Sri Rangam Temple: The Jewel of Chozha Naadu Bhooloka Vaikundam

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• November 25, 2025
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🏛️ Architectural Grandeur and Spiritual Significance
This sprawling temple complex is an architectural marvel, occupying a massive area of almost 155 1/2 acres, with a perimeter extending for 6 miles.
• Seven Prakaarams (Circumambulatory Paths): The temple is enclosed by seven large walls, which are symbolically referred to as the seven worlds. Each wall contains a corresponding street (Thiruveedhi):
o 7th Wall: Outer wall, 3072 ft long and 2521 ft wide.
o 7th Thiruveedhi: “Chitthirai Thiruveedhi” (featuring large houses and bungalows).
o 6th Prakaaram: “Thiru vikraman thiruveedhi.”
o 5th Prakaaram: “Agalangan Thiru veedhi.”
o 4th Prakaaram: “Aalinaadan Thiruveedhi.”
o 3rd Prakaaram: “Kulasekaran Thiruveedhi.”
o 2nd Prakaaram: “Raja Mahendran.”
o 1st Prakaaram (Innermost): “Dharma Varman Thiru chuttru,” where the Moolavar resides.
• Gopurams (Temple Towers): The temple boasts a total of 21 magnificent gopurams. The famous main gopuram, weighing a staggering 24,880 tons, holds the distinction of being the biggest gopuram in Asia.

🙏 Deities and Divine Posture
The main deity, Moolavar, is known as Sri Ranganathan, also fondly called Periya Perumal, Nam Perumal, and Azagiya Manavalan.
• Kidantha Kolam (Reclining Posture): Lord Ranganathan is seen in a magnificent reclining posture (Kidantha Kolam), facing the South direction (towards Lanka), giving seva (divine sight) to devotees.
• Unique Significance of the Posture: The Lord rests on the five-headed Aadhi Seshan. His unique positioning—stretching his legs toward the East (sun’s upcoming side), with his right hand as a pillow, and his left hand pointing to his feet—signifies that his feet are the ultimate destination for all Jeevathmas (souls).
• Consort (Thayaar): The divine consort is Sri Ranga Nayaki (Ranga Nayakiyaar).
• Festival Deity (Utsavar): The processional deity is Namperumal.

📜 Sthala Puranam: The Promise to Cauvery
The temple’s history is deeply intertwined with River Cauvery. A dispute arose between Ganga and Cauvery over who was superior. Lord Narayanan promised Cauvery that He would sleep on her bank, and at that time, she would hold a position higher than Ganga (who originates from His feet) by becoming the garland (Maalai) on His chest.
The Thiru Aranga Vimaanam (the temple structure) was originally given by Lord Rama to King Vibeeshan. While attempting to take it to Lanka, Vibeeshan paused at the banks of the Cauvery to worship it. Lord Ranganathan, honoring his promise to Cauvery, declared that He would not move from the spot to purify the river. However, to console the saddened Vibeeshan, the Lord promised to always face the South direction (towards Lanka). Even today, it is believed that the Lord’s eyes are fixed on Sri Lanka.

🌟 Temple Specials and Alwar Contributions
This temple holds several unique distinctions:
• Mangalasasanam by All Alwars: Except for Madhurakavi Alwar, all 11 Alwars have sung praises (Mangalasasanam) to the Lord here, totaling 246 divine Paasurams.
o Notable contributors: Thirumangai Alwar (72 Paasurams), Thondaradipodi Alwar (55 Paasurams), Periyalwar (31 Paasurams), and Kulasekara Alwar (31 Paasurams).
• Sacred Birth and Mukthi Sthalam:
o Birthplace: Udayavar (Ramanujar’s Guru) Periyanambigal, Buttar, Vadakuthiruveethi Pillai, and Pillai Lokachariyar.
o Paramapatha Sthalam (Attained Salvation): Kulasekara Alwar, Thondaradipodi Alwar, Soodikodutha Naachi Aandal, Thuluka Naachiyaar, Udayavar (Ramanujar), and Thirupaan Alwar.
• The Sannadhi of Sri Dhanvanthri: Uniquely, this temple features a rare separate shrine for Sri Dhanvanthri (God of Medicine).
• Arayar Seva: The traditional musical recitation of the Naalayira Divya Prabandham (Arayar Seva) was founded here by Naathamuni.
• Kamba Ramayanam Incident: The great poet Kambar first presented his renowned work, Kamba Ramayanam, including the controversial Iranya Vadhai Padalam (the slaying of Hiranya by Lord Narasimha), at the Nallu Kaal Mandapam in front of the Mettu Azhagiyasinger (Narasimha) Sannadhi. The Lord Himself intervened to approve its inclusion.

🧘 Sri Ramanujar’s Eternal Presence
The temple is inextricably linked to Sri Ramanujar (Udayavar, Yathirajar).
• He attained paramapadham (left his body) in Sri Rangam.
• His physical body is miraculously preserved and is kept in a separate Sannadhi, seated, with eyes open, offering blessings—a unique phenomenon protected by a special oil (thaylam).
• The artistic works related to Sri Ramanujar on the temple floors lead devotees to practice washing their feet before entering the main Sannadhi, as a mark of respect.

To plan your ultimate spiritual journey to this magnificent ‘Bhooloka Vaikundam,’ the Sri Rangam Temple, and for bespoke travel packages, Please visit https://renghaholidays.com/. For immediate assistance and personalized tour details, you can reach us directly at 7708894141
Phone: 0431 243 2246