Ranganatha Temple, Nellore – The Temple

Ranganatha Temple, Nellore – The Temple

This temple is facing towards west, but the eastern entrance is provided with seven tiered rajagopuram. This rajagopuram is famously called as Gaaligopuram (means wind tower). This gopuram is about 70 feet high and has seven gold plated kalashas on top of it. The gopuram was constructed by Yeragudipati Venkatachalam Panthulu. Stucco images of Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva, Azhwars, Acharyas, sages and goddesses can be seen on the rajagopuram.

The sanctum enshrines an image of Lord Ranganatha Swamy. He is seen in Ananda Sayana (reclining) posture on the serpent Sesha. Generally, the deity faces towards the east in most of the temples but here it is facing towards west (towards the river Penna). The idol is about 10 feet long. Sridevi can be seen sitting on his chest and Lord Brahma can be seen sitting on a lotus rising from the navel.

Idols of Sridevi and Bhudevi can be seen at the feet of the Lord. Utsava idols can be seen in front of the main deity. An idol of goddess Ranganayaki can be seen in the sanctum. She is four armed and in sitting posture. Sri Vishnu Sahasra Namavali (1000 different names of Lord Vishnu) are written on the walls of the sanctum. Devotees chant Sri Vishnu Sahasra Namavali while doing the parikrama around the temple.

There is a separate shrine of Goddess Rajya Lakshmi Devi to the south of the sanctum and Goddess Andal shrine to the north of the sanctum. The mirror house is the main attraction of this temple. There are shrines for Venkateshwara, Narasimha, Azhwars and Acharyas in the temple premises. There is Santhana Vriksha, a tree which is believed to grant the boon of begetting children to childless couples.

The women devotees tear a corner of their sarees, put their offerings in the pieces of cloth and tie them as swings to the tree. There is an underground tunnel beneath this tree which was once used by the sages to reach the temple. It is said that those who give their offerings at this place in Kondi Kasuli Hundi can get rid of venomous bites of scorpions and snakes.