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Srirangam DivyaDesam - View Point
Formed by rivers Kollidam and Cauvery, the island of Srirangam is located in the vicinity of the city of Tiruchirapally. It is noted for two of the iconic temples, belonging to Lord Sri MahaVishnu and Lord Shiva respectively.
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| Golden Vimana of Srirangam DivyaDesam |
Sri Ranganatha Swamy Divyadesam
As per Tamil Vaishnava Sampradaya, Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple of Srirangam is regarded as Veetu i.e, Home of Lord Sri MahaVishnu, the first and foremost amongst the 108 Divya Desams. It is one of the largest functioning Hindu Temples of the World, possessing the tallest Gopuram in Asia (The South Tower / Rajagopuram) and is the seat of Tenkalai (literally Southern) branch of Sri Vaishnavism. Historically, all major dynasties of the region have had their distinct imprint on the temple, including Chozhas, Pandyas, Rayas of Vijayanagar et al. The celebrated Bhakti Saint Ramanujacharya, the doyen of Vishistaadwaita is associated with the temple, and his mortal remains are located here. A very large Garuda points to the direction of the Lord, and the idol of Lord Sri Ranganatha, located within seven precincts, is in typical Sesha Sayana form. An interesting feature of the temple is a view point, with a bird's eye view of all 21 Gopurams and Vimanans.
As per Tamil Vaishnava Sampradaya, Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple of Srirangam is regarded as Veetu i.e, Home of Lord Sri MahaVishnu, the first and foremost amongst the 108 Divya Desams. It is one of the largest functioning Hindu Temples of the World, possessing the tallest Gopuram in Asia (The South Tower / Rajagopuram) and is the seat of Tenkalai (literally Southern) branch of Sri Vaishnavism. Historically, all major dynasties of the region have had their distinct imprint on the temple, including Chozhas, Pandyas, Rayas of Vijayanagar et al. The celebrated Bhakti Saint Ramanujacharya, the doyen of Vishistaadwaita is associated with the temple, and his mortal remains are located here. A very large Garuda points to the direction of the Lord, and the idol of Lord Sri Ranganatha, located within seven precincts, is in typical Sesha Sayana form. An interesting feature of the temple is a view point, with a bird's eye view of all 21 Gopurams and Vimanans.
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| Southern Tower / Rajagopuram of Srirangam DivyaDesam |
Sri Jambukeswarar Temple, Jambukeswaram / Tiruvanaikoil
Another iconic temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Sri Jambukeswara, a Pancha Bhootha Sthalam / Maha Bhootha Sthalam representing the element of Water i.e, Jalam. It is also a venerated Padal Petra Sthalam. As per legend, Goddess Parvati, as Goddess Akhilandeswari Devi performed a penance to Lord Shiva as a repentance. This large temple is a Padal Petra Sthalam as well, and is located just 2 kms away from Sri Ranganatha Swamy Divyadesam.
Another iconic temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Sri Jambukeswara, a Pancha Bhootha Sthalam / Maha Bhootha Sthalam representing the element of Water i.e, Jalam. It is also a venerated Padal Petra Sthalam. As per legend, Goddess Parvati, as Goddess Akhilandeswari Devi performed a penance to Lord Shiva as a repentance. This large temple is a Padal Petra Sthalam as well, and is located just 2 kms away from Sri Ranganatha Swamy Divyadesam.
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| Mural Painting @ Akhilandesari Devi Shrine, Jambukeswaram / Tiruvanaikoil |
Accessiblity
Srirangam has a small railway station, but the nearest Railway Junction is Tiruchirapally Junction, which is well connected to other cities of Tamil Nadu. Srirangam island is around 10 kms away from the Junction Station, and is easily accessible by Privately operated City busses plying through the city of Tiruchirapally connecting it's Central Bus Station with Junction Railway Station, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Chatram Bus Stand (Local Bus Stand), Tiruvanaikoil and Srirangam. Busses and Taxi services are also available in Tiruchirapally, which is now popularly referred as Trichy.
Srirangam has a small railway station, but the nearest Railway Junction is Tiruchirapally Junction, which is well connected to other cities of Tamil Nadu. Srirangam island is around 10 kms away from the Junction Station, and is easily accessible by Privately operated City busses plying through the city of Tiruchirapally connecting it's Central Bus Station with Junction Railway Station, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Chatram Bus Stand (Local Bus Stand), Tiruvanaikoil and Srirangam. Busses and Taxi services are also available in Tiruchirapally, which is now popularly referred as Trichy.
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| @ Jambukeswaram / Tiruvanaikoil |
Impressively, but not entirely surprisingly, Srirangam continued to flourish as a holy island, even in the most troublesome times, and would continue to do so in future.
"The Holy Island" - on Srirangam
16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu
Sunday, 13th of October, 2024.
Maheeth Veluvali.
Impressive, God bless you
ReplyDeleteThank you
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