The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple | worlds temple
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, located in the town of Srirangam in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is considered one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world and is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus.
The temple has a long history, dating back to the 1st century CE. It is believed that the original temple was built by the Cholas, a South Indian dynasty, but much of the current structure dates from the 14th to 17th centuries, during the reign of the Vijayanagara and Nayaka dynasties.
The temple complex covers an area of 156 acres and consists of seven concentric walls that enclose several shrines and mandapas (pillared halls). The main sanctum sanctorum is dedicated to Sri Ranganathaswamy, a reclining form of Vishnu, and is located on the innermost wall.
The temple has been the site of several significant events throughout its history. It was attacked and looted by Muslim invaders in the 14th and 15th centuries and was later patronized by the Vijayanagara and Nayaka dynasties, who oversaw extensive renovations and construction projects. In the 17th century, the temple was briefly occupied by the forces of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who destroyed several of its smaller shrines and mandapas.
Today, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple remains an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, who come from all over India to worship and seek the blessings of Sri Ranganathaswamy. The temple is also renowned for its architecture and art, including intricate carvings, colorful frescoes, and ornate gopurams (gateway towers). It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
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