Adi Ranga – Sriranganatha Swamy Temple (Adi Ranga) at Srirangapatna was earlier known as Srirangapuri. This important Vaishnavite site sits along the Kaveri River and is part of the famous Triranga Darshan pilgrimage. This involves visiting three Rangaswamy temples in one day, and Adi Ranga is traditionally the first one devotees see, aiming to complete all three between sunrise and sunset!!
Among the five Ranganatha temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu along the Kaveri, “Adi Ranga” resides at Srirangapatna, marking its place as the first temple (Adi Ranga temple) encountered when traveling upstream which is part of Triranga Darshan an important spirtual journey for most of the Hindus. Srirangapatna is an island located in Mandya district of Karnataka on an island measuring 5 kms east to west and 1.5 kms from south to north with an area of 7.2 sq kms.
River Cauvery deviates towards west before it creates this island and it is called as Paschimavahini, it is a well-known place of pilgrimage and people of karnataka visit this place to perform the final rites of departed souls. Srirangapatna’s rich tapestry of inscriptions and monuments in this temple tells the story of successive rulers, from the Hoysalas and Vijayanagara kings to the Mysore Wadiyars.
Inside Sriranganatha temple
The main deity here is Lord Ranganatha manifestation of Lord Vishnu. Sriranganatha Swamy is in a resting posture on the bed of Serpent Aadi Sesha. It is said this is one of the biggest idols of Lord Vishnu in the reclining posture along with Goddess Lakshmi by the side of Lord’s feet. It is said Sriranganatha Swamy idol is swayambhu (self-manifested), which is considered to be a very sacred place for Hindus and a part of Triranga Darshan, devotees visit this temple first which is also known as “Adi Ranga“, Adi which means the beginning.
Goddess Ranganayaki is the principal goddess along with Lord Ranganathaswami. Other shrines inside the temple complex including Lord Srinivas, Goddess Ranganayaki, Lord Rama, Lord Narasimha, Lord Sudarshana, Panchamukha Anjaneya and Lord Gopalkrishna.
This Srirangapatna temple consists of two prakaras with large concentric rectangular appendices in the enclosure of the temple. Multiple columned halls welcomes you as a passage way to the inner sanctum of garbhagriha. The main structure knows as Sukhanasi, Mukhamantapa and Navaranga Mantapa. Kudu and Salasikaras welcomes you on the ceilings of the front hall.
Along with Sriranganatha Swamy, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha, Sri Gangadhareshawara, Sri Jyotirmaheswara, Sri Shatakoti Sri Rama Temple, also exist separately in smaller temples in around this main temple. It is said all Sriranganatha Swamy idol is swayambhu, which means it is not carved by anyone, so it is considered to be a very sacred place for Hindus.
Legend has it that Lord Vishnu manifested before Rishi Gautama here as Ranganatha. He chose this island as his abode, with the river goddess Kaveri, holding a lotus, by his feet. Gautama Rishi’s cave is believed to be hidden beneath boulders on a small island west of Srirangapatna, known as Gauthama Kshetra. Accordingly to another local folkfore, it is said the principal deity of Sriranganatha Swamy Temple was built by one devadasi named “Hambi” which finds it reference in works of Timmakavi.
History of the Temple
We find a lot of mentions about Sriranganatha Swamy in Hindu scriptures, but the earlier mention of existence of the diety is made in the inscription. Evidences prove that the origin of the temple in 1st century during the Sangam period (3rd Century BC – 4th Century). However, the temple had lot of other architecturals builts around the main temple over the centuries.
This Sriranganatha Swamy temple consists of two prakaras with large concentric rectangular appendices in the enclosure of the temple. Multiple columned halls welcomes you as a passage way to the inner sanctum of garbhagriha. The main structure knows as Sukhanasi, Mukhamantapa and Navaranga Mantapa. Kudu and Salasikaras welcomes you on the ceilings of the front hall. The temple complex has beautifully carved four majestic pillars which have 24 forms of Lord Vishnu in Hoysala architectural. There is a Navaranga mandapam inside the surrounding’s of sanctum sanctorum of the temple. You can also see a lot of influences of Vijayangar architectural style in the Gopuram of the temple.
Temple details
Temple Deity:Sriranganathaswamy Temple – Sri Aadhi Ranga of Trirangam Darshanam
Location:Srirangapatna (130 km from Bangalore).
District:Mandya, Karnataka State.
Built-in:Built by a lady named – Hambi in 817 AD and extended the temple by a class of dancers in 874 AD.
Geographical Co-ordination:12.4247524°N – 76.6797229°E.
Temple Timings:7:30 am – 1:30 pm & 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm.
Temple Entry Fee:General Entry is Free, Quick Darshan – Rs. 250/- per person
Address:Srirangapatna, Karnataka, 571438, India.
Google Map:Click here for direction on Google Map
Website: Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple – Website
Temple Email ID: eosriranganathaswamytemple@gmail.com
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