Ranga Kshetra
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Srirangam Thiruvarangam |
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|---|---|
| Suburb | |
 |
|
 Srirangam
Srirangam
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| Coordinates: 10°52′N 78°41′E / 10.87°N 78.68°ECoordinates: 10°52′N 78°41′E / 10.87°N 78.68°E | |
| Country | India |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| District | Tiruchirappalli |
| Elevation | 70 m (230 ft) |
| Population (2001) | |
| • Total | 181,556 |
| Language | |
| • Official | Tamil |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| PIN | 620006 |
| Telephone code | 91–431 |
| Vehicle registration | TN-48 |
| Website | http://srirangam.org/, http://srirangaminfo.com/ |
Srirangam (formerly Vellithirumutha gramam) (Thiruvarangam in Tamil) is an island and a part of the city of Tiruchirappalli, in South India.
Srirangam is bounded by the Kaveri River (also known as Cauvery river) on one side, and the Kaveri distributary Kollidam (Coleroon) on the other side. Srirangam is home to a significant population of Srivaishnavites (followers of Lord Vishnu).
Srirangam is famous for its Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus (especially Srivaishnavites) and the largest temple complex in India.
According to the temple's website, Srirangam can be considered the biggest functioning Hindu temple in the world, as it covers an area of about 631,000 square metres (6,790,000 sq ft) with a perimeter of 4 km (10,710 ft).Angkor Wat is bigger but non-functioning.
Srirangam among a few "self-manifested" shrines (Swayam Vyakta Kshetras) of Lord Vishnu. The temple complex is enormous and spans 156 acres (0.63 km2). It has seven prakaras or enclosures. These enclosures are formed by thick and huge rampart walls which run round the sanctum. There are 21 magnificent towers in all prakaras providing a unique sight to any visitor. The temple town lies on an islet formed by the twin rivers Cauvery and Coleroon.
The Srirangam temple complex is composed of 7 concentric walled sections and 21 towers gopuram. The southern gopuram of the temple, called the Rajagopuram, is 239.5 feet tall and, as of 2016, is the tallest in Asia. The construction of this Rajagopuram was begun during the reign of Achyuta Deva Raya of the Vijayanagara empire. However, construction was halted after his death and the structure of the rajagopuram remained incomplete for 400 years. The monumental task of completion of the rajagopuram was undertaken and completed successfully by Sri Vedanta Desika Yatheendra Mahadesikan, the 44th jeeyar of Sri Ahobila Matha. The construction was completed in a span of 8 years. The Rajagopuram was consecrated on 25 March 1987.
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Wikipedia