Question

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, which is situated in Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to which deity?

• A. Lord Shiva
• B. Lord Vishnu
• C. Goddess Durga
• D. Goddess Lakshmi

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The Sri Ranganathswamy Temple in Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Additional Context:

• Located in Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli district, it is one of the most important Vishnu temples in India.
• Key features:
  • Largest functioning Hindu temple complex in the world (156 acres)
  • One of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred Vishnu temples)
  • Built in Dravidian architecture style with 7 concentric walls
• Deity specifics:
  • Main deity: Ranganatha (reclining form of Vishnu on Adishesha)
  • Also houses shrines for Lakshmi (as Ranganayaki) and other Vaishnavite deities
• Other options analysis:
  • Lord Shiva: Incorrect (though Tamil Nadu has many famous Shiva temples)
  • Goddess Durga/Lakshmi: While present, they are not the primary deities
• Historical significance:
  • Mentioned in Tamil literature dating back to 1st century CE
  • Survived multiple invasions due to its unique protective architecture

Correct Answer: (2) Lord Vishnu.