Originally started during the period of Achutha Raya of Vijayanagara, after his death, the construction was given up and apparently nor resumed due to political crisis. The new construction commenced in May 1979 and was completed in March 1987. Vellai Gopuram: The Vellai gopuram (white tower), is the second tallest gopuram and is located on the east side of the fourth enclosure with a height of 44m. The word Vellai means white in Tamil, but it also represents the name(Vellayamma) of a Devadasi who seduced an Islamic chiefton who was looting this temple, took him to the top of this Gopuram, pushed him off and killed him. In remembrance of her sacrifice, the Gopuram was named after her. The Ranga Vimana over the sanctum is shaped in the form OM symbol and is plated with gold. Ranga Ranga Gopuram the most colourful one with its stunning stucco works is the most preferred entry gate by pilgrims. Period: Tamil Literary evidences prove the origin of the temple in 1st century CE during the “Tamil Sangam period”(3rd Century BCE – 45th Century CE). However, as it stands today, the temple represents an accretion of building activity over centuries, by several royal dynasties (from Cholas, Pandyas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagara - all captivated by the spirituality, beauty and serenity of the place) who m ade rich contributions and adored the Temple. The temple was completely ransacked and plundered by Sultanates in the early 1300s and later restored to its present form by the Vijayanagara rulers in the 15-16th century. Sridhar A TO Z INDIA ● APRIL 2022 ● PAGE 10 Stunning Gopurams of Srirangam: Ancient Hindu Architecture: