Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna

Located in the city of Srirangapatna, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is a traditional Hindu Temple that features one of the largest complexes in India. It is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, who is supposed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and has a kind of architecture that inspires people from far and wide.

Sprawling over 156 acres of area, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, encompassed by River Cauvery, boasts the presiding deity in its sitting posture over the Sheshanaga. Here you can also see the idol of Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Ranganayaki within the temple premises.

It is a prominent sightseeing place to see in Srirangapatna. Other shrines that are situated around the complex include Rama Temple, Gopal Krishna Temple, Sudarshana Temple, Srinivasa Temple, Narasimha Temple, Ranganayaki Temple, and Panchamukha Anjaneya Temple.

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History of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Although the foundation of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple was laid out in 984 AD., it underwent many changes over a period of time. Initially, it was built by the Empire of the Vijayanagar Dynasty. Later, when the Hoysala dynasty came into power, some renovation work along with several amendments were made to this pilgrimage site and you can find its traces in various inscriptions on the structure.

It is said that the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple also saw expansions done by Hyder Ali and Mysore Wodeyars. Both the rulers have contributed a lot to it and made it look worth seeing.

Architecture of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Presenting a brilliant example of architectural magnificence, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple boasts a typical South Indian style of architecture that exhibits a perfect blend of different styles from different periods.

At the entrance, you’ll find 4 majestic pillars that feature 24 different forms of Lord Vishnu. There is also a striking tower with 2 huge Prakarams around the sanctum. A mandap that has been tastefully designed with intricate carvings and sculptures is also there within the premise that takes you to the main shrine of the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple.  

Travelers Tips for Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

  • Don’t carry your mobile phones and camera inside the complex. These are strictly prohibited.
  • Make sure to have enough drinking water with you to keep yourself hydrated all day long.
  • As such, there is no particular dress code for the devotees, but it is important to wear something that goes perfectly with its surroundings.
  • Parking space is available near the temple. You can park your vehicle there at minimal charges.
  • No matter what time you visit the temple, you’ll always find a large queue of people waiting outside to seek blessings from the presiding deity. So, be patient and wait for your turn. On Weekends, it is a bit more crowded than on weekdays.

Best Time to Visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

June to September, which is the monsoon season in Srirangapatna is considered an ideal time to head towards the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. Why? Because the level of the water is at its peak due to continuous rainfall, making the River Cauvery gush with all its might, which in turn adds to the overall beauty of this temple.

In case you don’t have much time for a getaway in the monsoon, you can plan your Mysore tour in winter as the weather remains pleasant between October and February throughout the time. Not only is this season great to explore the Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangapatna but also works best to cover the other popular sightseeing places in Mysore.

How to Reach Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple?

To reach the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, you need to first arrive in the city of Mysore either by airways, railways, or roadways. Once you’re here, you can look for a private cab from the list of top car rental companies in Mysore to further access your desired location in your comfort.

For your ease, the Karnataka Government also runs various local buses from Bangalore and Mysore to Srirangapatna on an everyday basis. So, if you’ve budget constraints in mind, you can also opt to catch the private or public-owned bus to experience hassle-free traveling.

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