Nirthadi Ranganathaswamy Temple – Karnataka

Address

Nirthadi Ranganathaswamy Temple – Karnataka

Nirthadi, Davanagere Taluk,

Davanagere district,

Karnataka 577556

Moolavar

Ranganathaswamy

Introduction

Ranganathaswamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Nirthadi Village in Davanagere Taluk in Davanagere District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. Primary deity is called as Ranganathaswamy. The temple is situated on Davanagere to Chitradurga route.

Puranic Significance

The original temple at this site was unfortunately destroyed by the armies of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1696 CE, as documented in a Kannada inscription dated to 1698 CE that can be found in the temple premises. However, the Chitradurga chief Baramappa Nayaka, who ruled from 1689 to 1721 CE, took the initiative to rebuild the temple, and this reconstruction was completed in 1698 CE.

Special Features

This temple is oriented towards the east and features a prominent Mahadvara (main entrance). Before the Mahadvara, there is a stone Dhwaja Sthamba (flag pillar). Immediately after passing through the Mahadvara, you can see a shrine dedicated to Garuda and a Deepa Sthamba (lamp post), both facing the sanctum.

The Sanctum Sanctorum comprises the Sanctum, Antrala, Navaranga, and Mukha Mandapa. The Mukha Mandapa has entrance porches on its northern and southern sides. In front of the Mukha Mandapa, there is a separate small archway adorned with intricate carvings. The pillars inside the Mukha Mandapa are adorned with sculptures of warriors riding horses. The pillars in the navaranga are carved with depictions of various incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Within the sanctum, there is a black stone image of Kesava in a standing posture. The base of the sanctum is decorated with friezes depicting elephants, horses, royal processions, and dancers. The shikara (tower) over the sanctum has three tiers.