Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Namakkal

Address

Ranganatha Swamy Temple, SH 94, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu – 63700.

Diety

Sri Ranganathaswamy Amman: Sri Mahalakshmi

Introduction

The Ranganatha Swamy Temple is located behind the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, on the other side of Namagiri in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India. It is located in close proximity to the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple. The temple is about 2 km from the Namakkal bus stop and is accessible via the Rasipuram road.The temple is situated atop a hill and can be reached by climbing a flight of approximately one hundred stairs.

Puranic Significance

While the temple’s architecture and design are reminiscent of the Pallava dynasty, it is believed to belong to the 8th century Adiyaman rulers of the Kongu region.
Inscriptions found on the temple walls describe it as the Atiyanaatha Vishnu graham, a shrine built by the Atiya King Gunasila. Other inscriptions refer to the Adityendra Vishnu graham and the Atiya Kula.
An inscription on the main sanctum, which contains the image of Vishnu as Anantasayi, refers to the shrine as “Sayya Griham” (Sayana Giraham).
Although there is debate among historians regarding the temple’s exact age and origin, many believe that the caves were excavated during the Pallava Period and later extended during the Vijayanagara Period.

Deity and Worship:

Lord Ranganatha in the temple is depicted holding various divine attributes, including the chakra (discus), conch, bow, arrow, mace, and a sword.
The deity is surrounded by Narada Rishi and other divine beings.
Goddess Lakshmi’s shrine is situated on the left side of the main temple.

Entrances:

The temple has three entrances. The central entrance is open daily for worship, while the other two entrances are opened only on the auspicious occasion of Vaikunta Ekadesi.

Special Features

Architecture and Deity:

The Ranganatha Swamy Temple is a cave temple and is believed to have been built by the Pallava dynasty.
The main deity, Lord Ranganatha, is depicted in the Karkodaya Sayana posture, lying on a Karkodaka Snake. Karkodaka was a snake king who performed penances to have the Lord rest on his coils, and Lord Ranganatha granted his wish. The snake’s face is described as resembling a fierce, roaring lion.
The temple faces east and is reached by climbing a hundred steps from the ground level.
The sanctum of the temple has three rectangular cells in which Lord Vishnu is reclining in the Anantasayi form on a serpent bed.
The temple features depictions of celestial beings, attendants, dancers, and various divine personalities surrounding the main deity.
The roof of the temple is carved in a style that resembles bamboo construction.