Thursday, August 9, 2012

Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Srirangam

On the island-town of Srirangam is the huge Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple. This temple built around 13th and 14th century has 21 magnificent towers around it. These towers are in four directions and one in the South is 236 feet is tall. It is said that from the top of this tower one can see coast of Sri Lanka.



In the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, apart from the main shrine there are several mandapams, tanks and mini shrines in the temple complex. This temple was initially built by rulers of Chola dynasty. It was further developed by rulers of Vijaynagar and Nayaks.



There are several pillars in the temple with sculptures similar to huge horses with warriors on them. The details on no two pillars are identical. Even at the base of the pillars are several carvings.




There are many more carvings in the temple, each depicting their own tale.



This carving on the side of one of the pillars, depicts Vishnu's incarnation as the man-lion. Here Lord is tearing apart demon with his hands to save his devotee from the daemon.

More sculptures at 1, 2 

42 comments:

  1. The majestic Rajagopuram at Srirangam towers above everything else and is visible from far off.The sculptures & architecture are magnificent !

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  2. Boggles the modern mind!



    Namaste & Aloha from Honolulu
    Comfort Spiral
    <(-'.'-)>

    > < } } ( ° >

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  3. Great post, as always!

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  4. Anonymous11:25

    ce temple a d'intéressantes sculptures

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  5. Are we permitted to climb the tower? A good post.

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  6. Nice post and photos.

    www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com

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  7. °♡彡¸.°

    Isso é tão bonito!
    Um lindo dia, com muito sol, saúde e paz!!...
    Beijinhos do Brasil.

    °♡彡¸.°.¸彡♡°

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  8. It is said that only from the temple tower of Rameshwaram, one can see the coast of Sri Lanka... not Srirangam!

    Excellent capture on the temple tower and rock carvings!

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  9. Yes this is a magnificent temple.

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  10. Again, absolutely amazing. I like the colors in the first two shots. The carvings are delicious. How many thousands of these temples are there in India?

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  11. excellent post... i love to travel in India through you blog...

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  12. Anonymous23:35

    Wonderful architecture!

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  13. So detailed and intricate -- one could spend a lot of time here looking at all of the different stories depicted in the carvings.

    The idea of an "island town" is intriguing.

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  14. Those towers are masters of construction with all those dedcortive features, thanks for sharing with Sky Watch Friday

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  15. Fantastic photos,Rajesh!Thank you for sharing and have a nice weekend!

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  16. Such an awesome, incredible temple and your photos are superb, Rajesh! You do capture the detail so perfectly! Wonderful! Have a great weekend!

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  17. Amazing and intricate sculptures on this temple!

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  18. Stunning architecture and carving!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  19. That is incredible, that first tower is massive!

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  20. Anonymous01:53

    Beautiful rock carvings here.

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  21. Very artistic and beautiful temple.

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  22. I too was there some time back. Great captures. I want to be there again.

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  23. Gorgeous sky. May you enjoy a great weekend.

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  24. Once more you show me wonderful pictures.
    Thank you.
    Mormor

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  25. Yes, very nice pictures, excellent framing and beautiful colors, I like this temple, I would definitely like to visit this beautiful place. Greetings.

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  26. I wish I could travel as much as you do.;) The first image reminds me of a pyramid.;) Have a nice weekend,
    xoxo

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  27. Beautiful pictures!

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  28. Still amazed at the way they did those carvings on solid rock in those days.

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  29. Amazing structure. Happy sky watching.

    Rain

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  30. That first shot really gives a sense of the amazing height of the temple, and the carvings are spectacular!

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  31. Beautiful! I haven't visited this place but I wish I had (or could). I enjoy looking at your pictures of India. Reminds me of my younger travelling days:)

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  32. fantastic images!

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  33. Wonderful photos. The Temple is both beautiful and interesting. The details of the structure and carvings is amazing. Thank you for sharing it with us!

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  34. Great shots. CArvings are impressive.

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  35. Amazing art. Have a fabulous week.

    Liz @ MLC
    Liz @ YACB

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  36. Magnificent carvings! Awesome.

    Cheers … visiting from Shadow Shot Sunday

    Tito Eric

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  37. Thank you all for appreciating this beautiful temple.

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  38. Amazing temple!

    Visiting from MYM- hope you can stop by.

    http://www.sweetposh.info/2012/08/owl-design-lunch-bag.html

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  39. wow! what a beautiful temple :-) gorgeous shots too :-) Dropping by from MYM

    http://www.kidsnpet.com/2012/08/feed-the-animals-with-whole-yellow-corn/

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  40. Amazing pics and a lovely place..:-)

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  41. Anonymous14:11

    Even I visited this temple last saturday and it was amazing to see such an old temple..Nice Clicks.. :-)

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