Why Srirangam?
Srirangam, the foremost of the eight self-manifested shrines (Swayam Vyakata Kshetras ) of Lord Vishnu
Sri Renganatha Swamy temple, established in a 156 acre land, is a great vaishnavite temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is also considered the first, foremost and the most important of the 108 main Vishnu temples. This temple is also known as Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Periyakoil, Bhoologa Vaikundam and Bhogamandabam. The enclosures are guarded by thick and huge rampart walls. There are 21 magnificent and huge towers.
This temple lies on an islet formed by the twin rivers Cauvery and Coleroon. This temple underwent many changes during the rule of Cholas, Cheras, Pandiyas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar kings and Nayak of Madurai. The temple is located 12 kms From Central Bus Stand and 5 kms from Chathiram Bus Stand. Trichy. Government and private bus services is available to reach Srirangam.
Festivals
My favorite festivals in Srirangam temple
Vaikunta Ekadashi
Pagal Pathu (10 day time) and Ra Pathu (10 night time) festival is celebrated in the month of Margazhi (December - January) for twenty days. The first ten days are referred as Pagal-Pathu (10-day time festival) and the second half as Ra Pathu (10 day night-time festival). The first day of Ra pathu is Vaikunta Ekadashi.The eleventh day of each fortnight in Hindu calendar is called ekadasi and the holiest of all ekadasis as per Vaishnavite tradition is the Vaikuntha Ekadashi
What I like about it
It is believed as per Hindu mythology that 33 crores of gods come down to witness the event
Jyestabishekam
Jyestabishekam (first of anointing) is an annual three day festival celebrated at the temple[120] during the Tamil month of aani (June - July).On each day of the festival the deities are adorned with different kavacham or armours once the golden armour is ceremoniously removed. On the first day the deities are adorned with a diamond armour, on the second day a pearl armour, and on the third day a gold armour.[120
What I like about it
The lord and his consorts are attired in different kavacham (armours) on each of these days.
Brahmotsavam
Brahmotsavam (Prime festival) is held during the Tamil month of Panguni (March - April). The preliminaries like ankurarpanam, rakshabandhanam, bheri thadanam, dhwajarohanam and the sacrificial offerings in the yagasala are gone through as usual. The processions go round the Chitrai street in the evenings. On the second day, the deity is taken to a garden inside the temple.
What I like about it
The deity is taken in a palanquin through the river Kaveri to a village on the opposite shore namely Jiyarpuram on the third day