Devadanam Sri Ranganathar (Vada Srirangam) Temple, Thiruvallur

Address

Devadanam Sri Ranganathar (Vada Srirangam) Temple, Devadanam, Minjur Thiruvallur District -601203 Mobile: +91 97868 66895 / 98410 90491

Deity

Lord Ranganatha Amman: Ranganayaki Thaayar

Introduction

• Located in Devadanam Village near Ponneri, Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu, about 30 km north of Chennai and 4 km northeast of Minjur.
• The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is depicted in a reclining posture (Bhoga Sayanam), measuring 18 feet in length, larger than the one in Srirangam.
• The temple dates back over 1000 years to the rule of the Chalukya kings and is situated on a large sand mound.
• Known as Uthara Rangam (North Srirangam) of Thondai Nadu.

Puranic Significance:

• The temple is considered an Abhimana Sthalam (a temple built out of love), with no major legend associated with it.
• Chalukya rulers, after visiting Srirangam, wanted to recreate the sleeping Ranganatha Swamy within their kingdom, leading to the construction of a bigger idol.
• Another story relates to Lord Ranganatha reclining after getting tired from measuring paddy during the harvest season.
• A devotee, Saroja Sadasivam, had a vivid dream in 1983 of the neglected temple and started its restoration. After two years of searching, she found the temple and undertook efforts to renovate it, completing the Kumbabhishekam (temple consecration ceremony) almost 20 years later.

Beliefs:

• Devotees believe that lighting ghee lamps for seven Saturdays and worshipping Lord Nagaraja of the snake hill shrine will fulfill their wishes.
• Worship removes obstacles in marriage, ensures good job opportunities, and blesses childless couples with children.

Special Features:

• The temple has a 3-tiered Rajagopuram and a single prakaram.
• Sudhai sculptures of Vinayagar and Kalinga Krishnar are present near the Rajagopuram entrance.
• The Dwajasthambam, Balipeedam, and Chakrathazhwar shrines are located at the entrance.
• The presiding deity, Lord Ranganathar, is in a reclining posture, measuring 18 feet in length, resting on the bed of Adhiseshan (serpent), with his right hand on a measuring vessel (Padi).
• The Adhiseshan forms a 5.5-foot-high, three-layer bed, and Lord Ranganatha is believed to be resting after feeding the world during the harvest season.
• The idol is made of Salagrama stones, considered sacred in worship.

Festivals:

• Major festivals celebrated here include Rama Navami, Panguni Uthiram, and Vaikunta Ekadesi.
• During Panguni (March-April), the Thirukalyanam (celestial marriage) of the Lord is celebrated, though no procession of the deities takes place.

Century/Period/Age

1000 – 2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department

Nearest Bus Station

Minjur

Nearest Railway Station

Minjur

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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