Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple, / Tirupati Venkateswara Temple, /, Kanchipuram Varadharaja Perumal Temple, / Thiruvananthapuram Padmanabhaswamy Temple, /, Ahobilam Narasimha Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh, / Melkote Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple, Karnataka, / Tiruvellikeni Parthasarathy Temple, Chennai /, Srivilliputhur Andal Temple, Tamil Nadu, / Uppiliappan Temple, Tamil Nadu, / Kumbakonam Sarangapani Temple, Tamil Nadu, / Naimisharanya Devaraja Perumal Temple, Uttar Pradesh, / Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand, / Nanguneri Totadri Mutt, Tamil Nadu, / Thirukurungudi Vaishnava Nambi Temple, Tamil Nadu, / Thiruthankal Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Tamil Nadu, / Srirangapatna Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Karnataka, / Thirupullani Adi Jagannatha Perumal Temple, Tamil Nadu, / Muktinath Mukti Narayana Temple, Nepal, / Thiruvananthapuram Varkala Janardhana Swamy Temple, Kerala, / Tirukoshtiyur Sowmya Narayana Perumal Temple, Tamil Nadu, / Thiruvarangam Ranganatha Perumal Temple, Tamil Nadu, / Sirkazhi Thirukkolur Perumal Temple, Tamil Nadu, / Sundara Raja Perumal Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, / Dwarka Dwarkadheesh Temple, Gujarat, / Mathura Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Uttar Pradesh.
Introduction to the 108 Divya Deshams of Vaishnavas in India
The 108 Divya Deshams are the sacred temples of Lord Vishnu, revered by the followers of Sri Vaishnavism. These holy shrines are mentioned in the Divya Prabandham, the Tamil devotional hymns composed by the Alvars (Vaishnava saints) between the 6th and 9th centuries CE. These temples are considered the holiest abodes of Lord Vishnu and are spread across India and Nepal, with 106 Divya Deshams located on Earth and two in the celestial realm—Vaikuntha and Ksheer Sagar (the ocean of milk).
Each of these temples has unique legends, architecture, and spiritual significance, making them a vital part of Hindu pilgrimage traditions. Some of the most famous Divya Deshams include Srirangam (Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Tamil Nadu), Tirupati (Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh), Badrinath (Uttarakhand), Dwaraka (Gujarat), and Kanchipuram (Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Tamil Nadu).
These Vaishnava shrines are classified into different categories based on their geographical location:
- Chola Nadu (Tamil Nadu)
- Pandya Nadu (Tamil Nadu)
- Nadu Nadu (Tamil Nadu)
- Tondai Nadu (Tamil Nadu)
- Malai Nadu (Kerala)
- Vada Nadu (North India and Nepal)
Architectural Marvels Among the 108 Divya Deshams
Several Divya Deshams stand out not only for their spiritual significance but also for their exquisite architecture, reflecting the grandeur of ancient Indian temple design. Among them, Srirangam (Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Tamil Nadu) is the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world, known for its massive gopurams (gateway towers), intricate sculptures, and the sacred reclining Vishnu idol.
Tirupati (Venkateswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh) is famous for its Dravidian-style architecture, gold-plated sanctum, and richly adorned deity. Kanchipuram’s Varadaraja Perumal Temple (Tamil Nadu) showcases intricate stone carvings and the remarkable 100-pillared hall. Chidambaram Thiruvahindrapuram (Tamil Nadu) is admired for its Dravidian temple layout and beautifully sculpted deities.
Ulagalantha Perumal Temple (Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu) is known for its gigantic Vishnu idol in Vamana avatar, towering over the sanctum. Badrinath (Uttarakhand), located in the Himalayas, blends traditional North Indian wooden architecture with intricate gold-gilded structures. Nathdwara (Shrinathji Temple, Rajasthan) reflects Rajput-style artistry and detailed frescoes.
Dwaraka (Dwarkadhish Temple, Gujarat) stands as a marvel with its five-story sandstone structure and exquisitely carved spires. Thiruvananthapuram (Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kerala) is renowned for its Kerala-style architecture, murals, and intricate stone carvings, housing the world’s richest deity.
Finally, Srivilliputhur Andal Temple (Tamil Nadu) is recognized for its majestic gopuram, which serves as the official emblem of Tamil Nadu. These temples represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship, blending devotion with breathtaking artistic excellence.
Devotees believe that visiting all 108 Divya Deshams leads to moksha (liberation) and eternal bliss in Vaikuntha (the divine abode of Lord Vishnu). These temples not only serve as places of worship but also stand as architectural marvels and cultural treasures, reflecting centuries of devotion and heritage.
In this section, we will explore many of the Divya Deshams in detail, unraveling their history, significance, and spiritual essence.