The Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Ranganatha, a form of Vishnu, and Ranganayaki, a form of Lakshmi. Built in the Dravidian architectural style, it is praised by Tamil poet-saints, the Alvars, in the Naalayira Divya Prabhandam. Notably, it stands as the foremost among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu and is known as the largest temple compound in India, one of the largest worldwide.
Dating back to 100 BCE to 100 CE, Ranganathaswamy Temple has ancient roots with references found in stone inscriptions and texts, including the Ramayana. This historic temple has significantly influenced Vaishnava traditions, especially through 11th-century spiritual leaders like Ramanuja. Its island location between the Kollidam and Kaveri rivers exposed it to periodic flooding and invasions. Despite damage during the 14th-century Delhi Sultanate raid, the temple was later restored and fortified.
The temple complex covers an extensive area of 63 hectares, with 81 shrines, 21 towers, and multiple pavilions. Known as a UNESCO tentative World Heritage Site, it earned the UNESCO Asia Pacific Award for cultural conservation in 2017. The annual 21-day Margali festival attracts a million devotees, with rituals following the Tenkalai tradition of Sri Vaishnavism. Priests here observe Pancharatra traditions, belonging to Vadakalai and Tenkalai sects.
Historically, Ranganathaswamy Temple played a multifaceted role in medieval society, serving as a spiritual, educational, and charitable hub. The temple's extensive inscriptions reveal its support for schools, hospitals, a free kitchen, and infrastructure development. Its significance extends beyond religious devotion, embodying a legacy of community welfare and an influential cultural and economic institution in South Indian history.