Sriperumbudur

Sriperumbudur is a historic town located about 40 km from Chennai. Today, the busy Chennai–Bengaluru highway and industrial development dominate much of its surroundings. But the town has two very different stories to tell.

For followers of Sri Vaishnavism, Sriperumbudur is revered as the birthplace of Sri Ramanuja, the great philosopher and theologian. The Adi Kesava Perumal Temple is closely associated with him and remains the town's most important religious landmark.

Sriperumbudur is also remembered for a tragic event in India's recent history. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated here on 21 May 1991. A large memorial now stands at the site.

A centuries-old temple and a modern national memorial make Sriperumbudur an unusual place to explore.

This page brings together the places I have visited in Sriperumbudur. More will be added as I continue exploring the town and its surroundings.

Places of Worship

Adi Kesava Perumal Temple

Adi Kesava Perumal Temple is dedicated to Vishnu and is closely associated with Sri Ramanuja, who was born in Sriperumbudur.

A separate shrine for Ramanuja is one of the most important parts of the temple. The golden mandapa in front of his shrine, with four kalasas representing the four Vedas, is another feature worth noticing.

For many visitors, Sriperumbudur is first and foremost Ramanuja's town.

Memorials

Rajiv Gandhi Memorial

The Rajiv Gandhi Memorial marks the site where the former Prime Minister was assassinated during an election campaign in 1991.

Today, the place is a landscaped memorial with a pathway leading towards the spot associated with the assassination and a series of tall granite pillars carrying symbolic meanings.

It is a quiet place now.

That makes the events of 21 May 1991 feel even more distant, and yet strangely close.