- Deity
- Vishnu as Sri Ranganatha, reclining on Adisesha
- Where
- Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
- Time to keep
- 1 day
- Best season
- October to March; Vaikunta Ekadasi in December–January
Why this temple matters
The first and foremost of the 108 Divya Desams sacred to Vishnu, and one of the largest functioning temple complexes in the world. Srirangam sits on an island between the Kaveri and Kollidam rivers, and its seven enclosures hold a whole temple town.
The story
The image of Ranganatha is said to have been worshipped by Rama's ancestors. Rama gave it to Vibhishana, who was carrying it to Lanka. When he set it down here, it could not be moved again, and the Lord chose to remain, facing south towards Lanka.
What to look for
- The Rajagopuram, one of the tallest temple towers in Asia
- Seven concentric prakarams (enclosures), the outer ones full of homes and shops
- The Sesharaya mandapam with its rearing horse pillars
- The shrine of Ramanujacharya, who lived and taught here
Festivals and when to go
- Vaikunta Ekadasi (December–January), when the Paramapada Vasal (gate of heaven) is opened
- Panguni Uthiram
- Brahmotsavams through the year
The practical truth
- On Vaikunta Ekadasi the crowds are immense. Plan and book well ahead.
- Traditional dress is preferred. There is a lot of walking between the enclosures.
- The Jambukeswarar temple at Thiruvanaikaval, the water element among the Pancha Bhoota sthalams, is next door.
Timings, rules and festival dates change. We confirm the current details for every yatra.
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