Adhirangam Ranganathaswamy temple

Adhirangam Ranganathaswamy is a Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu dedicated to a reclining form of Vishnu, featuring a statue nearly 9 meters (29 feet) in length. The grounds cover roughly 2 hectares (5 acres) and include smaller shrines, a temple tank, and courtyards separated by low stone walls with carved pillars lining the walkways.

Construction started under the Chola dynasty between the 9th and 13th centuries, when the region became a center for temple architecture. Later rulers from the Vijayanagara Empire expanded the structure by adding gateway towers and additional shrines, bringing the complex to its current form.

The name comes from Sanskrit and refers to Lord Ranganatha, a form of Vishnu that devotees recognize through the reclining posture. Priests perform six daily worship services that follow ancient Vedic traditions, beginning before dawn and continuing until evening.

The site opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 7:30 PM every day, with the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Tamil Nadu overseeing daily operations. Visitors should remove shoes before entering inner areas and wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

An old granary built from red bricks stands in the southeastern corner and once stored grain for distribution to the community. This structure shows how temples formerly served as social centers that provided food to those in need.