SRIRANGAM

The third parkara measuring 767x295 enshrines in it many lakes and temples, like Kodandaramalaya, Suryapushksini along with the sublime residence of Ramanujacharya.  Another plus point it has, is the Delhi Tower, which has a legend.  The belief is current that Sri Ranganatha image was brought from Delhi with jewels and diamonds including Kohinoor. Hence greater pull.  The second parakara measuirng by 503x240, called Virajarati contains many shrines.  Its northern door becomes extremely pious and infinitely popular due to the Utsavamurthi is brought and adored here during the Vaikunta Ekadasi, when lakhs of devotees enter the sanctum sanctorum after prayer to it normally.

Moreover, it houses the much-visited Dolotsava Hall, kitchen - Srivari potu etc. And then comes the first prakara going by the name of Tirupagude and measures 240 x 181.  It is in this Lord Ranganatha lying in the recumbent pose gives darsan to the devotees and showers benedictions to their satisfaction.  It has many unique features and legends.  This garbha built in the Pranavakarahas gold plated silver doors.  This grand Karuvarai was built by King Tataparmana of Madura in 1260 AD. Just opposite this lies Chandana mantapa.  It houses several gold images, like Kanakasita, Chokkanathanyaka etc. Another one called Alwar Sannidhi here, houses Revati mantap. 

Among the several mandapas, Garuda mandapa, Kamba Mandapa deserve visit. The finest architectural beauty adorning the thousand pillared Hill is a feast of the art-lovers.  The dome of the Karuvarai is made of gold and its glitter sends thrills in the spines of the viewers.  With such unique wealth, both spiritual and sculptural, it has been holding a special grip on the theists since the Tretayuga and with the passage of time it is growing in all directions.

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]