Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is surrounded by seven massive concentric walls, forming seven protective ramparts, or prakarams. Each wall is built in a distinct architectural style, making it different from most other temples in India. Built during the Chola period in the first century AD, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple was expanded and renovated during the Chola, Pandya, Hoysala, and Vijayanagara dynasties.
The temple hall has more than 1,000 stone pillars intricately carved with dancing fairies, mythological figures and many other ornate motifs. The pillars were built of granite during the Vijayanagara period (1336-1565). The temple hall is designed in a theatrical style with wide walkways and rows of pillars arranged in a harmonious layout. Thanks to its large space, it was once a place for religious ceremonies and community events. According to UNESCO, although the temple is also called "1,000 pillars", the actual number is 953.
This religious architectural complex also owns more than 50 temples, 9 sacred lakes and is surrounded by the Kaveri River - likened to "Dakshin Ganga", the Ganges River of southern India.
From the outside, the temple stands out with its colorful Gopuram towers. Gopurams are a hallmark of Dravidian architecture with their vibrant colors and intricate carvings. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple has a total of 21 Gopuram towers, each with its own distinct character and harmonious combination.
Rajagopuram Tower is the main and tallest tower of the temple. It is also considered a "colorful masterpiece". The tower is carved with statues of male and female gods, epic characters and sacred animals.
Entering the temple, visitors will see the statue of Ranganath Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu - carved in a relaxed position on the serpent Ananta. The statue is painted black and decorated with fresh flowers, silk, and jewelry. In addition, the temple also has an area dedicated to Goddess Ranganayaki, an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, wife of Lord Vishnu.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is unlike other traditional temples that have only one main sanctum. The temple complex is built like a small self-sufficient city, which is both a place of worship and a place for people to live. Inside the temple complex, there are many areas such as a market, a place to worship deities, a priest's house and a house for people.
TH (according to VnExpress)Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/den-gan-1-000-cot-o-an-do-406432.html
Comment (0)