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Nederlands (nl-NL) Embark on a timeless journey to Tiruchirappalli, the historical gem of Tamil Nadu, where the whispers of ancient India still echo. In just over 5 minutes, dive into the first capital of the Cholas, cradle of a millennium-old civilization. Behold the Ranganathaswamy Temple, the largest functioning temple in the world, where the sacred resonance of Hinduism vibrates in every stone. Bathe in the golden light that washes over its age-old walls. It is more than just a temple: it is a 'temple-city,' the soul of a people who have transcended centuries. Time seems to stand still, every moment a story of its own. Visit our page for riveting historical insights. Surrender to the call of the unknown, explore Tiruchirappalli: where history meets spirituality.
This film was made on the basis of photos and videos taken during the trip India • South India 2018 • Tamil Nadu and Kerala (EN)
Reading the text below will help you better understand the historical context of the sites shown in this video.
Tiruchirappalli
Tiruchirappalli is one of the oldest cities in the state of Tamil Nadu in the south east of India. It is even one of the oldest still inhabited cities in all of India. Written historical traces date back to the 3rd century BC, but everything suggests that the city is much older still.
What is nowadays a district of Tiruchirappalli town, Uraiyur, ft the capital of the first Cholas from the 3rd century BC. Ptolemy cites the city under the name of Orthoura in his work "Geography" in the 2nd century.
Like virtually all cities in this region, struggles between neighboring states caused regular dynasty changes. Tiruchirappalli passed successively into the hands of the Pallavas, the Pandyas, those of the Delhi Sultanate, or the Vijayanagar Empire, the Nayak dynasty and finally the British.
Ranganathaswamy temple
Ranganathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Ranganatha, a supreme avatar of Vishnu, who can be found in Srirangam, currently a district located on an island between the Cauvery River and its tributary Kollidam. It is sometimes called the temple of Srirangam. A first temple was in this place from the 3rd century BC, but was destroyed by bad weather and flooding from the river. The present temple was built towards the end of the first millennium AD.
It is one of the most beautiful temples in southern India. At the same time, it is the largest of all the temples in the world still in operation. In reality, Ranganathaswamy was more than just a temple. It was what might be called a "temple city".
about the place, Tiruchirappalli:
Tiruchirappalli is one of the oldest still inhabited cities in India. Its official history begins around the 3rd century BC. Among its main monuments is the magnificent Ranganathaswamy temple, which is said to be the largest temple in the world still in operation.
Spoken comments in the film:
In the city of Tiruchirappalli the island of Srirangam gave its name not only to the district but also to the largest working temple in the world.
The Srirangam temple (or Shrirangam or even Sri Ranganathaswamy) is also known under the name of Thiruvarangam.
It is not only the largest temple but also one of the most spectacular with its magnificent painted facades.
The colors of these painted statues would stand out better if our visit to the temple had not happened in the pouring rain ...
Music:
- YouTube video library - Argonne - Zachariah Hickman
- YouTube video library - Pachabelli
Disclaimer: Despite its appropriateness, copyright issues prevent the use of indian traditional music in "Tiruchirappalli, Srirangam Temple • Tamil Nadu, India", hence the use of royalty-free music. Despite our careful selection, some might regret this decision, which is necessary to avoid potential lawsuits. Although difficult, this decision is the only viable solution.
