Srirangam The Abode of Sri Ranganatha- Lakshmi Devnath

The Divya Desa Srirangam carries the epithet ‘Periya’ (big) to describe its various features: ‘Periya Koyil’ (big temple), ‘Periya Perumal’ (Great Lord), ‘Periya Piratti (Great Mother), ‘Perarangam’ (big stage), ‘Periya taligai’ (huge food offering), ‘Periya melam’ (big musical ensemble) and Periya Tiruppaniyarangal (big savories) – the adjective ‘big’ does seem synonymous of the temple town of Srirangam and all its related aspects.

To the Sri Vaishnavas, the word ‘Koyil’ signifies only one temple in the world and that is the temple of Srirangam. It is glorified as being exclusive in three aspects: Extremelyimportant for a place of worship –- ‘Sthala’ (place), ‘Moorthy’ (image) and ‘Tirtha’ (water).

It is said that the Lord chose this place as his earthly abode. The deity is a sculptural masterpiece untouched by human hands and the waters of the river Kaveri sanctify the place. Does one need further justification? The temple of Srirangam not only shines as a crest jewel amongst the one hundred and eight Divyadesas (temples sung on by the Alvars) but also occupies a special place in the hearts of both ardent devotees and the general populace. A devotee when he visits any of the Divyadesas, chants with great fervour (not just once but twice) –

© "Nrisimhapriya" (July, 2003) published by Sri Nrisimhapriya Trust, # 30, Venkatesa Agraharam, Sri Desika Bhavanam, Mylapore, Chennai 600 004. Website:www.ahobilamutt.org. Reprinted with permission.

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