Srirangam is an island and a part of the city of Tiruchirappalli, in South India. Srirangam is home to a significant population of Srivaishnavites (followers of Lord Vishnu) and is famous for its Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus and the largest temple complex in India.
Srirangam among a few “self-manifested” shrines (Swayam Vyakta Kshetras) of Lord Vishnu. The temple complex is enormous and has seven prakaras or enclosures. These enclosures are formed by thick and huge rampart walls which run round the sanctum. There are 21 magnificent towers in all prakaras providing a unique sight to any visitor. Srirangam is bounded by the Kaveri River (also known as Cauvery river) on one side, and the Kaveri distributary Kollidam on the other side.
Pavitra portrays a devotee who urges to seek a glimpse of Shri Ranga and hence starts his journey from Kaveri river, to the’ Garuda’. He merges with the Lord and becomes one with HIM. This production emphasizes on the elements of bhakti to the Lord and touches chapters like Kshetram , Thirtham , Mandiram , Pravesham , Darshanam , Anubhavam and utsavam.
What is the story of the reclining Lord? Through the most popular Krithi of Muthuswamy Dikshitar ‘Sri Ranga pura vihara’ Pavitra describes …..
Lord Ram after his aradhana to Vishnu’s idol in a reclining form, gifted the idol to Vibhishana after killing Ravana as a symbol of love and eternal protection on the condition that wherever the Idol was once placed that would be the permanent abode of the Idol. Seeing the Lord s idol taken to a kingdom of rakshasas, the petrified devas sent Shri Ganesh to solve the problem. Vibhishana found himself in a dilemma, he had to perform his evening pooja and could not keep the idol anywhere. Ganesha took the form of a shepherd and offered to help Vibhishana by holding the idol while Vibhishana performed his prayers. By the time Vibhishana returned, Ganesha had kept it on the ground and the idol had stretched in the Reclining form of Sri Ranganatha. Vibhishana persuaded the Lord to accompany him to Lanka, but the Lord refused. Lord Vishnu then gave his word to Vibhishana that he would watch over his kingdom and his glance would always be upon Lanka.