History:
     During the period of invasion by Malik Kafur and his forces in 1310-1311, Namperumal was stolen and taken to Delhi. In a daring exploit, devotees of Srirangam ventured to Delhi and enthralled the king with their histrionics. Moved by their talent, the King was pleased to gift them the presiding deity of Srirangam, which was requested by the performers. Things took a drastic turn immediately. Surathani, his daughter fell in love with the deity and followed him to Srirangam. She prostrated to the God in front of the Sanctum Sanctorum and is believed to have attained the Heavenly Abode immediately. Even today, a painting of "Surathani" (known as "Thulukha Nachiyar" in Tamil) can be seen in the Arjuna Mandap adjacent to the Sanctum Sanctorum for whom, "chappathis" are made daily.

     Assuming that the magical power of the deity had killed his daughter, there was a second invasion to Srirangam in 1323 A.D. This time it was more severe that the presiding deity, was taken away, before the Islamic invaders reached Srirangam, by the group led by the Vaishnavite Acharaya, Pillai Lokacharyar, who died en-route to Thirunelveli in Tamil Nadu. The Goddess "Renganayaki" was taken in another separate procession. Swami Vedanta Desika, instrumental in planning the operations during the siege of the temple, closed the Sanctum Sanctorum of the temple with bricks, after the processions of the presiding deities had left - thereby protected the temple for generations to come. 13000 Sri Vaishnavas - people of Srirangam - laid down their lives in the fierce battle ensuring that the instution was protected. In the end, "Devadasis", the danseuse of Srirangam, seduced the Army Chief, to save the temple. Almost after six decades, the presiding deity returned to Srirangam and the same Swami Vedanta Desika, who built a brick wall in front of the sanctum sanctorum broke it open. We learn that the deity of Srirangam lived in the hills of Tirumala Tirupati for quite a long period of time.

Ramanuja:
     The great Vaishnavite scholar Ramanujacharya attained divinity here and his "Swayam Thirumeni" (the symbolic body) is preserved and offered prayers even today after 8 centuries. His Shrine is found in the fourth "prakara" of the temple and his "Thirumeni" is preserved in the temple in a seated position, by applying saffron and camphor every six months in a ritualistic style.


Literary Works:
The following were exclusively composed in Srirangam.
Sri Bhashyam - Sri Ramanuja
Sriranga Gadhyam - Sri Ramanuja
Sri Renganathashtakam - Adi Shankaracharya
Paduka Sahasram - Swami Vedantha Desika
Rengaraja Stavam & Gunaratnakosham - Sri Parasar bhattar
Rengaraja Sthothram - Kurathazhwar
Bhagavaddhyana Sopnam & Abheethi Stavam - Swami Vedanta Desikan

     Thondariadi Podi Alwar and Thirupaan Alwar, sang exclusively on Renganatha. Andal attained Sri Renganatha on completion of her (Thiruppavai - a composition of 30 verses) in Srirangam.

     Except Mathirakavi Alwar, all the other eleven Alwars have done Mangalasasanam here.

Periyalwar - 31 Paasurams
Sri Andal - 10 Paasurams
Kulasekara Alwar - 31 Paasurams
Thirumazhisai Alwar - 14 Paasurams
Thondaradipodi Alwar - 55 Paasurams
Thirupaan Alwar - 10 Paasurams
Thirumangai Alwar - 72 Paasurams
Poigai Alwar - 1 Paasuram
Boothathalwar - 4 Paasurams
Pei Alwar - 2 Paasurams
Nammalwar - 11 Paasurams
Total - 246 Paasurams.

     In toto there were 246 hymns of the 4000 Paurams (Nallayira Divyaprabandham) composed here.

     This temple is rightly called the "Bhoologa Vaikuntam" (heaven on earth).

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