Changes

13th Century was a crucial period in the history of the temple. During the invasion of Malik kafur's army in 1327, 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 Srirangam. It was Swami Vedanta Desika, one of  the greatest vaishnava acharyas who 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 invasion of Malik kafur's army in 1327, 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 Srirangam. It was Swami Vedanta Desika, one of  the greatest vaishnava acharyas who 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,   <blockquote>''"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."'' </blockquote>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 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" />  

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" />  

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.

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.

=== Identity of Ranganatha ===

=== Identifying Ranganatha ===

Once there was confusion about the identity of the original idol of the Lord. At that time, it was left to the washerman engaged in temple services to identify the right deity. Water after ablution of the two idols was given separately to the washerman. He on tasting, in great joy went on uttering 'this is our Perumal, this is our Perumal'. He is said to have identified the lord by the smell of butter sticking on the butter thief (Krishna). The washerman who could thus distinguish the deity was named as Iramkolli meaning 'water taster'.

Once there was confusion about the identity of the original idol of the Lord. At that time, it was left to the washerman engaged in temple services to identify the right deity. Water after ablution of the two idols was given separately to the washerman. He on tasting, in great joy went on uttering 'this is our Perumal, this is our Perumal'. He is said to have identified the lord by the smell of butter sticking on the butter thief (Krishna). The washerman who could thus distinguish the deity was named as Iramkolli meaning 'water taster'.

=== Nacchiars ===

=== Nacchiars ===

== Festivals and Seva ==

== Festivals and Seva ==

"''Srirangam is one of the few temples in South India that has festivals to honour its Lord and his consorts throughout the year. A grand total of, approximately, three hundred and twenty two festivals take place annually at the Srirangam temple. To enjoy all festivals of this renowned temple one has to sojourn at least one whole year.", Prof S. Narayanan.''

<blockquote>''"Srirangam is one of the few temples in South India that has festivals to honour its Lord and his consorts throughout the year. A grand total of, approximately, three hundred and twenty two festivals take place annually at the Srirangam temple. To enjoy all festivals of this renowned temple one has to sojourn at least one whole year.", Prof S. Narayanan.''</blockquote>

* It is said that once, the king of Vijaynagara, his spouse, 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 tamil month of Panguni, on full moon day when the Moon is in conjunction with the star Uthara. This is of a special significance as far as Srirangam is concerned because on this day both the Lord and his Consort are seen on the same throne. This rare sight of the heavenly couple is said to have sent Sri Ramanuja into emotional raptures who immediately composed and presented Saranagati Gadhya. And the very next moment he also performed Saranagati and took refuge at the lotus feet of Divine Couple.

* It is said that once, the king of Vijaynagara, his spouse, 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 tamil month of Panguni, on full moon day when the Moon is in conjunction with the star Uthara. This is of a special significance as far as Srirangam is concerned because on this day both the Lord and his Consort are seen on the same throne. This rare sight of the heavenly couple is said to have sent Sri Ramanuja into emotional raptures who immediately composed and presented Saranagati Gadhya. And the very next moment he also performed Saranagati and took refuge at the lotus feet of Divine Couple.

* Likewise, a farmer, after his first successful crop, is said to offer the grains first to the Lord of Srirangarn with the words, Tiruvarangam Periya Koil. They believe that by this, their offering will be returned multifold by the Lords grace.

* Likewise, a farmer, after his first successful crop, is said to offer the grains first to the Lord of Srirangarn with the words, Tiruvarangam Periya Koil. They believe that by this, their offering will be returned multifold by the Lords grace.