Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple — near Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. On Srirangam island. World's largest functioning Hindu temple. 156 acres.
First of 108 Divya Desams. Vishnu in Anant-shayan pose. Ramanujacharya's main site.
✦ Features
7 prakaras (walls).
21 gopurams.
Main gopuram (south): 236 ft — Asia's tallest.
UNESCO nominated.
Built by Chola-Pandya-Hoysala-Vijayanagara dynasties.
Garuda mandapam: 16th century.
1000-pillar hall.
✦ Darshan
Hours: 6 AM — 1 PM, 3 — 9 PM.
Sanctum: 4 darshan slots.
VIP: ₹250. Abhishek: ₹500-1500.
Utsavarthi special darshan.
Nitya kalyanam.
✦ Special Festivals
Vaikuntha Ekadashi (Margashirsh Shukla): heaven-door darshan. 2026: 1 January.
21-day Brahmotsavam.
Rath yatra.
Pagal-pathu-Irapathu festival: 21 days.
✦ Access
Tiruchirappalli rail + airport.
Chennai 320 km.
Madurai 130 km. Tanjore 60 km.
Tanjore + Trichy + Madurai 3-day trip.
📚Sources & References
Content in this article is verified against the following classical and modern authoritative sources. Readers may independently verify against the original sources.
- ▪Surya Siddhanta — classical Sanskrit astronomical text (~5th century CE)
- ▪Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra — foundational text on Vedic astrology by Maharishi Parashara
- ▪Muhurta Chintamani by Ram Daivajna (16th century) — standard reference for muhurat selection
- ▪Astronomical Algorithms by Jean Meeus (Willmann-Bell, 1998) — basis for all astronomical computations on this site
- ▪Lahiri Ayanamsa — standard sidereal reference adopted by the Indian Calendar Reform Committee (1955)
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
First of 108 Divya Desams?▼
12 Alvars (Vaishnav saints) sang 108 divine sites. Srirangam supreme, called "Bhu-Vaikuntha".
Vaikuntha Ekadashi special?▼
This day north door (Vaikuntha door) opens. Belief: death this day = guaranteed moksha.
🔗Related Topics
Note: This content is published for educational and cultural reference. For personal religious or astrological decisions, please consult a qualified pandit or jyotishi.