History & Architecture
வரலாறு & கட்டிடக்கலை
Srirangam Temple is the foremost among 108 Divya Desams with over 2000 years of spiritual heritage. Its unique Om-shaped Vimana (Pranavakara) and 7 concentric enclosures make it architecturally unparalleled.
Temple Area
156 acres (63 hectares)
156 ஏக்கர்
Prakarams
7 Enclosures
7 பிரகாரங்கள்
Gopurams
21 Towers
21 கோபுரங்கள்
Rajagopuram
236 ft / 72m - Tallest in Asia
ஆசியாவிலேயே மிக உயரம்
Antiquity
1st-2nd Century CE
1-2 நூற்றாண்டு
Agama
Pancharatra
பாஞ்சராத்திரம்
Divya Desam
First among 108
108-ல் முதன்மை
Sub-Shrines
52+ Sannidhis
52+ சன்னதிகள்
What Makes Srirangam Unique
Only Divya Desam sung by all 12 Azhwars
பதின்மரால் பாடப்பட்ட ஒரே திவ்ய தேசம்
Largest functioning Hindu temple complex in the world
உலகின் மிகப்பெரிய செயல்படும் இந்து கோயில் வளாகம்
Tallest temple tower (Rajagopuram) in Asia
ஆசியாவின் மிக உயரமான கோயில் கோபுரம்
Om-shaped Vimana (Pranavakara)
ஓம் வடிவ விமானம் (ப்ரணவாகாரம்)
Sri Ramanuja's preserved body (Thaanana Thirumeni)
ஸ்ரீ ராமானுஜரின் தானான திருமேனி
Year-round festivals without break
ஆண்டு முழுவதும் இடைவிடாத திருவிழாக்கள்
Paramapada Vasal opens only on Vaikunta Ekadasi
வைகுண்ட ஏகாதசியன்று மட்டும் பரமபத வாசல் திறப்பு
Viswaroopam with cow, horse, and elephant
பசு, குதிரை, யானையுடன் விஸ்வரூபம்
Official Temple Information
அதிகாரபூர்வ கோயில் தகவல்கள்
Agama Tradition
Pancharatra (பாஞ்சராத்திரம்)
Sacred Tree
Punnai Tree (புன்னை மரம்)
Vimana Type
Pranavakara - Om Shaped (ப்ரணவாகார விமானம்)
Sanctum Shape
Thookkan Vagivam (தூக்கான் வகிவம்)
Temple Antiquity
1st - 2nd Century CE (சங்க காலம்)
Sacred Hymns
Nalayira Divya Prabandham (நாலாயிர திவ்ய பிரபந்தம்)
Heritage Status
Protected Heritage Site (பாரம்பரிய தளம்)
Divine Status
Bhooloka Vaikuntham (பூலோக வைகுண்டம்)
Source: HRCE Official Data (hrce.tn.gov.in) | Temple ID: TM025700
Pranavakara Vimanam
ப்ரணவாகார விமானம்
The sanctum tower (Vimana) of Srirangam is uniquely shaped like the sacred syllable "Om" (Pranava). This Om-shaped design is found only at Srirangam among all temples in India.
ஸ்ரீரங்கத்தின் விமானம் புனித எழுத்தான "ஓம்" வடிவில் அமைந்துள்ளது. இந்த தனித்துவமான வடிவமைப்பு இந்தியாவில் ஸ்ரீரங்கத்தில் மட்டுமே காணப்படுகிறது.
The Seven Prakarams = Seven Lokas
ஏழு திருச்சுற்றுகள் = ஏழு உலகங்கள்
The temple's seven concentric enclosures represent the seven cosmic realms (Sapta Loka). Walking from the outer prakaram inward symbolizes ascending through the universe toward the divine. The inner five prakarams cover 24 acres, all seven span 156 acres.
Tiruvunnazhi Tiruchutru
திருவுண்ணாழி திருச்சுற்று
Satyalokam (சத்யலோகம்)
Innermost enclosure containing the main sanctum - represents the highest realm
Rajamahendran Tiruchutru
இராஜமகேந்திரன் திருச்சுற்று
Tapolokam (தபோலோகம்)
Named after Chola king Rajamahendra - realm of austerity
Kulasekharan Tiruchutru
குலசேகரன் திருச்சுற்று
Janalokam (ஜநாலோகம்)
Named after Kulasekhara Alwar - realm of devoted souls
Alinadan Tiruchutru
ஆலிநாடன் திருச்சுற்று
Maharlokam (மஹர்லோகம்)
Built by Thirumangai Azhwar - realm of great saints
Akalankan Tiruchutru
அகளங்கன் திருச்சுற்று
Swarlokam (ஸ்வர்லோகம்)
Fifth enclosure, part of 24-acre inner complex - celestial realm
Tiruvikkiraman Tiruchutru
திருவிக்கிரமன் திருச்சுற்று
Bhuvarlokam (புவர்லோகம்)
Outer enclosure (உத்திர வீதி) - atmospheric realm
Kaliyugaraman Tiruchutru
கலியுகராமன் திருச்சுற்று
Bhulokam (பூலோகம்)
Outermost enclosure with shops - earthly realm we enter first
Source: HRCE Devasthanam Booklet 2026-27
Historical Timeline
Mythological Origins
According to legend, the temple was founded by Lord Brahma himself. The Ranganatha idol (Sri Ranga Vimana) was worshipped by Lord Brahma, then by King Ikshvaku, and later by Lord Rama in Ayodhya.
- • Sri Ranga Vimana was originally in Satyaloka (Brahma's abode)
- • Vibhishana received it as a gift from Lord Rama
- • While traveling to Lanka, Vibhishana rested it here
- • The Vimana became immovable, establishing the temple
Early Literary References
The temple is mentioned in Sangam literature, particularly in the works of the Azhwars (Tamil saint-poets).
- • Mentioned in Silappatikaram (epic)
- • Referenced by all 12 Azhwars
- • Part of the 108 Divya Desams
First Major Constructions
The Pallava dynasty contributed to the temple's structural development.
- • Early Dravidian architectural elements added
- • Some mandapams constructed
- • Temple gained prominence as a pilgrimage center
Golden Age of Expansion
The Chola kings made significant contributions, building several prakarams (enclosures) and gopurams.
- • Kulottunga Chola I expanded the temple
- • Many of the 7 prakarams were built
- • Temple administration systematized
- • Land grants and endowments established
Further Development
The Pandya rulers continued the tradition of temple expansion.
- • Additional gopurams constructed
- • Temple festivals institutionalized
The Dark Period
Malik Kafur's invasion led to the temple being abandoned for about 60 years.
- • Malik Kafur invaded in 1310 CE
- • Temple treasures looted
- • Priests fled with the utsavar (Namperumal) to Tirupati
- • Temple remained abandoned
- • Restored by Vijayanagara Empire in 1371 CE
Renaissance & Major Reconstruction
The Vijayanagara rulers restored and greatly expanded the temple to its current grandeur.
- • Temple fully restored and reconsecrated
- • Many mandapams built including 1000 Pillar Hall
- • Sesharayar Mandapam constructed
- • Temple festivals revived and expanded
- • Gold plating of vimana
Artistic Embellishments
The Nayak rulers added artistic and architectural elements.
- • Ornate sculptures and paintings added
- • Musical pillars in mandapams
- • Elaborate festival traditions established
Temple Administration Changes
During British rule, temple administration underwent changes.
- • Religious Endowments Act applied
- • Documentation of temple history
- • Some restoration works
Modern Era
Post-independence, the temple is managed by HR&CE Department, Tamil Nadu.
- • Major renovation of Rajagopuram (incomplete)
- • Improved facilities for devotees
- • Digital initiatives for darshan booking
- • UNESCO consideration for World Heritage status
Architectural Marvels
Rajagopuram
The tallest temple tower in Asia at 236 feet (72m). 13 tiers with 13 kalasams. Started ~400 years ago by Nayak kings, completed in 1987 by Ahobila Mutt 44th Pattam Srimath Azhagiyasingar.
1000 Pillar Hall (Aayiram Kaal Mandapam)
Actually has 953 pillars. Built during Vijayanagara period. Each pillar is uniquely carved.
Garuda Mandapam
Houses the large Garuda shrine. Famous for its acoustics.
Sesharayar Mandapam
Built by a merchant named Sesharayar. Known for intricate horse sculptures.
Kili (Parrot) Mandapam
Features beautiful parrot sculptures on pillars.
Royal Dynasty Contributions
அரச வம்சங்களின் பங்களிப்பு
Spiritual Significance
Religious Importance
- First and foremost of 108 Divya Desams
- One of 8 Swayam Vyakta Kshetras (self-manifested)
- Called "Bhooloka Vaikuntam" (Heaven on Earth)
- Sung by all 12 Azhwars
Cultural Legacy
- Sri Ramanuja spent his final years here
- Center of Sri Vaishnava philosophy
- Rich tradition of Carnatic music
- Largest functioning Hindu temple
Source: HRCE Official Data (hrce.tn.gov.in) | Temple ID: TM025700 | Last Updated: July 2026