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Srirangam is an island and a part of the city of Trichy which
is situated in South India. Srirangam is surrounded by the
Kaveri River from one side, and the Kaveri distributary
Kollidam from the other side.
Srirangam is dwelling to a large
population of Srivaishnavites (followers of Lord Vishnu, one
of the triumvirate of Hindu Gods the other 2 are Lord Brahma,
the Creator and Lord Shiva, the Destroyer).
Srirangam is well-known for its Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, an
important sacred place for for Hindus (especially
Srivaishnavites) and is one of the biggest temple complex in
India.
This temple is one of the largest and most interesting temple
complexes in India. This temple is built on the Srirangam
island in the middle of the Kaveri river and covers an area of
2.5 square kms. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Even muslims are said to have prayed here after the fall of
the Vijayanagar Empire. Today, non Hindus are not allowed into
the gold-topped sanctum, but they are allowed into the sixth
wall. It is surrounded by seven concentric walls and has 21
magnificent gateway towers (gopurams) and a 1000-pillared hall
with beautiful carvings. The 22nd gateway tower which is about
236 feet high, has been recently completed and is the tallest
temple tower in Asia.
There is a Gopuram inside the temple complex which is made up
of gold and safeguarded by electrical fence.
Clothes such as Dhoti, Towels, Silk
Sarees etc used for spiritual purposes are displayed for sale
at this place.
Inside the temple complex, there is a separate temple for the
goddess Andal, a library, bookshop and also a museum. |
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