Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Srirangam is a holy Vaishnava shrine located in Tamil Nadu, with the deities Ranganayaki and Ranganatha. It is one of the 108 holy sites praised by the Alwars and is one of the largest temple complexes in India. The temple is near Tiruchirappalli, situated on an island between the Kaveri and Kollidam rivers. It is famous for being considered a heavenly place. The temple was built by the 44th Jiyar Swamy of Ahobil Mutt. Devotees praise the deity with the chant "Sriman Sri Ranga Sriyamanupadravan Andanam Savardhana." The deity is depicted in a relaxing pose on Adi Sesha.

Timings

The temple is open for worship from 6.15 am to 1.00 pm and between 2.00 pm to 9.00 pm.

Entry Fee

Free, Rs. 250 for Quick Darshan, & Rs. 100 for Viswaroopa Seva.

Lord Ranganathaswamy is a self-manifested form of Lord Vishnu, believed by Sri Vaishnavites to reside in Sri Vaikuntam. Lord Brahma worshipped Him for a long time and appointed the sun god, Surya, to continue worshipping in his absence. Since then, the Sun clan has worshipped the Lord. Lord Sri Ram, a member of the Sun clan, worshipped the deity. After defeating Ravana and rescuing his wife Sita, Lord Ram gave the idol of Lord Ranganathar to Vibishana. On his way back to Sri Lanka, Vibishana placed the idol down to rest, but when he tried to pick it up again, it wouldn't move. The Lord expressed his desire to stay near the Cauvery River and face south, towards Lanka.

Origin :-

The temple's origin dates back to the 1st century CE during the Sangam period. The temple as it stands today has been built over centuries, with contributions from various royal dynasties. These include the early Cholas (1st century CE), later Cholas (13th century CE), Kongu rulers, Pandyas (6th-10th and 13th-14th centuries CE), Hoysalas (10th-14th centuries CE), and the Vijayanagara Empire (16th century CE). These rulers added functional structures and pavilions, making the temple a centre of religious devotion known and praised by many religious and linguistic groups across the nation.

Do's and Don'ts

Dress Appropriately: Wear modest and traditional clothing. For men, dhotis or lungis with a shirt are preferred, while women should wear sarees or salwar kameez. Avoid wearing shorts, skirts, or revealing clothes.
Remove Shoes: Take off your shoes before entering the temple premises. There are designated areas for shoe storage.
Maintain Silence: Speak quietly and maintain a calm demeanour inside the temple to preserve the sacred atmosphere.
Follow the Rituals: Observe and respect the rituals and ceremonies taking place. Participate in the rituals if invited or if it aligns with the temple's practices.
Offer Prayers Respectfully: When offering prayers, do so with sincerity and devotion. Follow the lead of the temple priests and other devotees.
Be Respectful of the Deity: Approach the deity with reverence. Avoid touching the deity or the idol unless guided by temple authorities.
Follow Instructions: Adhere to the instructions given by the temple staff or priests, especially during special ceremonies or rituals.
Contribute to Offerings: If you wish to make an offering, do so through the designated channels. Follow the prescribed procedures for donations and offerings.
Participate in Cleanliness: Keep the temple premises clean. Dispose of any waste in designated bins and avoid littering.

Don’t Use Phones: Avoid using mobile phones inside the temple, including taking photographs or videos, unless explicitly permitted.
Don’t Enter Restricted Areas: Stay out of areas that are marked as restricted or are not meant for general visitors, such as the sanctum sanctorum.
Don’t Eat or Drink: Refrain from eating or drinking inside the temple premises. Save these activities for outside the temple.
Don’t Display Unruly Behaviour: Avoid loud talking, arguing, or any form of disruptive behaviour. Respect the peaceful ambiance of the temple.
Don’t Touch the Sacred Items: Do not touch the sacred items or offerings without permission. Handle any religious artefacts with care and respect.
Don’t Bring Pets: Pets are generally not allowed in the temple premises. Ensure that your pets are left at home or in designated areas.
Don’t Engage in Commercial Activities: Avoid engaging in commercial activities or selling goods inside the temple.
Don’t Ignore Local Customs: Be aware of and follow any additional local customs or practices that may be specific to the temple or region.

Dress Code

Since the temple hosts visitors from all over the world throughout the year, it’s important to follow a respectful dress code that aligns with the temple's customs.

How to reach

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By Air: Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), about 15 kilometres from the temple. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to Srirangam. The drive typically takes around 30 minutes.
By Train: Nearest Railway Station: Tiruchirappalli Junction (TPJ), which is about 10 kilometres from the temple.From the Station Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses are available for travel to Srirangam. The journey by taxi or auto-rickshaw takes about 20 minutes.
By Road :
From Chennai: Approximately 320 kilometres southwest. You can take National Highway 38 (NH38) directly to Tiruchirappalli, and then follow local roads to Srirangam.
From Bangalore: Approximately 200 kilometres southeast. Take National Highway 44 (NH44) to reach Tiruchirappalli, then follow local roads to Srirangam.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers near the temple :

Kaveri River: Also known as Cauvery, this river is one of the major rivers of southern India, flowing through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It is revered as a goddess in Hindu mythology and plays a crucial role in the temple’s rituals and ceremonies. The Kaveri River provides the island of Srirangam with fertile land and is integral to the region's agriculture and daily life.
Kollidam River: A tributary of the Kaveri, the Kollidam River runs alongside Srirangam, creating the island’s natural boundary. It branches off from the Kaveri at the Upper Anicut and reunites with it downstream, contributing to the delta’s rich ecosystem and supporting the local community’s livelihood.

Cities Near the Temple :

Tiruchirappalli (Trichy): Located just 13 kilometres from Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli is a major city in Tamil Nadu. Known for its educational institutions, industries, and historical landmarks, Trichy serves as a cultural and economic hub. The city is home to the famous Rockfort Temple and St. Joseph’s College, and it provides essential services and amenities to the residents and visitors of Srirangam.
Thanjavur (Tanjore): Approximately 58 kilometres from Srirangam, Thanjavur is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. It is home to the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a testament to the Chola dynasty’s architectural prowess. Thanjavur is also famous for its classical music, dance, and the traditional art of Tanjore painting.
Madurai: Located about 140 kilometres from Srirangam, Madurai is one of Tamil Nadu’s oldest cities, known for its vibrant culture and the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Madurai’s bustling streets, historical monuments, and religious fervour make it a significant pilgrimage site and a centre for Tamil culture.
Erode: Situated around 100 kilometres from Srirangam, Erode is an important agricultural and textile centre in Tamil Nadu. The city is known for its turmeric production, textile mills, and the historic Bhavani Sangameshwarar Temple at the confluence of the Bhavani and Kaveri rivers.