Srirangapatnam is situated on the banks of River Cauvery in the South Indian state, Karnataka. This tourist destination is at a short distance of 16 km to the north of Mysore. Srirangapatnam is 140 km away from Bangalore. Originally, Thirumalaiyah, a chieftain, built the town. He has taken initiatives to construct a temple dedicated to the reclining form of Vishnu locally called Srirangnath from which the town coined the very name. . Historians opine that though confirmed Muslims, Tipu and his father Hyder Ali were the frequent visitors of the temple.
Srirangapatna is one of the Pancharanga Kshetras in the course of the river Kaveri. The other four are Sriangam near Tiruchirappalli, Tiruvindalur near Mayiladuturai, Kumbhakonam and Koyiladi near Tiruchirappalli all in Tamilnadu, along the Kaveri as the river mandirs in an easterly direction. Tradition holds that all the islands formed in the Kaveri River are consecrated to Sri Ranganathaswamy, and large temples have been built in very ancient times dedicated to that deity on the three largest islands.
Srirangapatna is also known as Aadi Rangam, Srirangam (Tamil Nadu)as Antha Rangam and Sivasamudram in Karnataka as Madhyarangam.
This island in the river Kaveri, is referred to as Goutama Kshetram and is located in the vicinity of Mysore. Srirangapatna enshrines Vishnu as Ranganatha in the Ranganathaswamy temple, which is said to date back to the period of the Ganga ruler Tirumalaiya of the 9th century CE.
This vast temple has an impressive gopuram and fort like walls and it exhibits a mixture of the Hoysala and Vijayanagar architectural styles. Ranganatha is portrayed as reclining on the bed of Aadi Sesha. Also enshrined are images of Gowtama muni and the river Kaveri. Ranganayaki Thaayaar is enshrined in the north west corner of the temple. There is also a shrine to Krishna here.
The Alwars and the Acharyas of the Sri Vaishnava tradition are also enshrined here. Also seen here are images of Srinivasa and Panchamukha Anjaneya, said to have been installed by Vyasaraya. The Chaturvimsati pillars in front of the inner entrance bear carvings of 24 forms of Vishnu.
The Story
The devotees cleansed their sins by bathing in the sacred Cauvery. With even Ganga coming here once a year, Cauvery accumulated all the sins and was stuck with a dosham and took on the ‘Rakshashi Roopam’.
To rid herself of this, she undertook penance and sought the help of Lord Vishnu. Pleased with her prayers, he came down to this place. Delighted at the darshan of Lord Ranganatha, Cauvery undertook service at the feet of the Lord and was immediately relieved of the sins. Hence, to this day, one can see Goddess Cauvery at the feet of Ranganathaswamy at this temple.
Gouthama Kshetram
Another story goes that Gouthama Rishi, who wanted darshan of the Lord, undertook penance at this place. Lord Ranganatha is said to have displayed his special ‘Yoga Sayana Kolam’ to the Rishi. Hence this place is also referred to as Gouthama Kshetram.
Garuda
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.
Although situated a mere 13 km from Mysore city, Srirangapattana lies in the neighbouring district of Mandyaa. The entire town is enclosed by the river Kaveri to form an island, northern half of which is shown in the image to the right. While the main river flows on the eastern side of the island, the Paschima Vaahini segment of the same river flows to its west.
The town takes its name from the celebrated Ranganathaswamy temple which dominates the town, making Srirangapattana one of the most important Vaishnavite centers of pilgrimage in south India.
The presence of the Kaveri River is in itself considered auspicious and sanctifying. The Paschima Vaahini section of the Kaveri at Srirangapattana is considered especially sacred; the pious come from far and wide to immerse the ashes of the departed and perform obsequies to their ancestors in these waters.
The town is easily accessible by train from Bangalore and Mysore and is also well-connected by road, lying as it does just off the Bangalore-Mysore highway. The highway passes through this town and special care was taken to minimize any impact on the monuments here.
Festivals
Opening of Swarga Vaasal on the Pongal day (at this temple, the opening is on the first day of Utharaayina period)
Ugadi Moolavar Thirumanjanam
Kodai Thirunaal Festival immediately follows Ugadi
Ranga Jayanathi- The evening sees a special decoration of the Lord in a ‘Ranga Mudi’
7day Oonjal Utsavam
Garuda Utsavam(Visakam full moon day)
How to reach Srirangapatna
START at Bangalore 61 km SH-17 and Take Mysore Road, cross Bangalore Rural
Channapatna 38 km, Continue on SH 17 via Maddur Mandya 26 km Go Straight on SH 17 END at Srirangapatna.
Temple Timings & Contact Info:
Temple Timings:
Morning : 6am-1pm
Evening : 4pm-8pm
Priest : L Vijaya Sarathy Bhattar- Pradhana Archakar
Tel : 94488 77648, 08236 292422
Address : Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna 571438, Mandya District, Karnataka.
Few words from Guruji Sri Narendra Babu Sharmaji:
The last rituals to our ancestors are performed in this temple.
The offer Annadhana in the temple, offer money to Mr. Banu Prakash Sharma.
Have a look at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple - Srirangapatnam
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