When Srirangam Went Into Exile: The 14th-Century Survival Story
Published by Orugallu Andhalu Introduction: When BhÅ«loka Vaikuṇá¹ha Faced History For centuries, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam stood as the foremost centre of ÅšrÄ« Vaiá¹£ ṇ ava worship in South India — a sacred city sustained by royal patronage, temple institutions, and uninterrupted ritual tradition. By the late Chola and Pandya periods, Srirangam had evolved into one of the wealthiest and most influential temple establishments of medieval India. Its vast enclosures, active festivals, scholarly institutions, and extensive endowments made it not only a religious centre but also an important socio-economic institution. However, the early fourteenth century marked a turning point in South Indian history. Political instability following the decline of the Pandya kingdom brought northern military campaigns into the Tamil region. During this turbulent period, Srirangam — revered in tradition as BhÅ«loka Vaiku ṇṠha , the earthly abode of Lord Ranganatha — experience...