Srirangam

Srirangam is one of the foremost among the 108 Vaishnava temples. It 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.

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. 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.

Srirangam at a glance

Vishnu is referred to as	Sri Ranganatha, Peria Perumal, Nam Perumal
Lakshmi is referred to as	Sri Ranga Nacchiar, Peria Piratti
Kshetra is referred to as	Pancharanga Kshetra
Vimana is referred to as	Pranavakara Vimana
Pushkarini is referred to as	Chandra Pushkarini
Vrksha is referred to as	Punnai
River in the vicinity	Kaveri, Kollidam and Vedashrngam
Hymns by Alwars	247
Location of the temple	10kms from Tiruchirapalli