Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna: Adi Ranga's Abode!

Ranganathaswamy temple, Srirangapatna, is one among the five temples dedicated to Ranganatha or Lord Vishnu along the River Kaveri called the Pancharanga Kshetrams. Since Srirangapatna is the first of the five temples beginning from upstream it is known as Adi Ranga. Sri Ranganathaswamy temple, Srirangapatna, is located in the Mandya district of Karnataka. It is also one of the 108 Abhimana Kshetrams of Lord Vishnu. The town Srirangapatna assumes its name after the temple of Ranganathaswamy and is located on an island in River Kaveri.

Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangapatna. Source Prakruth Gowda

Sri Ranganathaswamy temple, Srirangapatna history

As per history, the Archaeological Survey of India, by an inscription in the temple of Srirangapatna, states that the temple was from ancient times. The Ranganathaswamy temple, Srirangapatna, was constructed in 984 CE by a local chief named Tirumalaiah, who was of service to the Western Ganga Dynasty. There are also mentions of the deity Sri Ranganathaswamy in a shrine atop where a temple came to being later, adding to its antiquity.

There are several contributors to the temple from various dynasties. The Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana made a notable contribution by granting Srirangapatna to saint Ramanujacharya as an agraharam (place of learning) in the early 12th century. As per the inscription of the Hoysala king Veera Ballala II, many additions and renovations were made to the temple. The tower over the entrance resembles the Vijayanagara style of architecture. George Michell, a historian, states that the Wodayar kings of Mysore have also made significant contributions to the Srirangapatna temple of Lord Ranganatha.

Furthermore, a noteworthy aspect is that the arrangement of the different deities of other Ranganatha temples of South India bears resemblance to the temple of Ranganatha, Srirangapatna. The above fact has been stated by K.V. Soundararajan. The temple is now under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India.

What is the story of Ranganathaswamy temple, Srirangapatna?

According to the legend or story of the Srirangapatna temple, Gautama Maharishi undertook severe penance to gain the vision of Lord Vishnu in his reclining posture as Lord Ranganatha. Pleased with the sage’s penance, the Lord bestowed on him his wish. Furthermore, the sage also beseeched the Lord to stay in the Srirangapatna temple, thus bestowing the same vision in his glorious reclining pose on the devotees of later times.

According to mythological studies, the River Kaveri forms three big islands as it flows. These islands are the Shivanasamudra of Karnataka, Srirangapatna, and Srirangam. It is believed that devotees who visit these three temples all in one day will surely attain salvation.

Ranganatha temple, Srirangapatna architecture

Apart from the religious significance, the architecture of the Srirangapatna temple of Lord Ranganathaswamy is also worth mentioning. The imposing temple tower at the entrance welcomes one as one goes through it, followed by two rectangular concentric enclosures or the prakaras. A pavilion with carved pillars leads to the sanctum, or the innermost shrine, where Lord Ranganathaswamy reclines on the snake-bed of a seven-headed snake, Adisesha. Goddess Lakshmi, his consort is found seated at his feet. Sridevi, Bhoodevi, and Lord Brahma also find a place with the Lord. Furthermore, smaller shrines for Lord Narasimha, Gopalakrishna, Srinivasa, Hanuman, Garuda, and the Alwar saints form a part of the temple complex.

Ranganathaswamy temple, Srirangapatna timings

The Ranganathaswamy temple of Srirangapatna is open for worship from 7.30 AM to 1.30 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM.

The best time to visit the Ranganatha temple, Srirangapatna

Pilgrims from across the country visit the Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangapatna throughout the year. People also throng the temple during festivals like Sriranga Jayanti, Uyyalotsava, Bangarada Garudotsava, Sudha Poornima, Kotarothsava festival which are celebrated with pomp and show. However, since the River Kaveri flows by the temple, people get to see the glorious sight of the river flowing generously during the monsoon season from July to September.

How to reach the Ranganatha Temple, Srirangapatna

The distance from Mysore to Srirangapatna is only about 18.5 KM. Bangalore to Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangapatna is about 127.2 KM. Tourists can take a taxi or drive down to Srirangapatna. Furthermore, the Srirangapatna railway station is about 300 metres from the Ranganathaswamy temple. A quick walk from the station to reach the temple will do. The nearest airport is at Mysore.

Places of interest in and around Srirangapatna

Apart from the Ranganatha temple, Srirangapatna is also famous for a mix of other tourist attractions. Here are a few interesting sightseeing places near the temple.