Which one among the following is a temple of the Vaishnavite tradition ?
- A.Srirangam
- B.Chidambaram
- C.Gangaikonda Cholapuram
- D.Thanjavur
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is A, Srirangam. The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, on an island between the Kaveri and Kollidam rivers near Tiruchirappalli, is dedicated to Vishnu as Ranganatha reclining on the serpent Adishesha. It is the first and foremost of the 108 Divya Desams praised by the Alvars, the Vaishnava saint-poets of Tamil Nadu, and the great teacher Ramanuja spent much of his life there. It is also one of the largest functioning temple complexes in India, with seven concentric enclosures. Option B is wrong because Chidambaram is famous as the temple of Shiva as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. Option C is wrong because the temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram was built by Rajendra Chola I and is dedicated to Shiva. Option D is wrong because the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, built by Rajaraja Chola I, is also a Shiva temple. Exam tip: Srirangam belongs to Vishnu as Ranganatha, the Alvars and Ramanuja; Chidambaram belongs to Shiva as Nataraja.
Practice Questions
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