Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

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About Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple:

It is a prominent Hindu temple situated at Srirangam near Trichy in Tamil Nadu.
This temple is the biggest functioning Hindu temple in India.
Built across an area of 156 acres, this temple is dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Hindu deity, Lord Vishnu.
It is the foremost of the eight self-manifested shrines of Lord Vishnu.
This temple lies on an islet formed by the twin rivers Cauvery and Coleroon.
Though the temple existing since the 2nd century BC, the archaeological inscriptions are available only from the 10th century CE.
This temple underwent many changes during the rule of Cholas, Cheras, Pandiyas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar kings and Nayak of Madurai.
Architecture:
- The entire temple complex is a perfect example of Dravidian architecture.
- Apart from the 7 enclosures with massive walls, the temple complex has 21 very colorful sculpted gopuras, 50 sub-shrines, 9 sacred pools, and a golden Vimana (dome) over the sanctum sanctorum of the presiding deity.
- The vimana over the sanctum of the temple is made up of gold.
- The 236-feet Rajagopura (tower) is the tallest temple tower in India.
- There is also a royal temple tower, which covers a base area of 32,500 sq. ft. and has a height of 196 ft.
- It also comprises a hall containing 1000 pillars. Intricate sculptures are the most attractive part of the hall. The Hall was built during the Vijayanagara period (1336-1565).

Q1: What is Dravidian architecture?

Dravidian architecture is a distinct style of temple architecture that originated in South India, primarily in the Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala regions. It developed during the early Pallava period (4th–9th century CE) and was later refined by the Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagar, and Nayakas.

Source: TH