Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple: Timings, History & Festivals

Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Srirangam is a breathtaking wonder of South Indian temples and generations of spirituality. The temple is called Srirangam and is located in Tamil Nadu.

This is dedicated to lord Ranganatha, who is the incarnation of lord vishnu. This is one of the largest operating hindu temples in the world.

The history of this temple dates back over a thousand years, but its earliest construction to the ruler of the Chola dynasty in the 10th century AD.

Through the ages, the temple has also been important to some modifications in terms of structure and extension.

Dynasties that ruled the place like the Chola, Pandya, Hoysala, and Vijayanagara empires, drive in the grandeur of their development and architecture.

Lord Ranganatha is the main deity of this temple, who is considered to be Swayambhu.

The temple contains multiple smaller shrines of other gods and goddesses outside the inner main sanctum.

The blog will consist of the details of the Srirangam Temple, its timings, history, and festivals celebrated. Read the complete article to know the history.

Timing Of Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple

Timings of Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple start from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM. It opens again for devotees in the evening from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

While visiting the Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple from Mysore, pilgrims can even go to see other places around Srirangapatna.

Places like Tipu fort, Nimishamba temple, Gosai ghat, and Jumma masjid are some places to view the beautiful scene.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple	Darshan Timings
Morning Darshan	6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Viswaroopa Seva	6:00 AM to 7:15 AM
Pooja	12:00 PM to 1:15 PM
Darshan	1:15 PM to 6:00 PM
Pooja	6:00 PM to 6:45 PM
Darshan	6:45 PM to 9:00 PM

 

Entry Fees

• Quick Darshan: Rs . 200/- per head
• Viswaroopa seva: Rs.100/- per head
• General Entrance: Free

Significance of Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple

The temple dedicated to lord Vishnu, Ranganatha Swamy Temple, is the most beautiful place in Srirangapatna.

This is a culturally popular town near Mysore city. The town has a name from the temple.

Lord Ranganatha is worshipped by the devotees as the supreme deity of the temple. The idol of him is in a relaxing position on a bed of serpent Aadi Sesha. Aadi Sesha is seen with seven heads, and is usually shown with lord vishnu.

There is a saying that the idol of the lord in the temple is one of the biggest idols in its resting position. Goddess Lakshmi’s idol by the side of the lord’s feet can always be seen.

Here, Goddess Ranganayaki is regarded as the main deity. Srinivasa, Ranganayaki, Rama, Narasimha, Sudarshana, Panchamukha Anjaneya, and Gopalakrishna are among the other shrines within the temple complex.

Every devotee is enthralled by the Lord’s idol’s beauty and the temple’s superb architecture. Its captivating carvings and enticing structure are captivating.

Despite being initially constructed in 894 AD, this temple saw numerous extensions and modifications during the Hoysalas, Hyder Ali, Vijayanagara, and Wodeyars Dynasties, among others.

Architecture Of Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple

In the hindu shrine, one of the most prominent Sri Ranganatha Swamy temples shows a stunning example of architectural grandeur.

The crafting of temples could be seen back to Vijayanagar along with the Hoyasala style.

The entry of the temple has four majestic pillars that have been beautifully carved with the 24 Forms of Lord Vishnu.

This is the best example of the Hoyasala architectural style that gives significance to the artistic side of any creation.

According to history, the Hoyasala praised art and created it, along with supporting artisans in their development.

The stunning works on the temple show a similar architectural style. Another example of a temple that has been painted with a huge array of mythological tales.

At the same time, Vijayanagara architectural influences are also discernible. The gopuram of the temple, with elaborate sculptures, depicts the Vijayanagar style.

The beautiful walls of Srirangam Temple resemble those of forts. The temple’s sanctum sanctorum is surrounded by a navaranga mandapam.

History of Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple

The Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Tamil Nadu was developed in 894 AD. Although it was redeveloped multiple times during varied rulers belonging to the Vijayanagar dynasty, Hoyasalas, Mysore Wodeyars kings, and Hyder Ali.

These empires were largely involved to a large extent in the expansion of the temple. The current architecture with its fascinating architecture is also a part of the changes during these reigns.

The temple was constructed by the kingdom of Vijayanagara, while after Hyder Ali and Hoysala rulers did some changes to it. Also, the kingdom of Mysore did a lot for the kingdom’s expansion.

According to the beliefs, the Cauvery river, while on her way, formed three islands called Shivanasamudra, Srirangapatna, and Srirangam. Followers who visit these temples on the same day are ensured to achieve moksha.

The story associated with the temple history is that the Lord Ranganatha Swamy temple is a self-manifested form of lord vishnu. He lives in Sri Vaikuntam according to the staunch faith of the Sri Vaishnavites.

Lord Brahma was pleased with him for a long time and hired the sun god to resume in his absence. From then on, the Lord Sun clan has been honouring the lord.

Lord Sri Ram, who belonged to the sun clan, pleased the idol, and after the battle with Ravan, to save his wife Sita, for recognition of loyalty and services, lord ram shows the idol of Ranganatha to Vibishana.

During his return to Sri Lanka, he kept the idol down to rest, and when he tried to pull it up again, the idol did not move.

The deity expresses his wish to stay near the Cauvery river and that he will be facing south, the direction to which Lanka is situated.

How To Reach Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple?

In the western end of Srirangapatna, the temple is located, which boasts of wide historical and spiritual importance.

The temple is around 14 km from Mysore. And this is around 125 km from Bangalore.

The Kottarothsava festival is the ideal time of year to visit Srirangam Temple. Celebrated with great vigour and grandeur, this event is devoted to Lord Ranganatha.

Due to its location on the Bangalore-Mysore State Highway, this town is accessible by road from both Mysore and Bangalore.

Numerous buses frequently go between these locations. To get to the temple from Mysore, one can also rent a taxi.

Travellers can take trains or even flights to Bangalore to get to Mysore and Bangalore. The closest train station to Srirangapatna is Mysore.

To reach the temple, follow the route below by road, rail, and air.

By Road

Srirangam is linked with other cities as well. There are often bus services available across South India. You can book a taxi, or cab, or a bus service to reach the temple.

By Rail

Srirangam railway station is close to the temple. This route has multiple connectivity routes. This is around 1.2 km from the Sri Ranganathaswamy temple.

By Air

If going via Air, Tiruchirapalli International Airport is the closest one. This is around 10 km from the Sri Ranganathaswamy temple. You can book a cab or an auto to reach the temple.

Dress Code

Following the temple traditions and witnessing followers coming around the country and worldwide throughout the year, it’s advised to wear a decent dress code without harming the temple’s customs.

Festivals of Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple

The temple organises events and performs the celebration during Vaikunta Ekathasi that comes in November-December. A massive scale of devotees participate in the festival from across the country.

Lord Vishnu comes out of the doors of heaven in a beautifully decorated form, which is very awesome to see.

Srirangam is a holy destination where you can see and cherish festivals throughout the year.

Conclusion

Thus, apart from being cherished, the other holy landscape, Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, is an active testimony of India’s immersive spirituality and tradition.

Its immortal existence still evolves in millions of followers in search of peace and divine introspection, and connectivity.

Multiple modifications and alterations were performed on the Srirangam temple; hence, its spiritual importance and aesthetic beauty will also be upgraded. The temple plan consists of seven concentric prakaras or walls.

The devotees mark their path to spiritual enlightenment by circumambulating each of these prakaras as part of their devotional practice.

As a religious and cultural hub, the temple has drawn followers and peace-seekers from all over the world.

It has been decorated by kings and their obedient subjects at various points in time, guaranteeing the site’s ongoing upkeep and preservation given its great religious significance.