Which one among the following is a temple of the Vaishnavite tradition ?
Srirangam
Understanding Vaishnavite Temples in South India
The question asks to identify which of the listed temples belongs to the Vaishnavite tradition. In Hinduism, the Vaishnavite tradition is centered around the worship of Lord Vishnu as the supreme being. This is distinct from the Shaivite tradition, which focuses on Lord Shiva.
Examining the Temple Options
Let's look at each option provided:
- Srirangam: The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, is a world-famous temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu. It is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites for followers of Vaishnavism, particularly the Sri Vaishnava school.
- Chidambaram: The Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram is dedicated to Lord Nataraja, the dancing form of Lord Shiva. This temple is a major center of worship for the Shaivite tradition.
- Gangaikonda Cholapuram: The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram was built during the Chola period and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is another prominent example of a Shaivite temple.
- Thanjavur: The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, also known as the "Big Temple," is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the largest and most famous Shaivite temples in South India.
Identifying the Vaishnavite Temple
Based on the primary deity worshipped in each temple, we can classify them by tradition:
- Srirangam - Lord Vishnu (Ranganatha) - Vaishnavite
- Chidambaram - Lord Shiva (Nataraja) - Shaivite
- Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Lord Shiva (Brihadeeswarar) - Shaivite
- Thanjavur - Lord Shiva (Brihadeeswarar) - Shaivite
Therefore, among the given options, the temple that belongs to the Vaishnavite tradition is Srirangam.
| Temple | Primary Deity | Religious Tradition |
|---|---|---|
| Srirangam | Lord Ranganatha (Vishnu) | Vaishnavite |
| Chidambaram | Lord Nataraja (Shiva) | Shaivite |
| Gangaikonda Cholapuram | Lord Brihadeeswarar (Shiva) | Shaivite |
| Thanjavur | Lord Brihadeeswarar (Shiva) | Shaivite |
Revision Table: Comparing Temple Traditions
| Tradition | Central Deity | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Vaishnavite | Lord Vishnu and his avatars | Worship of Vishnu as the supreme being, devotion (Bhakti) |
| Shaivite | Lord Shiva | Worship of Shiva as the supreme being, asceticism, yoga |
Additional Information: Famous Temples and Their Deities
South India is home to many famous temples, each with its own history and presiding deity. Understanding whether a temple is Vaishnavite or Shaivite helps in appreciating the diversity of Hindu traditions.
- Besides Srirangam, other major Vaishnavite temples include the Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, the Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram, and the Guruvayur Temple in Kerala.
- Key Shaivite temples include the Rameshwaram Temple, the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Thiruvannamalai, and the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai (primarily Shiva's consort Parvati, but also has a Shiva shrine and is strongly linked to the Shaivite tradition).
- Many large temple complexes might have shrines for deities from different traditions, but they are usually known by the primary deity of the main sanctum.
Recognizing the presiding deity is key to identifying the tradition a temple belongs to.
Similar Questions
Which one of the following is the common element between the Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora and the Shore Temple at Mamallapuram?
Consider the following statements about votive inscriptions in the second century BC:
1. They record gifts made to religious institutions
2. They tell us about the idea of transference of the meritorious results of the action of one person to another person
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?- With reference to the Mesolithic art in India, consider the following statements :
1. Alexander Burns discovered the first rock paintings in India at Sohagighat in Uttar Pradesh.
2. Bhimbetka rock paintings were discovered when archaeologist V.S. Wakankar noticed the rocks out of a train window while travelling from Bhopal to Itarsi and got off at the nearest railway station to explore the site.
3. The paintings and engravings do not exist in the same shelter in the rock art of Orissa.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Which kingdom did the temple of Hazara Rama belong to?
- With reference to the Ranigumpha Cave (Odisha), consider the following statements :
1. Ranigumpha Cave is plain and contains no murals or sculptures.
2. Ranigumpha Cave is two-storeyed.
3. Ranigumpha Cave consists of an oval courtyard.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? Who designed the Bombay Secretariat in the 1870s?
Which one of the following has been an important early Chola painting discovered at the Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur in 1931?
Which one of the following statements about the Elephanta Island is correct?
Consider the following statements:
1. Dasavatara temple at Deogarh is a Gupta period building
2. Bhitargaon temple is built of dressed stone
Which of the above statements is/are correct?The term 'Pendentive' refers to which form of Indian architecture?
Important Questions from Architecture
The idols of Lord Jagnnath, Subhadra and Balbhadra in sanctum sanctorum at Jagannath Puri Temple are made up of
At which place Jajalladev Mahotsava organised?
What is the other name of the Sati temple located in Keshkal valley of this State ?
With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements :
1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.
2. It is the only circular temple built in India.
3. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region
4. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the India Parliament building.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Which one of the following statements is correct?
