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:

Ramakrishnan said...

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

Cloudia said...

Boggles the modern mind!



Namaste & Aloha from Honolulu
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Rakesh Vanamali said...

Great post, as always!

Anonymous said...

ce temple a d'intéressantes sculptures

P.N. Subramanian said...

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

R Niranjan Das said...

Nice post and photos.

www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com

Magia da Inês said...

°♡彡¸.°

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

°♡彡¸.°.¸彡♡°

Jeevan said...

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!

Ranjana's craft blog said...

Yes this is a magnificent temple.

Lowell said...

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?

krishna said...

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

Maude Lynn said...

Amazing!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful architecture!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

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.

Pearl Maple said...

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

Steffi said...

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

Sylvia K said...

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

Pat said...

Amazing and intricate sculptures on this temple!

Unknown said...

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

Al said...

That is incredible, that first tower is massive!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful rock carvings here.

Carver said...

Very artistic and beautiful temple.

Indrani said...

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

Chubskulit Rose said...

Gorgeous sky. May you enjoy a great weekend.

Annemor said...

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

Leovi said...

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

Zuzana said...

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

lotusleaf said...

Beautiful pictures!

Haddock said...

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

Liz said...

Amazing structure. Happy sky watching.

Rain

Black Jack's Carol said...

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

lorik said...

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:)

ashok said...

fantastic images!

Lighthousegal said...

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!

eden said...

Great shots. CArvings are impressive.

Liz said...

Amazing art. Have a fabulous week.

Liz @ MLC
Liz @ YACB

Tito Eric said...

Magnificent carvings! Awesome.

Cheers … visiting from Shadow Shot Sunday

Tito Eric

Rajesh said...

Thank you all for appreciating this beautiful temple.

cassandrasminicorner said...

Amazing temple!

Visiting from MYM- hope you can stop by.

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

Jessica said...

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/

A Homemaker's Utopia said...

Amazing pics and a lovely place..:-)

Anonymous said...

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