Srirangam temple in Trichy, Tamil Nadu is one of the important self-manifested shrines (Swayam Vyakta Kshetras) of Lord Vishnu. It is called the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple or Thiruvarangam, it is glorified in the Thiviya Pirabandham, the early medieval Tamil literature canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th to 9th centuries AD and is counted among the 108 Divya Desams. As per Wikipedia the main entrance, known as the Rajagopuram (the royal temple tower), goes up to 239.501 feet; Srirangam temple is often listed as the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world, occupying an area of 156 acres. 

Producing a book about such a large temple, with stories, traditions, architecture that are several centuries long, is not an easy task; it has to be a herculean work which Dr.Chitra Madhavan has done with ease. Dr.Chitra Madhavan is a renowned researcher and author on Temple Architecture, Indian History and Culture. She has been conducting a series of talks about Temples in South India including one recently about Temples in Chennai.

I purchased the recently published book “Srirangam – Heaven on Earth” by Chitra Madhavan. Colourful, informative, spiritual, historical are some of the words to describe the book. Every page is a visual treat.

Srirangam – Heaven on Earth by Chitra Madhavan

Sudharshana sanctum in Srirangam temple

The Rs.600 priced book is available at Srirangam temple and in Chennai at Universal Publishing, 69, Royapettah High Rd, 142 IOA Building; Phone: 9840789096.

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