The Sri Ranganthaswamy in Srirangapatna is a beautifully constructed temple that’s popular among devotees for many reasons. The temple has been built in the honor of Ranganatha Swami, a manifestation of Hindu God Vishnu. Devotees of Lord Vishnu believe that the temple is one of the five sacred sites of the Pancharanga Kshetrams in the southern part of India.

Srirangapatna town derives its name from the ancient temple. It is situated in Mandya district of Karnataka on a beautiful, serene island on the banks of the River Kaveri. The temple takes pride of place as one of the most important Vaishnavite shrine of Southern India. It is one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

History

Historians believe that a dignitary of the Western Ganga family, Tirumalaiah carried out the consecration of the temple, way back in 984 A.D. The village was donated by the 12th century King of Hoysalas, Vishnuvardhana to Ramanujacharya, a Vaishnav saint of those times for the purpose of learning and research. Later, rulers of Mysore, Hyder Ali and son Tipu Sultan are also believed to have contributed significantly to the development of the Temple.

Srirangapatna saw the final and most decisive battle fought between Tipu Sultan and his army. The last of the fourth Anglo-Mysore war called historically as the ‘The Battle of Srirangapatna’ was fought here in 1799 and has major historical ramifications. The battle climaxed with the slaying of Tipu Sultan inside the fort of the temple by one of his own trusted men. A memorial has been erected at the place where the Ruler of Mysore fell after a hard-fought battle.

The Changing Form of the Temple

The temple underwent several additions, alterations and renovations during the reign of King Veera Ballala II of the Hoysalas dynasty. The gopuram or the temple tower clearly bears the imprint of the rich architecture of those times. Later, the Wodeyar Royal Family of Mysore also contributed handsomely to the development of the temple. Today, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is an ASI protected structure and is regarded as an important national monument.

The Inside Details

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple mesmerizes visitors with its magnificent tower built at the main entrance. Around its perimeter are two enormous rectangular enclosures. The path from the main entrance to the inner sanctum has numerous columned halls known as mandapas. These are followed by a reception area hall and a front hall. They are the main structures of the Srirangapatna Temple. The roof of the temple is brilliantly designed with a string of minute decorative towers. The niche spaces have images of Lord Vishnu.

In the sanctum, you can see the amazing and imposing image of Lord Vishnu in reclining pose, resting on the snake Adisesha. This idol is believed to be the biggest of the Lord in this resting posture. The hood of the snake offers cover to the face while at the feet of the Lord is His consort, Goddess Laxmi. Idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses Bhudevi or the Goddess of Earth, Sridevi and The Creator, flank the main idol. Other smaller shrines dedicated to various manifestations of Lord Vishnu such as Srinavasa, Narasimha and Gopalakrishna, along with idols of Lord Hanuman, Garuda and the Alwar saints grace the insides of the Temple.

The Main Festival

The Kotarothsava festival is the biggest and also one of the most important events celebrated at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. The festival is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha and is celebrated on a grand scale with great splendor. The temple remains extremely crowded on the day of the festival with devotees coming from all over the country to enjoy and be a part of this mega event.  

How to Reach

By Road

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is approximately 120 km from Bangalore and is located on the Bangalore Mysore highway. It is just 19 km from Mysore town and well connected by road. There are buses and private taxis and cars plying from both Mysore and Bangalore on this route.

By Rail

The nearest railway station from the Temple is Mysore.

By Air

The nearest airport from the Temple is Bangalore International Airport.