The Sri Ranganthaswamy temple in Srirangapatna, in the Indian state of Karnataka, is a temple dedicated to the Hindu God Ranganatha, a manifestation of Vishnu and is one of the Pancharanga Kshetrams. The town of Srirangapatna, which derives its name from the temple, is located on an island in the river Kaveri.
About Sri Ranganathaswamy temple :
While travelling to Srirangapatna, tourists ‘must visit’ Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, which was constructed in the 9th century by the Gangas. It is counted among the largest temples that were later improved by the kings of Vijayanagar and Hoysala dynasties. Dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu, the temple is known as one of the Pancharanga Kshetrams.
This temple enshrines the statue of the smiling Lord, which is engraved out of black stone. The idol, located in the garbagriha, shows the deity sleeping on Anantha, the snake. Beautiful pillars showing 24 forms of Lord Vishnu are lined up around the temple, which adds to the appeal of the monument. The inner walls of this temple have been adorned with various images of Lord Srinivasa as well as Panchmukha Anjaneya.
Counted among the largest temples of Karnataka, this shrine has a mahadwara with a massive tower and pillared hall, which was constructed in three or four stages. Tourists can visit this temple on the auspicious Sakranthi, when one lac lamps are lit that is known as Lakhadweepotsava. The temple is open throughout the year and puja timings are 8 to 9.30 am and 7 to 8 pm.
Attractioin Sri Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangapatna, Karnataka :
Sri Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangapatna is considered to be one of the most important Vaishnavite shrines in south India. Built by the Gangas in the 9th century, this temple is noted for beautiful carvings and architecture of Hoysala and Vijayanagara style.
The temple is a tribute to Lord Ranganatha (Vishnu) and the idol of Lord Ranganatha is seen in sleeping posture on Kalinga – the seven-headed serpent. Srirangapatna or Srirangapatnam a city situated on the banks of River Kaveri is in Mysore in Karnataka, India.
The presiding deity of Srirangapatna is Sri Ranganathaswamy. The expression on the face of the Lord is humanly. Lined with beautiful pillars, the temple is dark and the visitors can take a walk around the temple.
Within the abode of the temple lies the Lord on the back of a snake. The lord is carved out of black stone. He looks beautiful with a philanthropic smile on his face.
The temple is well known for its Lakhadweepotsava when one lakh lamps are lit during Sakranthi.
Puja timings are from 8 to 9.30 am and 7 to 8 pm but the temple is open for devotees all through the year.
Overview Sri Ranganathaswamy temple :
This beautiful ancient temple is located in Srirangapattana which is in the district of Mandya. The place is about fifteen kilometres from the city of Mysore. Sri Ranganatha is Vishnu’s manifestation and thus the town gets its name from here. It is situated on an island on the banks of the Kaveri River.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple Architecture :
The temple has a navaranga mandapam which surrounds the sanctum sanctorum. The principal deity is Sri Ranganatha in the sleeping posture with the Adi Shesha, the serpent with seven heads. Goddess Lakshmi is at Lord Ranganatha’s foot. Goddess Ranganayaki is the principal goddess of this beautiful temple.
It is believed that this temple is a very important Vaishnavite shrine of South India. The temple’s beautiful and exquisite architecture surely takes us way back to the Hoysala rule. The brilliant and beautiful architecture of the Vijayanagar style and the exclusive carvings are indeed a delight to the eyes. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha.
The temple has four strong pillars with twenty four beautifully sculpted Vishnu forms. You can see exclusive Hoysala style of architecture. It is said that the Hoysalas appreciated art and art forms and encouraged the artisans. The intricate work of the artisans is clearly reflected in the architecture of the temple. The entire prakaram of the temple is beautifully painted with mythological stories.
History :
The credit of building the Sri Ranganathaswamy temple goes to the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. Later, The Hoysala kings and Hyder Ali made additional expansions to the temple. The Hoysala kings, Mysore Wodeyar kings and the kings of Vijayanagara have contributed a lot towards the expansion of the temple structure.
Other shrines within the temple complex are those of Lord Srinivasa, Sri Krishna, Vaishnava Acharya and Vaishnavite Gurus. This idol is supposed to be the biggest statue of Vishnu in the reclining form. The temple’s main entrance has huge pillars and you can find twenty four different Vishnu forms.
As per mythological studies, river Cauvery on her way forms three big islands. 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. The Kotarothsava festival dedicated to Lord Ranganatha is celebrated with great pomp and splendour. Devotees from faraway places come here to be a part of these ostentatious celebrations. This is the best time to visit the temple.
How to Get to Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple :
The district of Mandya is about one hundred and twenty five kilometres from Bangalore and fifteen kilometres from Mysore. Devotees can either come by rail, road or air. The closest airport is Bangalore. There are a number of state run buses that ply from Bangalore to Mandya. Tourists may have to do train bookings well in advance as they are full during the season time.
Srirangapatnam is on the way to Bangalore and lies on the Bangalore-Mysore State Highway. The closest railway station is Mysore.