Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Namakkal

Address

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

Deity

Sri Ranganathaswamy Amman: Sri Mahalakshmi

Introduction

• Location:
  • Situated behind the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, on the other side of Namagiri in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India.
  • Approximately 2 km from the Namakkal bus stop, accessible via Rasipuram road.
  • Positioned atop a hill, reachable by climbing around 100 steps.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Background:
  • The temple’s architecture is reminiscent of the Pallava dynasty, believed to date back to the 8th century under the Adiyaman rulers of the Kongu region.
  • Inscriptions found on the temple walls refer to it as the Atiyanaatha Vishnu graham, built by King Gunasila.
  • Other inscriptions mention Adityendra Vishnu graham and Atiya Kula.
  • The main sanctum inscription describes it as “Sayya Griham” (Sayana Giraham), highlighting the deity’s reclining posture.
  • Historians debate the temple’s exact age and origin, with many suggesting it was excavated during the Pallava Period and extended during the Vijayanagara Period.

Deity and Worship

• Main Deity:
  • Lord Ranganatha is depicted holding divine attributes:
    • Chakra (discus)
    • Conch
    • Bow
    • Arrow
    • Mace
    • Sword
  • The deity is accompanied by Narada Rishi and other divine beings.
  • A shrine dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi is located on the left side of the main temple.

Entrances

• Access Points:
  • The temple features three entrances.
  • The central entrance is open daily for worship, while the other two are accessible only during the auspicious occasion of Vaikunta Ekadesi.

Special Features

• Architecture:
  • The Ranganatha Swamy Temple is a cave temple, believed to have been constructed during the Pallava dynasty.
  • The main deity, Lord Ranganatha, is shown in the Karkodaya Sayana posture, reclining on a Karkodaka Snake, who performed penances for this blessing.
  • The snake is depicted with a face resembling a fierce, roaring lion.
• Temple Orientation:
  • The temple faces east, requiring a climb of 100 steps from the ground level.
• Sanctum Details:
  • The sanctum contains three rectangular cells, with Lord Vishnu reclining in the Anantasayi form on a serpent bed.
• Artistic Elements:
  • The temple features carvings of celestial beings, attendants, dancers, and various divine personalities surrounding the main deity.
  • The roof is intricately carved to resemble bamboo construction, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era.

Century/Period/Age

8th Century

Managed By

HRCE

Nearest Bus Station

Namakkal, Rasipuram road.

Nearest Railway Station

Salem

Nearest Airport

Coimbatore

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