Sathyagala Madhya Rangam Ranganatha Temple

TS Krishna Bhattar served at the temple for 84 years 

Belief is that visiting Srirangapatna, Sathyagala and Srirangam on the same day will fulfill a devotee's wishes

Located on the banks of the Cauvery is the Ranganatha Swamy temple in Sathyagala, referred to as Madhay Rangam, a temple whose legend dates back to the Kretha Yugam. Belief is that one’s prayers will be fulfilled if one visits the three ancient Ranganathaswamy temples located on the banks of the Cauvery on the same day - Srirangapatna (Aadhi Rangam), Sathyagala (Madhya Rangam) and Srirangam (Anthya Rangam) on the same day. For long, the practice with the devotees in Karnataka has been to have Vishroopa Sevai at Srirangapatna at 730am, darshan at Sathyagala at 9am and the third darshan at Srirangam in the evening.

Glorious Times

Till the middle of the 20^th Century, the Ranganatha Swamy Temple was under the control of the Mysore Palace and it was glory days for the temple and its personnel. Several Villages around Sathyagala were donated by the Palace towards the upkeep and maintenance of the temple and the conduct of the Utsavams. The income from the 800 acres land was used to support over a 100 Vedic Pundits who lived here and chanted the Vedas each day of the year.

During the time of the Wodeyar, the Raja’s representative Ramaswamy Mudaliar ensured that the temple received paddy in large quantities and that there was no shortage of anything that was required for the conduct of the daily poojas and utsavams. There was a period in the middle of the previous century when cashews were presented in sack full as neivedyam for the Lord.

TS Krishna Bhattar, who passed away a few years ago at the age of 96, was one of the most respected priests in the region. He performed aradhana at the temple for 84years having begun service at the age of 12. Through his devotional commitment he earned the goodwill of the people not just in Sathyagala but across Karnataka.

He was a revered agama practitioner and was on the board of Sanskrit Institutions in Karnataka. During the decades of his service, he also performed aradhana in 5 temples in and around Sathyagala. Even at his old age, he would go around in an old cycle to perform the daily aradhana in these temples in addition to performing full time service at the Ranganatha Swamy temple in Madhya Rangam.

Krishna Bhattar was too committed to Lord Ranganatha and financial thoughts rarely crossed his mind. Throughout his life, his message to all his sons and family members was to safeguard the temple by being devotionally committed to the Lord. 

Historically, there were festivals around the year with devotees participating in good numbers. Brahmotsavam was a grand occasion celebrated end of January/early Feb with the Lord visiting the Cauvery for the Theerthavari Utsavam.

The 1970s and the downturn

When the ‘tiller becomes owner’ act came into force, the 800 acres land belonging to the temple began going away. Following the takeover by the HR & CE, the temple has seen dramatic fall in the supplies to the temple. The last four decades have been challenging times for the hereditary priests.

Renovation is due

Till this decade the Eastern entrance was only a Mottai Gopuram. Now idols of Lakshmi Narayana, Yoga Narasimha, Gopala Krishnan and Lakshmi Hayagriva have been installed under the newly constructed Raja Gopuram. One finds several cracks on the walls in many parts of the temple. A proposal for repair works has been sent to the HRCE and the temple is currently waiting for approval. There are no bath or toilet facilities in this temple town. There are also no public transport facilities to the temple. But Sridhar Bhattar the son of Krishna Bhattar is hopeful of the temple being revived to its historical glory sometime in the near future. 

The Legend

Following the boon by Brahmma that he could not be killed by any (existing) weapon, Vrithrasura created havoc among the rishis by constantly disturbing their penance. When the Saptha Rishis approached Shiva for a solution they were directed to Brahmma, as he was the one who had granted the boon of invincibility. On the grounds that he did not have the power to revoke the boon, Brahmma directed them to Vishnu who asked them to seek Indra for a solution to their issue.

When they reached Indra Logam and narrated the challenges they were facing, Indra expressed surprise at him being able to find a solution when the Tri Murthies could not. But since Vishnu suggested that he solve the problem of the rishis, Indra approached Dhathichi Rishi, who had become arrogant due to the extraordinary powers of his Tapas and asked him to sacrifice his life for the sake of protecting the rishis. When he sacrificed his body, Indra created a new Vajraayudham from the back bone of the dead rishi. After performing the final rites for the rishi, Indra took the new weapon and killed the asura.

However, Indra was afflicted with Brahmma Hathi Dosham for taking the life of a Tapaswi like Dhathichi Rishi. Vishnu asked him to bathe in the river and perform penance at Thakshaka Kshetram ( the historical name of this location) invoking the blessings of Ranganatha Swamy. He called upon Vishwakarma, the architect and installed the Saligrama idol of Lord Ranganatha in a sleeping posture as seen in Vaikuntam atop the hooded Serpant all carved on a single stone. A unique feature is the presence of Garuda, the sworn enemy of Adisesha on this stone carving signifying the unity of the people in this region. Historically, the Vadakalaiyars and Thenkalaiyars have lived in harmony in this location.

The temple is open from 730am-1230pm and from 430pm to 8pm. Contact Sridhar Bhattar @ 99012 72621.

How to reach

Sathyagala is about 40 kms South of Maddur on the Malavalli – Kollegal Highway. Buses ply every half hour from Maddur/ Malavalli.

When here also visit the Vedanta Desikar Kote Varadaraja temple, 2kms from Madhya Rangam.

Thondanur Parthasarathy Perumal Temple

Dwapara Yuga Idol installed by Yudhistra

Popularly referred to as ‘Veetrirundha Perumal’, Lord Parthasarathy is seen in a handsome Sitting Posture here at this temple

The Hoysala Style Chariot makes its way around the streets of Thondanur during the Brahmotsavam in Maasi

In the 11^th Century AD, an endowment of money was made by Udaya Pillai to God Veetrirundha Perumal, one of the three ancient Vishnu temples of Thondanur. From the interest received from this endowment, copper and silver vessels and other worship objects like Thaligai utensils, Tiruvadi, Kendi, Mani (bell) and Cup (Vettil) were made to the handsome Lord Parthasarathy seen in a grand sitting posture along with Sri and Bhoo Devi.

Gopalakrishnan Temple is located East of the Nambi Narayana Perumal temple in Thondanur. The moolavar idol of Lord Parthasarathy is believed to date back to the Dwapara Yuga and was installed by the Pandava King Yudhistra.

Consecrated by Ramanuja

Parthasarathy temple is one of the three ancient Vishnu temples of Thondanur that were consecrated during Ramanuja’s stay here at Thondanur before he made his way North to Melkote.

Out of the three Perumal temples of Thondanur, Lord Parthasarathy is rich in inscriptions dating back to early 11^th Century AD that gives us an indication of the name of this place, the kings ruling this place at that time, the way this Lord was referred to and the posture of this Lord. All the three Vishnu temples of Thondanur have been designated as a heritage monument and comes under the control of ASI.

Hoysala Rulers

In 1177AD, during the rule of Vira Ballaala Deva, a grant of Bhoganahalli Village along with its hamlet was made. In addition, the income from taxes on loom and houses was directed to the service of Veetrirundha Perumal. Another Hoysala ruler, Narasimha, granted villages of Bottahalli, Sirimakkanahalli and Maarurumhalli along with income from taxes – Olavaaru, Horavaaru and Hole-Sunka to Veetrirundha Perumal of Yadava Narayana Chaturvedi Mangalam.

Panguni Festival

In the 13^th Century AD, the people of Yadava Narayana Chaturvedi Mangalam gifted 20 Pons to organise festivals in Panguni here at the temple of Veetrirundha Perumal.

 

During the rule of Hoysala King, Jagadakomalla Narasimha Deva who ruled from Dorasamudra, there was construction and consecration of the temple of Veetrirundha Perumal and Goddess Lakshmi in 1157AD through a grant of Villages.

Names of the Lord

In the 11^th and 12^th Century AD, Lord Parthasarathy here at Thondanur was referred to as ‘Veetrirundha Perumal’ indicating his grand sitting posture.

In 1191AD, Hoysala Vira Ballala II made a gift to Lord Gopinathan, another name for Veetrirundha Perumal in those days. This Lord who was also referred to as ‘God Vennai Kutta’ was gifted 10Pon for supply of 2Naali of rice for food offerings. In the 13^th Century AD, this temple was referred to as the Krishna temple of Yadava Narayana Chaturvedi Mangalam. During this period, this temple was also referred to as Ainnurruva Vinnagaram.

Regular Thaligai for Lord Parthasarathy

One comes to know that there was regular early morning service of food offerings to Lord Parthasarathy through a gift made to the temple of 20Gadyaanas.  Ramanuja’s disciple gifted a village to Veetrirundha Perumal to ensure the daily food offerings to the Lord at this temple. In the 12^th Century AD, Kodai Andal Ammai gifted a share for maintaining lamp at this temple.

When at Thondanur, visit the Thonnur Kere ( the huge dam) built by Thondanur Nambi, the disciple of Ramanuja.

 

Festivals

5day Maasi Brahmotsavam including Chariot Festival

Gokulashtami

Thirumanjanam every Rohini

Quick Facts

Moolavar        : Lord Parthasarathy with Sri and Bhoo Devi

Utsavar           : Gopalakrishnan with Rukmini and Satyabhama

Time                :  830am-1 pm and 3pm-530pm

Contact           : Raghurama Bhattar @ 08236 251795 / 94493 72453

How to reach

Pandavapura is about 100kms from Bangalore on the Mandya- Srirangapatna- Mysore Highway. From Pandavapura, buses every one hour to Thondanur (Thonnur Kere) – take the Narayanapura bound bus.

Auto from Pandavapura bus stand will cost Rs. 100/-

Number of Share autos ply between Pandavapura and Thonnur – they will charge Rs. 7.  

Thiru Narayanapuram, Melkote is just around 20kms from here 

Ranganatha Swamy in Srirangapatna

Lord Ranganatha displays his special 'Yoga Sayanam' posture at this temple

Located about 16kms North East of Mysore off the Bangalore- Mysore Highway on the banks of the Cauvery is the Lord Ranganathaswamy temple in the island town of Srirangapatna. Lord Ranganatha is seen in a reclining posture referred to as Yoga Sayanam. This is one of the important Swayambu Ranganatha Kshetrams.

The Story
The devotees cleansed their sins by bathing in the sacred Cauvery. With even Ganga coming here once a year, Cauvery accumulated all the sins and was stuck with a dosham and took on the ‘Rakshashi Roopam’.

To rid herself of this, she undertook penance and sought the help of Lord Vishnu. Pleased with her prayers, he came down to this place. Delighted at the darshan of Lord Ranganatha, Cauvery undertook service at the feet of the Lord and was immediately relieved of the sins. Hence, to this day, one can see Goddess Cauvery at the feet of Ranganathaswamy at this temple.

Gouthama Kshetram

Another story goes that Gouthama Rishi, who wanted darshan of the Lord, undertook penance at this place. Lord Ranganatha is said to have displayed his special ‘Yoga Sayana Kolam’ to the Rishi. Hence this place is also referred to as Gouthama Kshetram.

Garuda

A special feature at this temple is the large granite pillared structure of Garuda, the credit for which also goes to the Vijayanagara rulers who were great devotees of Vishnu.

Construction
The sanctum of Lord Ranganatha is said to have been built by Ambi, a dancer, about 3000 years ago.

The temple itself was built much later, in the 9th century AD, by Thirumala Raya. During course of time, the temple has seen renovations and improvements thanks to the efforts of the Hoysala and Vijayanagara rulers More recently the Wodeyars of Mysore, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan had also contributed to the temple.

Architecture


The Ranganthaswamy temple has a mix of chozha, Vijayanagara and Hoysala style of architecture. The temple tower that one sees on the Eastern side was built during the Vijayanagara rule. One can see different forms of Vishnu at this entrance.

Festivals

Opening of Swarga Vaasal on the Pongal day (at this temple, the opening is on the first day of Utharaayina period)

Ugadi Moolavar Thirumanjanam

Kodai Thirunaal Festival immediately follows Ugadi

Ranga Jayanathi- The evening sees a special decoration of the Lord in a ‘Ranga Mudi’

7day Oonjal Utsavam

Garuda Utsavam(Visakam full moon day)



Quick Facts

Moolavar : East facing Ranganathaswamy in Yoga Sayanam
Goddess : Ranganayaki Thaayar
Utsavar : Kasturi Rangan

Time : 6am-1pm and 4pm-8pm
Priest : L Vijaya Sarathy Bhattar- Pradhana Archakar
Tel : 94488 77648, 08236 292422
Address : Sriranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna 571 438 Mandya District
Email : srirangaviji@yahoo.com

How to reach Srirangapatna

Chennai-Mysore Cauvery Express stops at Srirangapatna( arrival 740am) – right at the Western Eastern entrance of the temple

Buses every 5 minutes between Mysore and Srirangapatna

Srirangapatna is about 120kms from Bangalore on Mysore Highway

Thiru Narayana Perumal in ThiruNarayanapuram(Melkote)

Ramanuja stayed here for 12years during his exile from Srirangam and consecrated the temple laying down detailed processes for poojas
Selva Pillai Sampath Kumaran’s Vaira Mudi Utsavam in Panguni is a must see at this temple


ThiruNarayanapuram is referred to as ‘Dakshina Badri’

Located about 35kms North East of Srirangapatna on the banks of the Cauvery in the Pandavapura Taluk-Mandya District of Karnataka at the foot of the Yadava Giri is one of the most sacred and historical Vaishnavite temples - the Thiru Narayana Perumal Koil in ThiruNarayanapuram (now Melkote), one that dates back to the Kretha Yugam. Brahma’s sons Sanatkumaras brought their father’s pooja idol ‘Lord Narayana’ and installed it at Melkote.


An interesting feature at the Thiru Narayanan temple is that there is a separate sannidhi for the Utsava deity, ‘Selva Pillai’ (Sampath Kumaran) not seen anywhere else. Only one day in the year, are both Moolavar and Utsavar deities seen together at this temple to celebrate the home coming of Selva Pillai Sampath Kumaran(Photograph below)

The Story- Ramanuja consecrates the temple
Driven out of Srirangam by the chozhas, Ramanuja came to a place called Thondanur (Bhaktha Puri) near ThiruNarayanapuram.The daughter of the Jain King Bitta Deva, who was ruling the region with Thondanur as his headquarters, had developed a disease. Using his powers, Ramanuja cured the king’s daughter.

Later, Ramanuja found him self short of Thiruman (the special thick white ash that Vaishnavites wear on their fore head). That day Lord Narayanan appeared in his dreams and informed him that he was residing in a pit in a hill nearby and that the Thiruman he is looking for can also be found there.

With the help of Bitta Deva, Ramanuja came to Thiru Narayanapuram and located the moolavar lord and performed consecration of the temple.

Story 1 of the Utsava deity as Rama Priyan
After Lord Rama had given his pooja idol, Ranganatha, to the newly crowned Lankan King Vibheeshana, he was left without an idol for his daily poojas. Brahmma is said to have provided this idol to Rama. Later, Rama passed this on to his sons Luva and Kusha. When Kusha’s daughter got married to a Yadava prince, this idol was given as part of the gifts to be given by the Bride and thus this idol landed up in the lunar dynasty from the solar dynasty.

Years later, when Balarama came to this place on a religious trip, he found the moolavar deity resembling the idol at his home, back in Dwaraka. Krishna and Balarama came back to this place with the idol and they decided that this was the ideal Utsava deity for Thiru Narayanan and placed it here. The Utsava deity having been Rama’s pooja idol was called ‘Rama Priyan’.

Story 2 of Rama Priyan becoming Selva Pillai
Coming back to Ramanuja, while he was happy to have found the moolavar deity of Thiru Narayanan, Emberumaanar was keen to have regular festivals at this temple round the year. However, he found he could not do this as there was no Utsava deity, the processional idol.

Once again, the Lord came in his dreams and suggested that his utsava idol was now under the custody of a sultan king. Immediately, Ramanuja approached the king briefing him of the situation at the temple. The king asked Ramanuja to identify his idol amongst the many that the king had taken custody of. Unable to find his Lord, Ramanuja spent the night there. The next morning he called out ‘Adiyen Vareeren Enthan Selva Pillai’ and like a small child, the lord ran up to Ramanuja, from the chamber of the princess, and sat on his lap.

Delighted at finding the processional deity, Ramanuja brought the Lord back to Thiru Narayanapuram. With the Lord having reacted to Ramanuja’s call of ‘Selva Pillai’, the name stuck and from that day, Rama Priyan came to be called ‘Selva Pillai. Unhappy at the departure of her favourite Lord, the princess followed suit and joined Selva Pillai at Melkote and she is said to have remained there ever after serving at the feet of the Lord.

Having found the Utsava deity, Ramanuja stayed here for 12 years and set up processes for daily poojas, rituals and annual festivals.

One day, when he was performing his pooja at Kalyani pushkarani, he heard the news of the death of the chozha king and decided that it was time for him to head back to Srirangam. He brought 52 Bhattars (Aivattiruvar) from Srirangam to perform the daily poojas at this temple - http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2007/05/108-divya-desam-thiruvellarai.html

Unhappy on hearing the news of his proposed departure from Melkote, the people for whom he was so dear, wanted him to stay back.

As an alternate, Ramanuja created a bronze image of his and left this behind with a request asking them to always take care of his beloved ’Selva Pillai’. Ramanuja is seen here with an ‘Ugantha Thirumeni’

Architecture

Over the last 1000 years, Vijayanagara kings, the Hoysalas and more recently the Wodeyar dynasty have made significant contributions to this temple.

Dakshina Badri

The ThiruNarayanan Temple is also referred to as the ‘Dakshina Badri’. A reference to this is found in 12 chapters under the topic Yadava Giri Mahatmiyam in the Narada Puranam.

One of the four Swayambu Kshetrams

ThiruNarayanapuram in Melkote is one of the four famous Swayambu Kshetrams, the others being Srirangam, Kanchipuram and Tirupathi.

Araiyar Sevai
One of the other highlights at this temple is the continued performance of the Araiyar Sevai, an artistic song and dance enactment of the Naalayira Divya Prabandham. This is one of the four Vishnu temples in India where Araiyar Sevai is still performed, the others being Srirangam, Srivilliputhur and Azhvaaar Thirunagari.

Archakas of Melkote
A special mention must be made of the archakas of ThiruNarayana Perumal temple. In these days of short cuts every where, these Bhattars follow every pooja ritual with a commitment that is sublime.

Festivals

Vaira Mudi Festival in the Tamil Calendar month of Panguni is the most important festival at this temple and attracts several thousand devotees. On the 6th day of the Brahmotsavam, Selva Pillai is adorned with a diamond crown and taken on a street procession.

Ashta Theertotsavam during Raja Mudi Brahmotsavam in Karthigai is another popular festival.

RAJA MUDI
Thai Punarvasu festival - This is a special festival commemorating Ramanuja’s arrival in Thiru Narayanapuram on the Makara Shukla Punarvasu day

Krishnaraja Thirunaal (9days), Aadi Pooram (for Thaayar)are a few of the other important utsavams at the ThiruNarayanan temple in Melkote.

Prarthana Sthalam
Childless couples who bathe in the Kalyani Pushkarani for 8 days and offer sincere prayers to ThiruNarayanan are said to be blessed with a child.

Quick Facts:

Moolavar : Thiru Narayanan
Goddess : Yathu Giri Naachiyar

Utsavar : Selva Pillai (Sampath Kumar)
Utasava Goddess: Kalyani (Selva Nayagi)

Temple Time : 730am-1pm, 4pm-6pm and 7pm-830pm
Contact : S.Narasaraja Bhattar
Contact Telephone number: 94487 54696, 94488 13124 or 08236 298 913

How to reach

Take 6222 Chennai Mysore Kaveri Express, Get down at Pandava Pura (715am arrival)
Take Tumkur bound bus and get down at Jakkanahalli junction (about 15kms from Pandava Pura)

Auto from Jakkanahalli to Melkote temple (about 5kms) will cost Rs.50/-.

One can reach Melkote in 2 hours from Bangalore ( about 135kms) via Mandya- Jakkanahalli.