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Art & Architecture

கலை & கட்டிடக்கலை

Discover the architectural marvels of Srirangam Temple - magnificent mandapams, intricate sculptures, and centuries-old murals that showcase the genius of Chola, Vijayanagara, and Nayak artisans.

6 Mandapams
1000+ Pillars
5+ Dynasties
2000+ Years

Magnificent Mandapams

அற்புதமான மண்டபங்கள்

Pillared halls for rituals, festivals, and cultural events

Aayiram Kaal Mandapam (1000 Pillar Hall)

ஆயிரம் கால் மண்டபம்

Prakaram

4th

Pillars

953

Period

15th-16th Century CE

Built By

Vijayanagara Empire

Special Feature

Each pillar is uniquely carved with different designs

The magnificent 1000 Pillar Hall (actually 953 pillars) is one of the finest examples of Vijayanagara architecture. Used for religious discourses and cultural events.

Garuda Mandapam

கருட மண்டபம்

Prakaram

3th

Pillars

40

Period

12th Century CE

Built By

Chola Dynasty

Special Feature

Famous for its acoustics and massive Garuda idol

Houses the large Garuda (divine eagle) shrine. Known for excellent acoustics - a clap at one end can be heard clearly at the other.

Sesharayar Mandapam

சேஷராயர் மண்டபம்

Prakaram

4th

Pillars

64

Period

16th Century CE

Built By

Merchant Sesharayar

Special Feature

Magnificent horse sculptures on pillars

Built by a wealthy merchant, this mandapam is famous for its intricately carved horse sculptures on the pillars. Each horse is depicted in different poses.

Kili (Parrot) Mandapam

கிளி மண்டபம்

Prakaram

4th

Pillars

48

Period

17th Century CE

Built By

Nayak Dynasty

Special Feature

Beautiful parrot sculptures on pillars

Features beautifully carved parrot sculptures on the pillars. Parrots are symbolic of speech and poetry in Hindu tradition.

Ranga Vilasa Mandapam

ரங்க விலாச மண்டபம்

Prakaram

3th

Pillars

36

Period

17th Century CE

Built By

Nayak Dynasty

Special Feature

Used for Unjal Seva (swing festival)

Used during Unjal Seva where the processional deity is placed on a swing. Features paintings depicting Ramayana and Krishna Leela.

Venugopal Mandapam

வேணுகோபால் மண்டபம்

Prakaram

5th

Pillars

24

Period

16th Century CE

Built By

Vijayanagara Empire

Special Feature

Krishna playing flute sculptures

Features sculptures of Krishna playing the flute (Venugopal form). Popular among devotees for its serene atmosphere.

Sacred Sculptures

புனிதச் சிற்பங்கள்

Stone, bronze, and stucco masterpieces

🪨

Dashavatara Panel

தசாவதார சிற்பம்

Type

stone

Dynasty

Chola

Period

12th Century CE

Exquisite stone carvings depicting all 10 avatars (incarnations) of Lord Vishnu from Matsya to Kalki.

First Prakaram, near main entrance
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Yali (Mythical Lion) Pillars

யாளி தூண்கள்

Type

stone

Dynasty

Vijayanagara/Nayak

Period

15th-17th Century CE

Ornate pillars topped with Yali - a mythical creature combining lion, elephant, and other animals. Symbol of power and protection.

Throughout the temple prakarams
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Musical Pillars

இசைத் தூண்கள்

Type

stone

Dynasty

Vijayanagara

Period

16th Century CE

Specially carved pillars that produce musical notes when struck. Each pillar produces different Swaras (musical notes).

Aayiram Kaal Mandapam
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Srirangam Ranganatha Processional Deities

ஸ்ரீரங்கம் உற்சவ மூர்த்திகள்

Type

bronze

Dynasty

Chola

Period

10th-12th Century CE

Magnificent bronze processional deities (Utsavar) including Namperumal, Azhwar figures, and Sri Devi-Bhoo Devi.

Various sannidhis
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Kodai Kollum Perumal Utsavar

கொடை கொள்ளும் பெருமாள் உற்சவர்

Type

bronze

Dynasty

Chola

Period

11th Century CE

Special bronze deity that accepts offerings. Used during Brahmotsavam and other major festivals.

Inner sanctum

Ancient Murals

பண்டைய சுவரோவியங்கள்

Centuries-old paintings depicting divine narratives

Ramayana Paintings

ராமாயண ஓவியங்கள்

good

Theme

Episodes from Ramayana

Period

17th Century CE

Vibrant paintings depicting key episodes from the Ramayana including Rama's coronation, Sita's abduction, and Lanka Dhahanam.

Ranga Vilasa Mandapam ceiling

Krishna Leela Murals

கிருஷ்ண லீலை சுவரோவியங்கள்

fair

Theme

Krishna's divine play

Period

17th Century CE

Murals showing Krishna's childhood exploits including Kaliya Mardanam, Govardhana lifting, and Rasa Leela.

Venugopal Mandapam

Vishnu Ananthasayanam

விஷ்ணு அனந்தசயனம்

excellent

Theme

Cosmic repose of Vishnu

Period

16th Century CE

Grand mural depicting Vishnu reclining on Adishesha with Brahma emerging from His navel and Lakshmi at His feet.

Above main sanctum entrance

Azhwar Saints Procession

ஆழ்வார் புனிதர்கள் ஊர்வலம்

good

Theme

All 12 Azhwars in devotion

Period

18th Century CE

Paintings showing all 12 Azhwar saints in devotional poses, each with their distinct iconography and attributes.

Inner prakaram corridor

Architectural Highlights

கட்டிடக்கலை சிறப்பம்சங்கள்

Musical Pillars

Produce different Swaras

இசைத் தூண்கள்

Yali Sculptures

Mythical lion-elephant

யாளி சிற்பங்கள்

Om-Shaped Vimana

Unique Pranavakara

ஓம் வடிவ விமானம்

Horse Pillars

Rearing stallions

குதிரை தூண்கள்

Parrot Carvings

Symbol of poetry

கிளி செதுக்கல்

Dashavatara

10 Vishnu avatars

தசாவதாரம்

Nayaka Paintings

17th century murals

நாயக்க ஓவியங்கள்

Bronze Utsavars

Chola masterpieces

வெண்கல உற்சவர்

Dynasty Contributions to Art

அரச வம்சங்களின் கலைப் பங்களிப்பு

Chola
9th-13th CE
Bronze casting, Temple structure
Pandya
13th-14th CE
Gopurams, Stone work
Hoysala
12th-14th CE
Intricate carvings
Vijayanagara
14th-17th CE
Mandapams, Pillars
Nayak
16th-18th CE
Murals, Paintings

Source: HRCE Official Data (hrce.tn.gov.in) | Temple ID: TM025700 | Last Updated: July 2026