Sri Ranganathaswamy: World's Largest Temple, Lord Vishnu's South-Facing Mystery

• Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, near Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, is a UNESCO-recognized Vaishnava Divya Desam, revered as 'Bhoologa Vaikuntam' (Vaikuntam on Earth).
• The reclining idol of Lord Vishnu uniquely faces south, believed to be a promise to Vibhishana to protect Lanka.
• It is the world's largest temple, featuring a 236-foot, 13-tiered gopuram, 7 enclosures, 21 gopurams, and a 1000-pillar hall.
• Dating back to the 2nd century, its architecture reflects influences from Chola, Pandya, Vijayanagara, and other dynasties.
• Worship here is believed to fulfill desires and grant liberation from sins, with an elephant essential for rituals.

Why It Matters: Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is a unique, world's largest Vaishnava site with a south-facing idol and rich history.