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== 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, He 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, 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.

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.

== Structure ==

== Structure ==

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. And to the right of Thayar sannidhi (Sansctum of the Goddess) is the shrine of Mettu Azhagiya Singar. Here, Lord Narasimha is seen pulling out the entrails of Hiranya and wearing it as garland. 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 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" />  

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 Ekadashi 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 ===

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.

=== Nacchiars ===

=== Nacchiars ===

* An interesting incident recorded during the period of Nanda Chola is that the Raja once found in his lily pond a heavenly female child floating on a lotus. He took it as a gift from the Almighty and named her Kamalavalli as she was found on the petals of a lotus flower. When she came of age, she met Lord Ranganatha and immediately fell in love with him. The king Nanda Chola consummated her marriage to Ranganatha with great pomp. When the heavenly born daughter was taken inside the sanctum, it is said that she merged with the Lord in a blaze of light. In commemoration of his daughter's marriage, Nanda Chola then constructed two temples, one for Kamalavalli and the other for Azhagiya Manavala at Uraiyur.  

* An interesting incident recorded during the period of Nanda Chola is that the Raja once found in his lily pond a heavenly female child floating on a lotus. He took it as a gift from the Almighty and named her Kamalavalli as she was found on the petals of a lotus flower. When she came of age, she met Lord Ranganatha and immediately fell in love with him. The king Nanda Chola consummated her marriage to Ranganatha with great pomp. When the heavenly born daughter was taken inside the sanctum, it is said that she merged with the Lord in a blaze of light. In commemoration of his daughter's marriage, Nanda Chola then constructed two temples, one for Kamalavalli and the other for Azhagiya Manavala at Uraiyur.  

* It was at this temple that unable to bear the pangs of separation from the deity, a Muslim princess Bibi is believed to have breathed her last. She attained salvation and merged with the Lord at Srirangam. And hence, till date she is worshipped as Bibi Nacchiar or Tulukacchi Nacchiar. And everyday prasada seva of roti and butter is offered to her.   

* It was at this temple that unable to bear the pangs of separation from the deity, a Muslim princess Bibi is believed to have breathed her last. She attained salvation and merged with the Lord at Srirangam. And hence, till date she is worshipped as Bibi Nacchiar or Tulukacchi Nacchiar. And everyday prasada seva of roti and butter is offered to her.   

The shrine of Dhanvantari (the celestial physician) is a special feature of Srirangam not found in any other temple. The legend goes thus. Once when Lord Ranga was afflicted with severe cold and cough after consuming Jambu fruits with curds, it was the physician Dhanvantari who prepared a mixture and cured the Lord and naturally a shrine was built for him.<ref name=":0" />  

The shrine of Dhanvantari (the celestial physician) is a special feature of Srirangam not found in any other temple. The legend goes thus. Once when Lord Ranga was afflicted with severe cold and cough after consuming Jambu fruits with curds, it was the physician Dhanvantari who prepared a mixture and cured the Lord and naturally a shrine was built for him.<ref name=":0" />  

== Azhwars ==

== Azhwars and Acharyas ==

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.

The temple of Srirangam is sanctified by eleven of the twelve Alwars including Andal. The only exception being Madurakavi Alwar for whom there was no other god other than Nammalwar, his acharya.

* Andal would not think of anyone other than Ranganatha to wed. It was her childhood desire and dream to marry Lord Ranganatha. She could not imagine anyone other than the unchallenged Master of the Cosmos as her lord, least any other mortal. She wished to marry the only Purushottama exalted in the Purusha Sukta. The Lord, the Paratatva, the root cause of the universe, answered her prayers and it was at this temple that she merged with Lord Ranganatha in the sanctum sanctorum

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 Tiruvaymozhi attained the exalted status.  

Andal would not think of any other mortal to wed. It was her

* It is said that at this temple Thirumangai Alwar recited the Tamil Prabandams to God's satisfaction and immense joy. Since it was his earnest desire and cherished wish that Prabandam should also 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 Prabanbams and the Sanskrit Vedas. This is followed till this date during Adhyayanan Utsav, preceding and following Vaikuntha Ekadashi.  

childhood desire and dream to marry the Lord only. She could not imagine anyone

other than the unchallenged Master of the Cosmos. She wanted to marry the only Purushottama exalted in the Purusha Suktha. The Lord, the Paratatva, the root cause of the universe, answered her prayers. It was at this temple that she merged with Lord Ranganatha in the sanctum sanctorum.  

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.  

* 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 and his image has been sculpted and kept for all to worship at the Udayavar sannidhi.  

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.  

* This was were Swami Desikan composed his Paduka Sahasram, the highest seal of his genius. A special shrine for Swami Vedanta Desika exists facing the Thayar Sannidhi.

Nampillai, a great Vaishnavite scholar and seer, discoursed on religious themes to groups of devotees at Srirangam. It is believed that the Lord regularly attended all his lectures. An intimate temple servant ordered him to go back to his rightful place, the sanctum sanctorum. Till today this incident is narrated to all the devotees.  

* Nampillai, a great Vaishnavite scholar and seer, discoursed on religious themes to groups of devotees at Srirangam. It is believed that the Lord regularly attended all his lectures and an intimate temple servant ordered him to go back to his rightful place, the sanctum sanctorum. Till today this incident is narrated to all the devotees.  

This were Swami Desikan composed his Paduka Sahasram, the high watermark of his genius. Facing the Thayar Sannidhi is a special shrine

for Swami Vedanta Desika under the control of Sri Ahobila Math.  

"''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.''

* 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.

The great Tamil poet, Kamban chose this temple to inaugurate his lyrical masterpiece famously acclaimed as the Kamba Ramayanam. Kamba Ramayanam was read out by Kamban before a panel of scholars and Lord Narasimha gave his approval with a big roar of joy.

* The Srirangam temple follows Sri Ramanuja sampradaya in every letter. Especially, Vaikuntha Ekadashi day reaches the apex of its glory in this temple.  

 

* Interestingly, Sriranga Nachiar (the consort of the lord here) is known as Paditanda patni (the chaste lady who never steps beyond the threshold). Therefore, all the festivals are conducted at the Nachiar sannidhi adjacent to Vasanta Mandapam.

When there was confusion with the identity of the original idol of the Lord, 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 by the smell of butter sticking on the butter thief and rightly identified the original deity. The washerman who could distinguish the deity was named as Iramkolli meaning water taster.  

* Araiyar Seva at this temple is very famous and a specialty. There is an interesting tradition about the procession of the idols known for its captivating and bewitching gait. As per tradition, a group of devotees known as Sri Padam Thangis are only permitted to render Suprabhata to the Lord and it is their prerogative.

 

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

 

Araiyar Seva at this temple is very famous and a specialty. There is an interesting tradition about the procession of the idols known for its captivating and bewitching gait. As per tradition, a group of devotees known as Sri Padam Thangis are only permitted to render Suprabhata to the Lord and it is their prerogative.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.  

== References ==

== References ==