Ranganathaswamy Temple, Nirthadi, Karnataka

Ranganathaswamy Temple, Nirthadi, Karnataka 

Ranganathaswamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Nirthadi Village in Davanagere Taluk in Davanagere District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The monument is protected by the Karnataka state division of Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The original temple was destroyed by the armies of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1696 CE as per a Kannada inscription dated to 1698 CE in the temple premises. The Chitradurga chief Baramappa Nayaka (1689 – 1721 CE) rebuilt the temple in 1698 CE.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with a Mahadvara. Stone Dhwaja Sthamba can be seen before the Mahadvara. Shrine of Garuda and Deepa Sthamba can be seen immediately after the Mahadvara, facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antrala, Navaranga and Mukha Mandapa. The Mukha Mandapa is provided with entrance porch on northern and southern side.

There is a separate small archway with intricate carvings in front of the Mukha Mandapa. The pillars of the Mukha Mandapa is carved with sculptures of warriors riding the horses. The pillars of the navaranga is carved with various incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The sanctum houses the black stone image of Kesava in standing posture. The base of the sanctum is carved with friezes of elephant, horses, royal processions and dancers. The shikara over the sanctum is of three tiers.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 16 Kms from Kodaganur Railway Station, 34 Kms from Davanagere Railway Station, 34 Kms from Chitradurga Railway Station, 35 Kms from Davanagere, 35 Kms from Chitradurga, 237 Kms from Bengaluru and 255 Kms from Bengaluru Airport. The temple is situated on Davanagere to Chitradurga route.

Location