Srirangam Temple' White Gopuram, TN - Danseuse Vellayi Who Saved The Idol Of Namperman From Delhi Sultanate Army

Navrang India January 11, 2025

Vellai Gopuram (eastern tower), Sri rangam, TN. thehindu.com

Vellai Gopuram (eastern tower), Srirangam, TN. Flickriver

The Vellayi Gopuram of the popular Srirangam Ranganathar Temple, Tamil Nadu is the only tower  (Eastern gopuram) among the 23 towers that is painted in White. This tall white structure, quite visible in the vicinity, symbolising sacrifice, named after a courageous dancer Vellayi, has a poignant, hidden story that linked it  to the Delhi Sultanate.   In the 14th and 15th centuries, it  was on a war mission to different regions with a powerful army and cruel mercenaries from Africa and their intention was to loot and plunder rich Hindu temples, etc to improve the revenue of their kingdom. 

ornate stone pillars, Garuda Mantapam, Srirangam temple, TN
talesofanomad.com

Srirangam Ranganathar temple, TN talesofanomad.com

Srirangam temple, TN huge sculptures hewninto the pillars visittnt.com

Srirangam, Vellai Gopuram. twitter.com

Above image: It is a massive  complex rich in architecture and scriptures , 3rd largest functional temple in the world covering 155 acres (63 ha) with 50 shrines, 21 towers, with 39 pavilions  many water tanks and 7 prakaras - all integrated into the complex. Only Vaishnava temple where the  tradition of Ariyar Sevai'' has been held for centuries as part of Pagal Pathu  Raa Pathu events during  the Vaikunta Ekadashi  according to the norms    as laid down by  the great Saint Sri Nathamauni and also saint Sri Ramanuja.................

The White Gopuram is  standing as a lasting tribute to the sacrifices made  by the dancer in a tense situation to protect the temple’s sanctity. The Delhi Sultanate's invasion in 1323 (Tamil month of Vaikasi),  under Ulugh  Khan  ( Almas Beg - died c. 1301/ 02), of the Khilji dynasty to the temple targeted  its treasure and the idols of Namperumal and consorts, believing they were  made of  pure gold called ‘Abaranji' gold.   Foreseeing the imminent  threat, the revered Vaishnavite Acharya Pillai Lokacharya  carefully planned  the removal of the idol from the temple to elsewhere far away. Though he passed away during the journey, his efforts ensured the idol’s safety. It remained in exile for nearly 50 years before its return in 1371

  Srirangam Vellayi and the Delhi Sultanate Commander,vikatan.com

Amidst the chaos of the invasion, plundering Vellayi’s extraordinary courage shone brightly and she firmly stood the ground. When the Sultanate forces were relentlessly searching for the idol, Vellayi devised a daring plan to save it.  Pretending to aid the invaders, she performed a dance to distract their commander and then offered to reveal the idol’s location. Leading him to the top of the eastern gopuram, she pushed him to his death. In a final act of devotion, she leapt from the tower, chanting Lord Ranganatha’s name, sacrificing herself to protect the temple sanctity and the idol of Namperumal

This valiant act at a crucial juncture allowed precious time for the acharyas  and followers to hide  idol to be safeguarded. To honor her supreme sacrifice and valor , the eastern tower was named Vellayi Gopuram, painted white as a symbol of purity and devotion.  Consort Reganayaki's idol was taken to a different place in a separate procession.  Yet another heart-wrenching story  alongside her bravery is  the horrible killings of thousands of Vaishnavas and devotees who had laid down their lives in defense of the temple, showcasing their unwavering commitment. 

 Tiruchirappalli City, Tamil nadu.censusindia.co.in

According to 'Koyilozhugu,' a true  record of events relating to Srirangam temple, the invaded Muslim army, including mercenaries without remorse killed 12000 Vaishnavas who were guarding the temple. When they came to know the golden idol was taken away from the temple elsewhere, the merciless Delhi army resorted to bizarre mass killings and left the place leaving the temple and the surrounding places in chaos, bloodshed and waling of women and children.

 Soon, the Vijayanagara forces   began to attack the invading Muslim army and recaptured the temple at   Srirangam  under the chief  of Vijayanagara Army, Kempanna.  When Kempanna came to about Vellayi's bravery, timely help and her supreme sacrifice, he named the tower / Gopuram Vellayi Gopuram in her honor; the name Vellayi became Vellayi Gopuram, meaning in local parlance white tower. The Gopuram stands as a great memorial to a humble woman who  made a niche for herself in the history of Sri Ranganathar temple. 

As for the idol of Namperumal that left Srirangam in 1323,  it returned  only in 1371 CE  with the conquest of the South by the Vijayanagar.   During the long interval, the regular pujas for Sri. Ranganathar were done at the  Gopurpatti  Perumal kovil.  Besides, on the Aadi Ammavasai day every year, the ''tithi'' (homage) is performed  for those 12,000 Vaishnavites who were killed while protecting the temple from the invading  Delhi Sultanate army.