Visiting Ragnathan Temple of Tamil Nadu was incidental. This was not on our scheduler, but since I came to know about the temple through a local magazine, I forced my guide Murlidharan to Lord Vishnu temple, Srirangam. Srirangam is an island formed by Cauvery river. The most revered of the 108 pilgrimage shrines of Visnu, and the largest temple complex in all of India, it is surrounded by seven concentric walls and 21 towers called Gopurams.

"Sir, as you know these group of temples are devoted to Vishnu and attract many Hindu pilgrims from all over the world. Not only devotees but many tourists also visit these temples just to capture the beauty of these temples" said Murldharan. " but you never planned it for me" I complained. " Actually, sir we already have so many places to cover, I might have missed it" apologized Murli.

Murli informed me that most of the temple complex standing today, including a grand hall of 1000 beautifully sculptured pillars, was constructed between the 14th and 17th centuries.

Exactly opposite to each Gopurams are the Agraharam , residence of Pundits/Poojaris ( Priests).The temple as such is so spaced out that if Murlidharan was not there to guide me I would have definitely got lost. I guess a walk to the temple every morning and evening would be a substitute for all the kinds of exercises.