Karnataka Temples - 4. Srirangapatna Ranganathaswamy

The Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangapatna is about 10-15 minutes drive from the Karighatta Srinivasa temple. A priest in one of the earlier temples had commented, "It is a tourist temple and will be open longer than other temples". The crowd at the temple and the plethora of shops outside the temple validated the notion. We took the Rs.50 ticket to have a speedy Darshan.

Srirangapatna is one of the 3 Rangams that are considered special - Adi Rangam (Srirangapatna), Madhya Rangam (Shivanasamudhra) and Anthya Rangam (Srirangam). These 3 temples are located in islands that are in the Cauvery.

Srirangapatna is also one of the Pancharanga kshetrams alongside the temples for Srirangam Ranganatha, Trichy Koviladi Appakudathan, Indalur Parimala Ranganatha and Kumbakonam Sarangapani (or) Vadarangam near Sirkazhi. The last Rangam is listed as Sarangapani in some places, and as Vadarangam in some places. As per legend, people absolve from their sins by bathing in the holy Cauvery. Lord Vishnu manifested as Ranganatha in many places along the river so that Cauvery could absolve from the sins that she took from the people. 

The temple was built by Brahma as per legend. Another legend states that Sage Gauthama built (or rebuilt) it. Today, the temple stands after receiving additions and repairs from multiple dynasties, which is reflected on its architectural styles.

The divine feeling near Ranganathar was amazing. While there was no "Jaragandi", the pressure to keep moving was inevitable. 

Lord Ranganatha,
photo from the internet

I am not going to write much about the temple itself since Wiki has provided great coverage @https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranganathaswamy_Temple,_Srirangapatna.

I will also suggest reading the history of the temple @ http://www.bibangalore.org/indian-heritage/srirangapatanam.