Thirumalpadi Ranganathar Temple- Thiruvannamalai

Address

Thirumalpadi Ranganathar Temple- Thiruvannamalai

Thirumalpadi Ranganathar,

Thiruvannamalai District,

Tamil Nadu -604501

Mobile: +91 99429 37169 / 98654 54998

Moolavar

Sri Ranganathar                                    

Amman

Sri Ranganayaki

Introduction

Location:

• Situated in Thirumalpadi Village, Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.
• The temple is located atop a hill, requiring devotees to climb 106 steps to reach it.
• Constructed in 1136 AD, the temple is about 2 km southwest of Seeyamangalam.
• The nearest railway station is in Thiruvannamalai, and the nearest airport is in Chennai.

Puranic Significance:

1. Historical Inscriptions:
   • Inscriptions found at the base of the sanctum confirm that the temple was constructed in 1136 AD.
2. Temple Architecture:
   • The temple stands on a small hill and faces east.
   • A three-tier Rajagopuram (gateway tower) is located to the south, with an urchava mandapam (festival hall) nearby, dating back to the 16th-17th century.
   • The mandapam’s pillars are adorned with reliefs of Krishna, Iyannar, Vinayagar, dancing ladies, Yazhi, and clowns, reflecting the artistic richness of the period.
3. Deity and Iconography:
   • The presiding deity, Sri Ranganathar, is depicted in a reclining posture on Adhiseshan (the serpent).
   • The Sri Ranganathar idol has a triangle symbol, Srivatsam, on his chest. His head rests on a marakal (stone), and his right hand’s three fingers touch his head, with the remaining two fingers in a folded position.
   • This reclining pose is known as Boga Sayana, signifying blessing and grace.
   • Sridevi and Bhudevi sit beside Lord Ranganathar, while Bhakta Prahalada and Suka Brahma Rishi are seen in worshiping postures.
4. Separate Sannidhis (Shrines):
   • Sri Ranganayaki (Lord Ranganathar’s consort), Andal, Anjaneyar (Hanuman), and Alwars (devotional saints) have their separate shrines in the temple.

Beliefs and Devotees’ Prayers:

• Marriage Obstacles:
  Devotees pray to Sri Ranganathar to remove obstacles to marriage and bless them with suitable partners.
• Child Boon:
  Many seek the Lord’s blessings for fertility and the blessing of children.
• Transfer Blessings:
  Known as the “Transfer Perumal”, devotees working in government services pray for transfers to preferred locations.

Festivals:

• Chitra Pournami: Celebrated with devotion to honor Lord Ranganathar.
• Garuda Seva: A special procession held during festivals.
• Krishna Jayanthi: Celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna.
• Karthigai Deepam: A festival of lights held in honor of Lord Murugan and other deities.
• Vaikunta Ekadasi: A significant festival marking Lord Vishnu’s divine appearance.
• Pongal: Celebrating the harvest festival with rituals and offerings.
• Urchavars: During festivals, the Urchavars (festival idols) of Perumal, Sridevi, Bhoodevi, and Lakshmi are taken on a procession, known as Veethi Uzhai, through the streets of the temple town.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/02/thirumalpadi-ranganathar-temple.html

Century/Period

1136 A.D.

Nearest Bus Station

Thirumalpadi

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvannamalai

Nearest Airport

Puducherry

Location on Map

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