The white gopuram East side entrance of the temple complex. Gopuram means Gate. White colour with the blue sky the colour combination is amazing. One can get the best view of the gopuram is from the main complex roof.

White is a symbol of purity and the white gopuram which is the Eastern Entrance to Srirangam temple is magnificient to behold and one would assume it is named because it is totally white. But there is a reason for this . We can call it a memorial for Vellayi ammal, In those days when Devadasis were recognised as an integral part of society they were associated with temples in several ways and danced during utsavams and daily for Perumal. Nrityam offering is one of the offerings made to Perumal. They served as spies and they played major roles in saving kingdoms and temples. When Srirangam temple was attacked by Muslims who plundered its wealth and killed indiscriminately great were the sacrifices of devotees who protected Divyamangala murthis either by burrying them or taking them to safe places braving the vagaries of weather and other dangers. So also many manuscripts were saved in several ways. But everything is time bound and Vellayi a temple dancer enticed the attacker by dressing up in all finery and dancing for hours continually. Finally she took him up the temple tower on the eastern side and pushed the leader down and jumped down killing herself. The confusion that followed helped the devotees take Perumal to a safe distance. So the gopuram was painted totally white as her name was Vellayi. When we see this gopuram or cross it we should remember this great soul as also thousands of devotees who lost their lives to give us this magnificent temple and our Ranga and this beautiful town of Srirangam.

Iconic white colored Eastern tower 🗼 of Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Srirangam.

You have see this Gopuram at the right light to understand the beauty of it. It's being told that this tower is named after Vellaiammal who helped saving the idols from the Mughals. In honor of her this tower is named after her.

Place is easy to find and one must read about why this Gopuram / tower is always painted white while rest of them are colourful. Srirangam - for those travelling from Bangalore - is always hot and hotter, however once your learn the ignore the heat - one can sense the peace and space even in crowded streets.

Clean......can someone tell us, why this gopuram alone in white color painted?

Its one among the best gopuram in south Indian its gigantic stand will praise the sculptures, tradition and architecture of south

This gopuram entrance is easy to enter tempe,and ramanuja sannidhi on left, and rt side ramula varu,straight entering temple.

The second Rajagopuram of the Sri Rangam temple. This 13 storied tower is not just a tower but a symbol of devotion and responsibility by a Devdasi. She helped in protecting the Gods ornaments and in the act post her life. She is greatly remembered by naming this after her by the then kings. Unlike many towers

This is the east entrance to temple preferred by locals providing easy access to all the key sannidhis with minimum walking compared to the south entrance (Raja gopuram) and vadakku vasal ( thayar sannidhi). Also more options for car parking and nearest to all leading guest houses . There is an interesting history of the sacrifice of dasi Velliamma in entycing the invading Muslim general Mallik to top of the tower, pushing him to death and following him herself. In her memory this tower is always maintained white.

This gopuram can be seen nect to the thousand pillar mandapam. As per the legend, it is named after Vellaiammal who helped saving the idols from the Mughal invaders.

Very peaceful temple Walked around the temple and felt a calm and serene atmosphere Very good for evening walk and vellai Gopuram is beautiful Would request Srirangam Devasthanam to arrange mats around the temple walk area as in afternoon Dharshan very hard to walk in scorching Sun and the floor is hot Else everything is fine and peaceful Sri Ranga Sri Ranga Sri Ranga Om namo narayanaya

Divine place... facing east is special

White Gopuram looks beautiful under blue sky.

Very Very Very Beautiful Thoughts About My Best Visiting Devine Full Shrine.

East entrance to the temple

The structure is stunning! And with the sand around it to sit at and appreciate it, it's a good experience!