Friday, October 15, 2010

Vadarangam Ranganatha

Ranganatha seen in a Bala Sayanam Posture
A unique feature is that Coloroon runs North-South at this place
Prarthana Sthalam for Husband-Wife reunion

Located 12kms West of Seerkazhi on the Eastern banks of Coloroon is the Ranganatha temple in Vada Rangam. Similar to Srirangam, this temple is located between two rivers – Coloroon and Rajan River. Also, there is a saivite temple in the same location (similar to Thiruvanai Koil)

The temple was originally located right on the Coloroon banks but floods in 1924 washed away a major portion of the temple.

Hence, a new temple was constructed about 200yards off the place where the original temple was located. One now finds a Rama Sannidhi at the original location of the Ranganatha temple.
A special feature of the location of this temple is that Coloroon runs in the North- South direction (one usually finds Coloroon in the East-West direction).

The story

This temple dates back several centuries as can be seen from the historical stories relating to this temple.

Asura Vikraman had become unstoppable after obtaining the powers to kill all Devas. Answering the prayers of the Devas, Lord Vishnu is believed to have come here and defeated him much to the delight of the Devas. As per the instruction of Vishnu, the Devas bathed at the Theertham here. Hence, this is said to be very sacred.

Cauvery got liberated from Agastya’s curse and re-united with her husband Samudra Raja at this place. Hence, this is said to be a prarthana Sthalam for re-union of husband-wife.

Another story goes that a Saurashtra king was liberated from a serious ailment after bathing in the sacred theertham here. Pleased with this, he donated land for Chariot Festival to be conducted in Vaikasi.

Legend has it Sage Vashista directed Vishwakarma to visit this place and design the temple architecture.

Festivals
10day Brahmotsavam in Vaikasi
Maasi Utsavam
Vaikunta Ekadesi
Rama Navami

Quick Facts
Moolavar   : Ranganatha in a Bala Sayanam Posture
Thaayar      : Ranganayaki East Facing
Priest        : Soundara Narayana Bhattar @ 97872 13235
Temple Time : 7am-12noon and 5pm-8pm

How to reach
From Seerkazhi, cross the railway line (Seerkazhi Station), new bye pass road and drive 12kms West to reach this temple.

Buses every ½ hour between Seerkazhi and Vadarangam (Bus No.A8)
(First bus at 5am)

Auto from Seerkazhi and back will cost about Rs.250/-.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you for posting. This is truly close to our hearts - the old and the newly renovated temple were partly built by my grandfather and my father. My grandfather, Thiru RV Rajan, used to own most of the land on both banks of the Kolladam. I visited both temples with my family in 2007. Your post brought back old memories.

Varadarajan, California, USA

PRabhu S said...

Thank You for the kind words.
Prabhu

RVNATHAN said...

Good post.I recently had dharshan at this temple.Though the priest had returned to Manalmedu by the time we went there able to contact him.However the mobile no of the bhattar ,in which we spoke is 97872 13235 Sir.

Anonymous said...

Good

Temple requires funding for regular routine and that too during festival seasons. People who are generous in the upbringing of old and remotely located temple, can buy things to the temple. Like oil, vastrem, flowers and groceries etc.

Flooring and painting required

One Mr Ramesh Bhattar managing both the temples with least facility.


+91 98433 44722 Mr Ramesh number

I am from Tambaram happened to visit last year and supported to my level best.

Really a great temple and takes us to somewhere in the old era ...


Manu Yegnaraman said...

Varadarajan, good to see your post. Albeit I am seeing it after a few years. Our ancestors are also from Vadarangam and our kula Deivam is Seethala Devi in Vadarangam. I am now based in Dallas, it will be great to connect with you. My number is 510 378 1711. Please call me. Regards Manu Yegnaraman