Ranganathaswamy Temple, Shivanasamudra – Legends

Ranganathaswamy Temple, Shivanasamudra – Legends

Shivana Samudra:

As per Hindu mythology, it is said that one day, Shiva and Parvathi were on a stroll in the sky and were observing the river Kaveri from above. Shiva observed that a huge rock obstructed the increasing ongoing flow of the river. But the river spread out like an ocean and surrounding that rock, flowed forward. Amazed by the sheer size of the river, which appeared to him as an ocean, Shiva proclaimed "Dhanya Kaveri" (Blessed river). Observing the ocean like river which impressed Shiva, Parvathi gave it the name "Shivanasamudra". All the temples have been built on the same rock which is famous today as Shivana Samudra.

Lord Shiva destroyed Rakshasas to save River Cauvery:

The legends state that river Cauvery, which flows on either side of the temple like a garland, was obstructed by a rakshasa who had taken the form of a rock at a place near Shivanasamudra. Mother Cauvery appealed to Lord Shiva who destroyed the rakshasa, hence the name Shivanasamudra.

Shila Bhedhana Kshetra:

Devendra was affected from "Vruthra Hatya", was doing penance in several holy places. As per the instructions of Sri Brahma, he formed a beautiful Ranganatha Swamy idol, a form of Vishnu, and started worshipping him here. One day, the water flow increased rapidly and started flooding the place. Concerned that his penance might be disturbed, Devendra, smashed a portion of the huge rock that this place was and made way for the river to flow ahead from either side of the rock.

The river plummeted down with a lot of force from the right of the rock. This came to be known as the "Bharachukki" waterfall. From the left, it took a steadier approach to the cliff before diving down. This came to be known as the "Gaganachukki" waterfall. Devendra is said to have successfully completed his pooja and achieved expiation against his sin. Since the rock was smashed by Devendra, this place also got the name "Shila Bhedhana Kshetra".

Devendra got relieved of his curse here:

It is believed that Devendra was cursed and was advised by the Saptha Rishis that he install an idol of Lord Ranganatha at this location and that it should be a replica of the seshashayana form of Lord Maha Vishnu in Vaikunta. Devendra acted accordingly and installed the idol, of the Lord Ranganatha made of Saligrama stone, and was redeemed of his curse.

Saptha Rishi Kshetra:

It is also said that the Saptha Rishis take their Saayam Sandhya bath and perform other holy rites in the river Cauvery at Barachukki. Hence this place is also known as "Saptha Rishi Kshetra."

Amrutha Kumbha:

The Amrutha Kumbha which was brought down by the Saptha Rishis is believed to be kept under the Sanctum Sanctorum, 60 feet below the idol of Lord Ranganatha. This Kumbha is meant to rejuvenate the world after pralaya. The Kumbha is said to be guarded by Lord Anjaneya, Goddess Durgadevi and Agasthya Maharishi with Lopamudra.