Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam is revered as the first and foremost of the 108 Divya Desams, sacred Vishnu temples praised by the Azhwar saints in the Divya Prabandham. Situated on the island of Srirangam between the rivers Kaveri and Kollidam in Tiruchirappalli, this magnificent temple is the largest functioning Hindu temple complex in the world, spanning 156 acres with seven concentric enclosures (prakarams) and 21 gopurams. The presiding deity, Sri Ranganatha Perumal, reclines on the serpent Adisesha in a yogic slumber facing south — a unique feature among Vishnu temples. This is the only Divya Desam celebrated by all twelve Azhwars in their hymns, and it serves as the headquarters of Sri Vaishnavism, playing a central role in the Bhakti movement. The annual Vaikunta Ekadasi festival draws millions of devotees who seek darshan through the Paramapada Vasal (Gate to Heaven).