting sojourn. He was astonished at what he heard and saw. The parrot recited the following hymn "What Vraja is to Vaikunta, is Cauvery to Sriranga, Srirangam is Vaikuntam itself, Ranga is Vasudeva, the Vimana is Pranava and it is Ranga who propounds the Pranava." That was what the parrot sang. The same night the wonderful supreme Lord Ranganatha appeared in his dream and informed him of the Viman buried under the sand dune. Like a true devotee the King excavated the divine treasure and also renovated the temple. A shrine rose into being. Srirangam flourished and the Chola became Killi Cholan. Even in sangam classics we can find the name of Killi. Silambu relates that Ranga reclined in a thousand headed serpent couch. Therefore it is clear that Srirangam  existed when Silappadikaram was composed.  

According to a legend, a huge flood devastated the country side and the idol of Sri Ranga got submerged. In due course of time, Sriranga temple on the river bank also was forgotten and adequate patrons, got buried under the sands. However, a devotee used to regularly sing the hymns of Sri Ranga at this place and a parrot used to listen. Even after the temple was engulfed, the parrot, true to its nature recited the hymns daily. A descendant of Dharma Verma, a Chola King, accidentally reached the spot at the riverbank during one of his hunting sojourn and was astonished at what he heard and saw. The parrot recited the following hymn, "What Viraja is to Vaikuntha, is Kaveri to Srirangam, Srirangam is Vaikuntham itself, Ranga is Vasudeva, the Vimana is Pranava and it is Ranga who propounds the Pranava." The same night, the supreme Lord Ranganatha appeared in the king's dream and informed him of the Vimana buried under the sand dune. Like a true devotee, the King excavated the divine treasure and also renovated the temple. A shrine rose into being, Srirangam flourished and the Chola became Killi Cholan. Even in sangam classics we find the name of Killi.

Here the Lord is ravishingly beautiful As his charm attracts all, he got the name Azhagiya Manavala. According to tradition, this utsava deity of the Lord known as Azhagiamanavaian is one of enchanting beauty. During the invasion of Mallikafur's army the deity was taken round the entire southern districts - to Azhagar koil near Madurai and from there to Kanyakumari and then to Kerala on its way to Satyamangalam, Gingee, Tirupati and Melkote before it was redeemed back to his Srirangam.

Here the Lord is ravishingly beautiful As his charm attracts all, he got the name Azhagiya Manavala. According to tradition, this utsava deity of the Lord known as Azhagia manavaian is one of enchanting beauty. During the invasion of Mallikafur's army the deity was taken round the entire southern districts - to Azhagar koil near Madurai and from there to

He is fondly referred to as Namperumal, our friend, philosopher and guide. Thus the Lord's universal compassion is denoted. The two rivers, Cauvery and Coleroon girdle the temple like a queen's necklace. The temple, a swayam vyaktha kshetra covers an area of 156 acres, the biggest in the whole of India.  

He is fondly referred to as Namperumal, our friend, philosopher and guide. Thus the Lord's universal compassion is denoted. The two rivers, Cauvery and Coleroon girdle thKanyakumari and then to Kerala on its way to Satyamangalam, Gingee, Tirupati and Melkote before it was redeemed back to his Srirangam.e temple like a queen's necklace. The temple, a swayam vyaktha kshetra covers an area of 156 acres, the biggest in the whole of India.  

The shrine of Dhanvantri is a special feature not found in any other temple. Dhanvantri is the celestial physician. Once when Lord Ranga was afflicted with severe cold and cough after consuming Jambu fruits with curds, it was the physician Dhanvantri who prepared a mixture and cured the Lord. Naturally a shrine was built for him.  

The shrine of Dhanvantri is a special feature not found in any other temple. Dhanvantri is the celestial physician. Once when Lord Ranga was afflicted with severe cold and cough after consuming Jambu fruits with curds, it was the physician Dhanvantri who prepared a mixture and cured the Lord. Naturally a shrine was built for him.  

== Azhwars ==

== Azhwars ==

The temple is sanctified by eleven Always including Andal. The only exception is Madurakavi Alwar for whom there was no other god other than Nammalwar, his acharya.  

The temple is sanctified by eleven Always including Andal. The only exception is Madurakavi Alwar for whom there was no other god other than Nammalwar, his acharya.  

In honour of the devotion of Sri Kulasekhara Alwar, there is a step in front of the Moola Vigraha. This is called Kulasekhara Padi. It was here that Nammalwar's magnum opus, the Tiruvaymoli attained the status one more exalted than the Vedas.  

In honour of the devotion of Sri Kulasekhara Alwar, there is a step in front of the Moola Vigraha. This is called Kulasekhara Padi. It was here that Nammalwar's magnum opus, the Tiruvaymoli attained the status one more exalted than the Vedas.  

It is true that at this temple Thirumangai Alwar recited the Tamil Prabhandams to God's satisfaction and immense joy. It was his earnest desire and cherished wish that Prabhandam should be recited along with the Vedas on Ekadashi day during bright Margazhi. The Lord who is the nectarine essence of all Vedas immediately obliged and established the practice of reciting both the Tamil and the Sanskrit Vedas. This is followed till this date during Adhyayanan Utsav, preceding and following Vaikunta Ekadasi.  

It is true that at this temple Thirumangai Alwar recited the Tamil Prabhandams to God's satisfaction and immense joy. It was his earnest desire and cherished wish that Prabhandam should be recited along with the Vedas on Ekadashi day during bright Margazhi. The Lord who is the nectarine essence of all Vedas immediately obliged and established the practice of reciting both the Tamil and the Sanskrit Vedas. This is followed till this date during Adhyayanan Utsav, preceding and following Vaikuntha Ekadasi.  

It was at this temple that Lord Ranganatha asked Manavala Mamuni to chant Thiruvazhmozhi. It is said that the Divine Couple regularly enjoyed the recital. It was again at this Divya desa that Lord Ranganatha as a young boy stood before Manavala Mamuni with folded hands engrossed in his poetic recital. It is believed here that the Tulasi-wreathed Lord himself performs the rituals of Manavala Mamuni every year.  

It was at this temple that Lord Ranganatha asked Manavala Mamuni to chant Thiruvazhmozhi. It is said that the Divine Couple regularly enjoyed the recital. It was again at this Divya desa that Lord Ranganatha as a young boy stood before Manavala Mamuni with folded hands engrossed in his poetic recital. It is believed here that the Tulasi-wreathed Lord himself performs the rituals of Manavala Mamuni every year.  

Once, the king of Vijaynagara, his spouse, his son and daughter-in-law arrived late to witness a festival. When the king wanted the festival to be reenacted, he was asked to come next year. That was the famous Padi Etra Sevai, the Lord's enchanting return to the sanctum climbing the steps  A festival in the month of Panguni, on full moon day when the Moon is in conjunction with the star Uthara is of a special significance as far as Srirangam is concerned. On this day both the Lord and the Consort are seen on the same throne. This rare sight of the heavenly couple sent our guru Sri Ramanuja into emotional raptures who immediately composed and presented Saranagati Gadhya. The very next moment he also performed Saranagati and took refuge at the lotus feet of Divine Couple.  

Once, the king of Vijaynagara, his spouse, his son and daughter-in-law arrived late to witness a festival. When the king wanted the festival to be reenacted, he was asked to come next year. That was the famous Padi Etra Sevai, the Lord's enchanting return to the sanctum climbing the steps  A festival in the month of Panguni, on full moon day when the Moon is in conjunction with the star Uthara is of a special significance as far as Srirangam is concerned. On this day both the Lord and the Consort are seen on the same throne. This rare sight of the heavenly couple sent our guru Sri Ramanuja into emotional raptures who immediately composed and presented Saranagati Gadhya. The very next moment he also performed Saranagati and took refuge at the lotus feet of Divine Couple.  

The temple is referred by-several names. Koil, Peria Koil, Tiruvarangam, Bhooloka Vaikuntam, Bhogamantapa and Namarangam.  

The temple is referred by-several names. Koil, Peria Koil, Tiruvarangam, Bhooloka Vaikuntham, Bhogamantapa and Namarangam.  

According to tradition Lord Ranganatha has five consorts - Ranganayaki, Andal, Chozhakulavalli, Cherakulavalli and Biwi Nachiyar. Acharya Ramanuja is said to have spent nearly seventy years of his life serving Ranga.   

According to tradition Lord Ranganatha has five consorts - Ranganayaki, Andal, Chozhakulavalli, Cherakulavalli and Biwi Nachiyar. Acharya Ramanuja is said to have spent nearly seventy years of his life serving Ranga.   

Sriranga Nachiar is known as Padithanda pathni (the chaste lady who never steps beyond the threshold). Therefore all the festivals are conducted at the Nachiar sannidhi adjacent to Vasant Mandapam. To the right of Thayar sannidhi is the shrine of Metter Azhagiya Singar. Here Lord Narasimha is seen pulling out the entrails of Hiranya and wearing it as garland.  

Sriranga Nachiar is known as Padithanda pathni (the chaste lady who never steps beyond the threshold). Therefore all the festivals are conducted at the Nachiar sannidhi adjacent to Vasant Mandapam. To the right of Thayar sannidhi is the shrine of Metter Azhagiya Singar. Here Lord Narasimha is seen pulling out the entrails of Hiranya and wearing it as garland.  

== Srirangam and Vaikuntham ==

== References ==