Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple: A 700-Year-Old City-Temple in Southern India

The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in southern India is one of the world's largest religious complexes, spanning 600,000 square meters with over 100 buildings. Built approximately 700 years ago in the Dravidian architectural style, it is dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Vishnu. The temple-city is defended by seven concentric walls and features the 72-meter-tall Rajagopuram tower at its entrance. Gopuram towers mark the four cardinal directions, decreasing in height toward the main sanctuary. Non-Hindus may only access up to the fourth wall. The temple sits on an island between the Kaveri and Kollidam rivers.