Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is the holy place of Hindus. It is devoted to Ranganatha (a lolling form of Lord Vishnu). It is sited at Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India. The style of architecture followed by its erection is Dravidian. The custom of worship followed by this shrine is Thenkalai. There are another names of Ranganatha, they are: Nam Perumal and Azhagiya Manavaalan. This temple comes under the category of one of the eight Sywayambu Kshetras of Vishnu. Except its presiding idol, it also comprises other sannathis and 53 upa-sannathis. The walls of the temple are decorated with magnificent paintings using herbal and vegetable dyes. The temple comprises the idols of gods and Goddesses depicting stories and morals. The process of puja is continued from morning to evening. A large number of devotees come to visit this temple. It is credence that the reclining form is the form at which lord Vishnu is open the listen the miseries of devotees and blessed them.

Getting There

One can reach Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple by mean of three modes: road, rail and air. Most parts of Tamil Nadu from Srirangam entail regular bus service. The railway station which is near to the temple is Srirangam Railway Station which connects many cities. The nearest airport to reach the temple is Tiruchirapalli International Airport or Trichy Airport.

Security And Some Tips

There is complete police protection to ensure security of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. To visualize area within and outside the shrine the cameras use to be installed. Separate team of police is appointed to prevent crime in temple premises. For security purpose devotees are not allowed to bring mobile phone and camera within the temple premises. Belongings are deposited at cloak rooms. Yatri should not take cash and ornaments with them.

When To Visit

The best time to visit the temple is during the festival of Kotarothsava. It is opened all the days of the week. The timings are: 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM. The duration of the visit is 1 to 2 hours.

What To See And Do

There are seven concentric walls around the temple. It entails 21 gopurams (towers), 39 pavilions, fifty shrines, Ayiram kaal mandapam (a hall of 1000 pillars) and many small water bodies inside the temple premises. There are two prakarams (outer courtyard) outside the temple which are occupied by several shops, restaurants and flower stalls. Non-Hindus are allowed to enter up-to second prakarams but not in the gold crowned shrine. The presiding deity of Ranganath (Vishnu) is in the resting form which is very stunning and attractive and is made up of Stucco. Special pujas are carried out by mean of gold plated mandapam. There is facility of online darshan and e-puja. Free food is provided to the devotees as prashad. The timings of the darshan comprise:

• 00 am to 07.30 am for Viswaroopa seva
• Seva – 08:45 am to 01:00 pm
• Seva – 02:00 pm to 06:00 pm
• Seva – 06:45 pm to 08:000 pm
• Seva – 08:00 pm to 09:00 pm

Where To Stay:

There are many lodges and guest house near the temple at which devotees take stay and have food at reasonable price. They are: Mayavaram Lodge, Kalpana Lodge, Ashoka Lodge, Sri Ranga Lodge and Raja Lodge etc.

Where Else To Stay

Yatri also stay at hotels near Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple as they provide luxury. These hotels are: Hotel Sona's, SRM Hotel Annexe, Hotel Shaans, Ramyas Hotel, Kanchana Towers Hotel, Hotel Sangam Tiruchirappalli and Hotel Femina etc.

Festivals

Festivals are celebrated here with great zeal of enjoyment and enthusiasm. Following are the festivals which are celebrated here:

• Jestabishekam:

It is celebrated during June-July. It is an annual gold cleaning festival. The pots of gold and silver are filled with water of Kaveri river and are taken to the temple. The back of the deity is decorated by gold plates in the evening.

• Pavithrothsavam:

This festival is celebrated in the honour of holy thread worn by Lord Vishnu. It is celebrated in the month of August-September. The deity of the god is gutted methodically during this festival.

• Sri Jayanthi

This temple also comprises the shrine of Lord Krishna and his birth is celebrated during this festival.

• Oonjal

A nine day festival celebrated during October-December.

• Kaisiga Ekadesi

It is celebrated before 30 days of ekadashi. During this festivals 365 pujas are executed and god’s deity sworn 365 dresses.

• Ekadesi

A 21 days festival which is celebrated during December/January.

Side Trips

There are so many fascinating places near this temple. These places are: Sri Rangam Ranga Nathar Temple, Selva Mariamman Temple, and Rambha oorvasi cinema, St Joseph's Church, Christ Church, Vijayanagar Fort, Mega Star Theatre, Lourdes Church and Ramkrishna Theatre etc.

Travel Tips

People should carry personal diary with them as camera is not allowed in the temple premises in order to keep the record of whole visit of the temple with the feelings and emotions at that time. Yatri should also hire a tourist guide to have the completed information of the holy visit. Yatri should also have the first aid.
Thus, this visit is the best way to place our pain and sorrows in front of Lord Vishnu and also to get blessed by him.