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Srirangam, also known as Thiruvarangam is one of the foremost among the 108 Vaishnava temples. It is situated 10kms from Tiruchirapalli district in Tamil Nadu. Here, Vishnu in the form of Sri Ranganatha is seen reclining on the coils of Adisesha. A temple in tamil is called 'koil'. However, among the Vaishnavas, the common noun koil is an invariable reference to the temple of Srirangam. Such is the vital position occupied by this temple within the tradition of Vaishnavism. This temple is also one of the Pancha Ranga kshetras, the other four being, Adirangam (Mysore), [[Thiru Pernagar|Appalarangam]] (Thiruper), [[Thiru Kudanthai|Chaturtharangam]] (Kumbakonam) and Pancharangam of Indalur/ Mayavaram.<ref name=":0">Prof. S. Narayanan (April 2004), 108 Temples of Azhvars, Volume 1, Maharashtra: Sri Ramanuja Mission.</ref>

Srirangam, also known as Thiruvarangam is one of the foremost among the 108 Vaishnava temples. It is situated 10kms from Tiruchirapalli district in Tamil Nadu. Here, Vishnu in the form of Sri Ranganatha is seen reclining on the coils of Adisesha. A temple in tamil is called 'koil'. However, among the Vaishnavas, the common noun koil is an invariable reference to the temple of Srirangam. Such is the vital position occupied by this temple within the tradition of Vaishnavism. This temple is also one of the Pancha Ranga kshetras, the other four being, Adirangam (Mysore), [[Thiru Pernagar|Appalarangam]] (Thiruper), [[Thiru Kudanthai|Chaturtharangam]] (Kumbakonam) and Pancharangam of Indalur/ Mayavaram.<ref name=":0">Prof. S. Narayanan (April 2004), 108 Temples of Azhvars, Volume 1, Maharashtra: Sri Ramanuja Mission.</ref>

== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

Deities in the Indian culture are eulogized by various names. Mahavishnu in each of the temples dedicated to Him, is attributed a specific name and so, is his consort Mahalakshmi given a unique name in each kshetra. In Srirangam, also referred by-several names like Koil, Peria Koil, Tiruvarangam, Bhooloka Vaikuntham, Bhogamantapa and Namarangam, Mahavishnu is fondly referred to as Namperumal, our friend, philosopher and guide denoting the Lord's universal compassion. While the utsava deity of the Lord is known as Azhagiya manavalan (one of enchanting beauty) as His charm attracts all.<ref name=":0" /> Not just the deities, even the gopurams (vimanas) ie. the conical structure that is erected towards the sky are also called by specific names. Each temple also has its own pushkarini (pond). And it is mostly, geographically, situated in the vicinity of a river.

Deities in the Indian culture are eulogized by various names. Mahavishnu in each of the temples dedicated to Him, is attributed a specific name and so, is his consort Mahalakshmi given a unique name in each kshetra. In Srirangam, also referred by-several names like Koil, Peria Koil, Tiruvarangam, Bhuloka Vaikuntham, Bhogamantapa and Namarangam, Mahavishnu is fondly referred to as Namperumal, our friend, philosopher and guide denoting the Lord's universal compassion. While the utsava deity of the Lord is known as Azhagiya manavalan (one of enchanting beauty) as His charm attracts all.<ref name=":0" /> Not just the deities, even the gopurams (vimanas) ie. the conical structure that is erected towards the sky are also called by specific names. Each temple also has its own pushkarini (pond). And it is mostly, geographically, situated in the vicinity of a river.

The Alwars or saint-poets of the Vaishnava tradition are known to have sung hymns in praise of Vishnu residing in each of these 108 temples. That is also what makes these 108 temples very pivotal and sacred in the Vaishnava tradition.

The Alwars or saint-poets of the Vaishnava tradition are known to have sung hymns in praise of Vishnu residing in each of these 108 temples. That is also what makes these 108 temples very pivotal and sacred in the Vaishnava tradition.

== 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). Silappadikaram relates that Ranga reclined in a thousand headed serpent couch. Therefore it is clear that Srirangam existed when Silappadikaram was composed.

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).<ref name=":0" /> The text in Silappadikaram reads,<blockquote>''"After several days' journey, they (Kovalan and Kannagi) reached Srirangam, where the river (Kaveri) was hidden by the city.''" (Silappadikaram, Nadukankadai).<ref>V.R.Ramachandra Dikshitar (1939), [https://ia801606.us.archive.org/7/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.201802/2015.201802.The-Silappadikaram.pdf The Silappadikaram], Madras: Diocesan Press.</ref></blockquote>Silappadikaram also relates that Ranga reclined in a thousand headed serpent couch. Therefore it is clear that Srirangam existed when Silappadikaram was composed. The place also finds a mention in Kovil Ozhugu (a chronicle written in the 11th Century)<ref>T.S.Parthasarathy (July, 1954), [https://ia600504.us.archive.org/24/items/Koil-Olugu-English-1954/Koil-Olugu-English-1954.pdf The Koyil Olugu], Tirupati: Tirumalai Tirupati Devasthanams.</ref>.  

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.