On Srirangam, an island between the Kaveri and Kollidam rivers at Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), stands the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple — one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world and Trichy's best-known landmark.
A temple town within walls
The temple is dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Vishnu, and is revered as the first of the 108 Divya Desams sacred to Vaishnavites. It covers around 156 acres within seven concentric enclosures: the inner ones form the temple itself, while the outer ones are streets of homes, shops and markets.
Its Rajagopuram, the main gateway tower, rises around 73 metres and was completed in 1987, making it one of the tallest temple towers in Asia.
What not to miss
- The Rajagopuram, seen from the street as you approach.
- The thousand-pillared hall, with its carved granite columns.
- The temple's many gopurams — there are 21 in all.
- The bustle of the outer streets, which are part of the temple complex.
Good to know
Dress modestly, and leave your footwear outside. Some inner areas are open to Hindus only.
Staying nearby
Hyderspark Hotel Trichy is coming soon. Until it opens, Hyderspark Hotel Thanjavur is about an hour's drive away.
