Singavaram Ranganatha Perumal Temple, Villupuram

Address

Singavaram, Gingee Taluk,

Villupuram District – 604 202

Mobile: +91 94432 85923 / 99524 49661

Moolavar

Ranganatha Perumal

Amman

Ranganayaki Thayar.

Introduction

Location:
The Ranganatha Perumal Temple is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located atop a hill in Singavaram Village near Gingee Town in Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu, India. This cave temple, carved from rock, is a splendid example of Pallava architecture.

Deities:

Presiding Deity: Ranganatha Perumal, depicted in a majestic reclining posture.
Consort: Ranganayaki Thayar, whose shrine is situated below the sanctum on the south side.

Architecture and Special Features:
The temple is accessible by a climb of about 160 steps and features a three-tiered Rajagopuram. As a Pallava rock-cut shrine, it boasts intricate carvings and distinct architectural elements:

A 24-foot-long idol of Ranganatha Perumal in a reclining posture, protected by the five hoods of the serpent Adisesha. His hand in Kataka mudra and lotus medallions on pillars signify grace and beauty.
The sanctum’s walls feature intricate carvings of celestial beings, Brahma seated on a lotus, Mahalakshmi on Lord Vishnu’s chest, Garuda, and mythological demons Madhu and Kaitabha.
Three separate entrances allow devotees to view the head, chest, and feet of Lord Vishnu, reminiscent of the Ananthapadmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.

Puranic Significance:
The temple and Singavaram region have mythological ties to Lord Vishnu’s Narasimha avatar, a tale highlighting the demon Hiranyakasipu’s defeat and Prahlada’s devotion. This site is believed to have witnessed Narasimha’s appearance to protect Prahlada, leading to its name “Singavaram,” derived from “Simhapura.”

Historical Context:
Constructed by Pallava king Mahendravarman I (600–630 CE), the temple’s design reflects Pallava rock-cut techniques. Singavaram is thought to be the ancient capital Simhapura, and the temple served as a retreat for Lord Ranganatha’s Utsava idol during foreign invasions, under the care of Gopanna, a Vijayanagara official.

Festivals and Rituals:

Masi Magam (February–March): The Utsava idol of Ranganatha Perumal is taken to Puducherry beach for blessings.
Vaikunda Ekadasi (December–January): Special pujas are conducted, celebrating Vishnu’s divine presence.
The temple also encourages devotees to celebrate milestone birthdays (60, 70, 80 years) as part of traditional rituals for blessings of longevity and prosperity.

Devotional Beliefs:
Worshipping Lord Vishnu in his reclining form here is believed to grant freedom from poverty, as his feet face north, a direction associated with Kubera, the deity of wealth.

Additional Shrines:
Other notable shrines within the temple complex include those dedicated to Varadaraja, Chakrathazhwar, Anjaneya, and Garuda. Notably, Garuda’s idol is made from the auspicious Navapashana.

Natural and Architectural Highlights:
A sacred tank called Lakshmi Theertham lies on the way to the temple, enhancing the sacredness of the surroundings. Intricate carvings of conch, discus, namam (sacred symbols), and Lord Hanuman are etched into the rocks at the hill’s base, adding to the temple’s serene beauty.