Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna – The Temple

Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna – The Temple

The temple faces east and has an imposing tower over the entrance gate (gopura) and two large concentric rectangular enclosures (prakara) around its perimeter. The Ranganathaswamy temple has a mix of Chola, Vijayanagara and Hoysala style of architecture. The entrance to the inner sanctum (garbhagriha) is through multiple columned halls (Mandapam). A vestibule (sukhanasi), hall (Navaranga or just Mandapam) and a front hall (Mukhamandapam) are the other main structures in the temple.

The roof of the Mukhamandapam is decorated with a garland (hara) of miniature decorative towers (called kudu and sala shikharas) whose niches contain stucco images of the god Vishnu. The Mahamandapam has pillars of different mouldings. In the rear are two rows of pillars with carvings of 24 forms of Vishnu with their names inscribed. The Navaranga has two massive Dvarapalas. The sukhanasi contains a ceiling with a carved lotus and a pendant.

In front of the Navaranga is a large pillared courtyard with an opening near the dhwajastambha. Most of the pillars in this courtyard are of Hoysala workmanship, of different designs such as square shaped, star shaped, cylinder shaped etc. It is believed that later some of the Hoysala pillars have been used here to restructure the pillared courtyard and perhaps the Navaranga also. There are some minor shrines housing Manavalamuni and Srivaishnava Alwars.

The Lamp post and the Flag post at the entrance to the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Temple. Both the Posts have the carvings of the Main symbols of Lord Vishnu, The Sacred Sankha (Conch) and the Disc (Chakra). A special feature at this temple is the large granite pillared structure of Garuda, the credit for which also goes to the Vijayanagara rulers who were great devotees of Vishnu.

Presiding Deity is called as Ranganathaswamy. The sanctum houses the image of Vishnu reclines on the coils of the snake Adisesha, under a canopy formed by the snake's seven hoods, with his consort Lakshmi or Kaveri at his feet. Flanking Vishnu are other deities from the Hindu pantheon; Sridevi, Bhudevi (goddess of earth) and Brahma (the creator). The God is shown as sustaining his head on his right hand while his left hand is stretched over his body. This Posture is called Yoga Sayanam. He wears a tall crown and other ornaments. This is one of the most beautiful reclining images of Vishnu.

Utsavar is called as Kasturi Rangan. Mother is called as Ranganayaki. Mother shrine is situated on the south-west of the sanctum.  There are other smaller shrines within the complex dedicated to Narasimha (an avatar of Vishnu), Gopala Krishnan, Srinivasa (manifestation of Vishnu), Hanuman, Garuda and the Alwar saints & Acharyas. Also seen here are images of Srinivasa and Panchamukha Anjaneya, said to have been installed by Vyasaraya.

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.

The oldest inscription regarding the temple dates back to 894 AD. It is believed that Tirumalaya, a secondary king of the Ganga dynasty, built the shrine and named the town Srirangapura. Supplements to the temple were made during the successive centuries by Hoysala kings, Vijayanagara rulers and Wodeyars of Mysore.

Theerthams:

There are 8 important holy water streams on the Banks of Cauvery river in Srirangapatna. These holy water streams are as follows;

1. Sambedaka (Shambhu Teertha) Teertha in the East Side

2. Moksha Theertha in the South-East side

3. Brighu Theertha in the right side of South East direction

4. Galava Theertha in the middle of the flow of Cauvery river in the direction of south and west.

5. Palasha Theertha in the west direction

6. Bilwa Theertha in the north-east direction.

7. Shukha Theertha (Rasala Theertha) at the bottom of the feet Shree Ranganatha Swamy

8. Kadamba Theertha in the north direction.