Ranganathaswamy Temple | History, Timings & Address

Ranganathaswamy Temple Srirangam is famous and dedicated to the sleeping form of Lord Vishnu, known as Ranganatha. The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple timings are from 6 AM to 9 PM.

Ranganathaswamy Temple

It is located in the Srirangam district of Tiruchirappalli (also known as Tiruchi) in Tamil Nadu. Srirangam Temple is one of the largest working temples in the world.

On Vaikuntha Ekadashi and Dvadashi, people who visit the Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam enter Vaikuntham (heaven) and attain salvation. Srirangam is famous for the eight shrines (self-manifested shrines) of Lord Vishnu.

It is the first of the 108 Divine Lands (Vishnu Temples). The Temple is also called Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Periyakoil, Bhuloga Vaikundam and Bhogamandabam.

History

Visiting the Temple is a fascinating experience for history buffs and devotees. Here, they can glimpse the Temple’s history,

This dates back to the third century; according to some historians, Alternative views suggest that it was built by the ruling dynasty Ganges at Talakadu on the banks of the Kaveri in the 9th century A.D.

However, the Temple became an important centre for religion and culture over the next few centuries. Although its position on an island between two rivers has been occupied many times, it has been an influential centre for a growing devotional movement.

Today, it is considered one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in the world, and it was rebuilt in the late 14th century. Temple also saw additions to its original structure in the 16th, 17th and 21st centuries.

The Temple provides evidence of the cultural diversity and conversion that prevailed in its early days. Modern visitors can find historical inscriptions in Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Marathi, Oriya, and Kannada.

The scripts used for these inscriptions include Tamil and scripture – a script used by Tamil and Malayalam scholars to write Sanskrit from the 6th century A.D.

Architecture

In addition to its cultural and religious significance, the Ranganathaswamy Temple is also worth visiting for its architectural splendour.

The complex is the largest Hindu shrine temple in the world, built in the Dravidian style of architecture.

Spread over 155 acres; it welcomes guests with seven ramparts or compounds representing the seven chakras of our body and soul.

There are 81 halls, 21 magnificent domes, and 39 great pavilions within the compound area. Built of stone with elaborate sculptures, the complex contains over 800 inscriptions that provide insights into the religious and social influences of the Middle Ages.

The complex also has murals depicting scenes from Hindu scriptures and epics and the lives of religious scholars.

The most significant architectural feature of the temple complex is the 1000 pillared hall. Temple Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, this granite structure includes a hall (hall) and water tanks.

Guests should specifically look for the eight monolithic pillars, including marvellous sculptures of warriors.

The temple complex houses dozens of shrines in the form of Vishnu, including Chakratajwar, Narasimha, Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. One of the essential criteria for Ranganathaswamy is “Thulabharam “.

Festivals at the Temple

Magha Sudha Purnima

It is the full moon day in the Hindu month of Magha. Today, praying heartfeltly to God and asking forgiveness for any mistakes is essential. Bathing in the sacred river, Kaveri, is considered very sacred on this day.

Sriranga Jayanti

Jayanti celebrates the seventh day of Vaishakha Shuddhi. Here is the day the idol of Sri Ranganathaswamy was erected.

Uyyalotsava

Uyyalotsavam is a five-day festival that begins on the first Ekadashi in the Hindu month of Ashadi and is entire to Sri Ranganathaswamy. The sixth and seventh days are dedicated to Ranganaika and Sri Krishna.

Vedantacharya Thirunakshatram

During this festival, special pujas were performed for eleven days in the Hindu month of Ashwin or Bhadrapada. After eleven pooja days, the Gandhapudi festival was celebrated with much enthusiasm.

Navratri

Special pujas, homas, Yagya, etc., are performed for nine days. The Hindu month marks the first day of the Shuddha Padya festival in Ashwin.

On the day of Ayudha Puja and the last day of Vijayadashami, a procession of Sri Ranganathaswamy was held on the main roads. The festival concludes by worshipping the Shammi tree in front of the Temple.

Golden Garudotsavam

It is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Vaishakh. The gold-plated Garuda idol on the temple premises was adorned with flowers, and the idol of Sri Ranganathaswamy, seated on the Garuda idol, paraded on the main roads.

Ashta Tirthotsavam

It believes in bathing the eight sacred streams of the river Kaveri on the 10th day of the Hindu month, Ashwin, before offering prayers to Sri Ranganathaswamy.

This day is known as Ashtatirthotsavam. The festival also includes a procession to the idol of Sri  Ranganathaswamy.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple Timings

Below are the Sri Ranganathaswamy temple timings:

Timings	FROM	TO
Morning Darshan	6:00 AM	12:00 PM
Viswaroopa Seva	6:00 AM	7:15 AM
Pooja	12:00 PM	1:15 PM
Darshan	1:15 PM	6:00 PM
Pooja	6:00 PM	6:45 PM
Darshan	6:45 PM	9:00 PM

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple Seva

• Tulsi Archane: INR 10
• Saharanam Archane: INR 10
• Kunkum Archane: INR 10
• Nivedana Kanike: INR 20
• Vastra Kanike: INR 20
• Nagha Kanike: INR 20
• Adyanosava: INR 50
• Shikyothsava: INR 50
• Vasanthosava: INR 80
• Rangamuddi Mantaposava: INR 100
• Rathosavada Mantaposava: INR 100
• Prakarotsava: INR 100
• Suttlagudi Abhisheka: INR 100
• Sannidhimantapothsava: INR 100
• Chaturveedi Utsav: INR 150
• Utsavara Abhisheka – INR 200.00
• Ammanavara Abhisheka: INR 200
• Muladevara Abhisheka: INR 1000

Best time to Visit

During the monsoon season, the best time to visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is between July and September. The Kaveri River flows with its energy, and the view is breathtaking.

The weather is delightful for exploring the site in winter, so some may even visit the Temple between October and December.

How to reach Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple?

Here is how to reach Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple Srirangam:

Air: This Temple is located 15 km from the Tiruchirappalli Airport.

Train: It is located 10 km from the Tiruchirappalli railway junction.

Road: “Car rental” facility is available from train, Road and airport areas. 24-hour bus services are available from Tiruchirappalli Railway Station, Central Bus Stop and Chatiram Bus Stop.

Srirangam Temple Accommodation

Some places to stay near Ranganathaswamy Temple Srirangam

Hotel Deepam on W.B. Road in Tiruchirappalli is known for its affordable accommodation and good services. It has nearby restaurants and good transportation facilities.

Hotel Mathura is another place on Cantonment Rockins Road in Tiruchirappalli, known for its exemplary service and pleasant atmosphere.

The Breezy Residency on McDonald’s Road in Tiruchirappalli is well known for its good location from the Central Bus Stop and the Railway Station.

Address