Oonjal Utsavam in Srirangam

500 year old Swing Festival was celebrated at the Ranganatha Temple in Srirangam last week with Vaadhyam, Prabhandham and Saamaram

Lord Namperumal witnessed the display of measurement of Paddy at the Thiru Kottaram

மாணிக்கம் கட்டி வைரம் இடை கட்டி
ஆணிப் பொன்னால் செய்த வண்ணச் சிறுத் தொட்டில் ….
வைரம் அளந்தானே தாலேலோ - Peri Azhvaar

With this verse of PeriAzhvaar referring to the Lord's cradle, Araiyars Sampath Kumaran and Ramanujacharya welcomed Namperumal with the Ubaya Nachiyars at the Oonjal Mandapa on the 7^th day of the Oonjal Utsavam that took place on  8November at the Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam.

Perumal Thirumozhi Thaalattu Verses

When the Araiyars followed this with another set of beautiful Thaalaatu verses - Kulasekara Azhwar’s ‘மண்ணு புகழ் கௌசலைதன் ’ one could almost visualise Namperumal reacting with joy to the presentation of these Perumal Thirumozhi verses. This showcased as to how much Lord Ranganatha enjoyed playing on the swing and how relaxed he now was. This presentation was also relevant, for the Oonjal Mandapa is located in the Kulasekara Thiruchutru (Prakara) – one contributed by Kulasekara Azhwar.

The two Araiyars completed their presentation for the evening with Thirumangai Azhwar’s Saranagathi Periya Thirumozhi Prabhandham – 

‘ஏழை எதலன் கீழ்மகன் என்னாது ….
அணி பொழில் திருவரங்கத்து அம்மானே ’

The Nine Day Oonjal Utsavam at the Ranganathaswamy temple dates back to the late 15^th Century AD.

 Nel Alavu Display

The 7^th day of the Dolotsavam is particularly special in that it is on this evening that Namperumal used to personally inspect the granary and witness the measurement of paddy that have accrued to him through gifts from Kings as well as from his devotees. The quantity of paddy also symbolises the prosperity or otherwise of the kingdom.

Namperumal, with his Ubaya Nachiyars started on the procession at 6pm to reach Thiru Kottaram, West of the Garuda Sannidhi. Here, the ‘Nel Alavu’ display event was enacted with representatives of Namperumal measuring and displaying to the Lord 25kgs of Paddy following which the representatives shouted out the next measurement as 250kgs and 2500kgs of Paddy thus informing Lord Namperumal that all was well in the region and that devotees were taking good care of him by gifting in plenty.

After the joy of finding out that his devotees were showering their wealth on him, Namperumal made his way to the Northern Entrance of the temple to meet with and have darshan of Ranganayaki Thaayar, who presented the Lord with Thiruvanthikaapu as a measure of protecting the Lord from Drishti.

By 7pm, Lord Namperumal had made it to the Oonjal Mandapam via the Manal Veli (Eastern Side) and the Arya Bhattal Gate.

For the next three hours, thousands of devotees watched the swinging Lord Namperumal along with the Ubaya Nachiyars on the Oonjal enjoy the presentation of joyful verses of Peri Azhwar and Kulasekara Azhwar.

 Vaadhyam, Prabhandham and Saamaram

During the Swing Festival, Lord Ranganatha is showered with unending care by his devotees with Vadhyam (instruments), Arayar Prabhandham and the Saamaram (fanning of the Lord) while he himself enjoyed these pleasures sitting through the evening on the Oonjal which swayed up and down with delicate push from the Lord’s representatives. During this period, the Lord is said to be relieved from all mental tensions and worries and is believed to be in a complete mood of enjoyment.

Oonjal Utsavam removes Dosham in the Swing

Belief is that when the Lord is in such joyous mood, he does not hold himself back and showers his special blessings fulfilling the prayers of devotees who come here to have darshan of him.  Age old belief is that his presence at the Oonjal Mandapa is said to remove any dosham in the Swing.

On the 9^th and final day last Saturday (Nov10), Namperumal made his way to the sacred Chandra Pushkarani for the Theerthavari Utsavam, following which a Thirumanjana was performed on the Lord at the Oonjal Mandapa. That evening Namperumal returned to his sanctum bringing to end for another year the annual Aipasi Dolotsavam.

Kasthuri Ranganatha Perumal Erode

1000 Year Old Ranganatha Temple in the heart of Erode

 Inscriptions date back to 10th Century AD

Located about 2kms from the bus stand is over 1000years old Kasthuri Ranganatha Perumal temple in Erode, a temple that dates back to the rule of Paranthaka Chola.

 

  

The Dwarapalakas who were cursed by an angry Sage Durvasa are seen at the feet of Lord Ranganatha offering their service. Lord Kasthuri Ranganatha is seen with his right hand on Sage Durvasa in a posture of cooling the normally angry sage.

Inscriptions

10^th Century AD Inscription in Tamil records the construction of a Nilai ( Door Jamb) and mentions the name of the God as Pallikonda Devar

On the Western Wall, an inscription relating to the rule of Raja Kesarivarma mentions the temple of Pallikonda Perumal

Festivals

Chitra Pournami

Brahmotsavam in Puratasi

Garuda Sevai in Panguni, Maasi and Thai

Quick Facts

Moolavar: Kasthuri Ranganatha in a Sayana Kolam

Goddess: Kamalavalli Thaayar

Utsavar : Varadaraja Perumal                                                               

Time : 6am-12noon and 430pm-830pm

Contact: Sriram Bhattar @ 98652 24745 / Nagarajan @ 94439 51121

How to reach

Auto from bus stand will cost Rs. 40 / from the railway station will cost Rs. 50/-

Thiru Vathigai Ranganatha Temple

8feet Ranganayaki Thaayar is a special feature at this temple



Located about 5kms East of Panruti and about 15kms West of Thiru Vahindrapuram Divya Desam on the Panruti-Cuddalore Highway is the 7th Century AD Ranganatha temple in Thiru Vathigai, one that dates back to the early Pallava period and where the lord is seen in a Sayana Kolam.

About half a km West of this temple is the Sara Narayana Perumal temple.

The Story
The story goes that Pallavaraya, who was ruling the Chola kingdom had a beautiful daughter. She was totally devoted to Lord Ranganatha and Thaayar Ranganayaki that she took a decision to move to Srirangam so she could have a daily darshan of her favourite Lord.

The King of Thiru Vathigai came to know about her and expressed interest to marry her. While Pallavaraya was delighted at hearing this, his daughter was wary as it meant moving away from her favourite Lord in Srirangam.

In an immediate decision, the ruler of Thiru Vathigai decided to build a temple here located between Kedilam River and Pennai River, similar to the one at Srirangam, with Lord Ranganatha in a Sayana Kolam as the main deity.


He also built a separate sannidhi for Ranganayaki Thaayar. To ensure that his wife did not miss Srirangam, the king created a huge one of its kind 8feet Thaayar.

He also created a handsome idol for Kothandarama along with Sita and Lakshmana.

Festivals
Garuda Seva on Vaikasi Visakam
Float Festival on Full moon day in Aani
Flower decoration on 3rd Friday in Aadi
Sudarshana Homam every Krithigai star every month

Special Thirumanjana on Revathi star every month



Quick Facts

Moolavar : Ranganatha East Facing Sayana Kolam
Goddess : Ranganayaki Thaayar
Time : 7am-11am and 5pm-830pm
Contact : Seshadri Bhattar @ 99426 56612/ Balaji Bhattar @ 95859 90582

How to reach
Bus Number 16 from Panruti
Auto from Panruti bus stand / Railway Station will cost Rs. 50 one way
The temple is about 15kms West of Thiruvahindrapuram Divya Desam

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/-.

Athanur Divya Desam

Aandalakkum Aiyan is seen in a handsome Anantha Sayanam posture with a wooden measuring bowl, a writing pad made of leaf and a pen

Located about 10kms from Kumbakonam off Swami Malai on the Thiru Vaikavur Road are two ancient Divya Desams next to each other – Pullam Bhoothangudi that dates back to Ramayana - Jatayu Moksham episode and Thiru Athanur that is said to pre-date Srirangam Ranganatha temple and one that finds a reference in the Brahmanda Purana.

Thirumangai Azhvaar's Trip to Athanur

The story goes that Thirumangai Azhvar was short on materials and funds to complete the construction of the big walls at the Srirangam temple. He was directed to Thiru Athanur for help. Once here, he found a business man coming towards him with an empty Marakkal (a measuring bowl) in his hand.

When asked why he was carrying an empty measuring bowl with him, the business man answered that he was a messenger of Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam and that he would get what he wanted if he held the empty bowl in his hand and recited thrice the name of his favourite Lord.

Thirumangai Azhvaar agreed and asked for wages for all those working here. The business man laid a condition. For all those who worked sincerely here, the sand would turn to Gold. For those who were lazy and insincere, the sand would remain as is.

To Thirumangai Azhvaar's shock, a majority of the sand that was measured with the empty bowl remained sand and did not turn to gold. Wondering who this person was, he gave him a chase (as the man had begun to leave). After a long chase, he found in front of him his very Lord providing him darshan with the Marakkal.

Lord Aandalakkum Aiyan is seen in an Anantha Sayanam posture with Marakkal on his right side, a writing pad made of leaf on his left and with a writing pen. Along side him are Brighu Rishi, Agni (Lord of Fire) and Kamadhenu

Brighu Rishi and Athanur Temple

Brighu Rishi, who made a trip to Vaikuntam, was given a flower garland by Goddess Lakshmi.Taking this to the abode of Indra, he handed it to him, who gave this to his elephant Iravathan.

Much to the Rishi’s ire, he found that the elephant crushed the garland under his feet. An angry rishi cursed Indra to lose all his wealth. Repenting for his unreasonable act and seeking liberation from the Rishi’s curse, Indra undertook penance at Aadanur. Indra was liberated from the curse when Goddess Lakshmi, who was born here as Bhargavi, Brighu Rishi’s daughter, married Lord Vishnu and provided darshan to him.

Brighu Rishi is believed to have installed the idol.

Another story goes that Shiva, who had Brahmahathi Dosham, looked up to Agni to liberate him from the curse. However, he only managed to pass on this Dosham to Agni too who then undertook penance here and invoked the blessing of Vishnu to get liberated from this.

Kamadhenu’s penance- Special position inside the sanctum

Seeking presence in Vaikuntam, Kamadhenu undertook penance here at Aadhanur. Hence, one finds the idols of Kamadhenu and daughter Nandini at this Divya Desam.

Thirumangai Azhvaar’s Paasuram
In the Periya Thirumadal, Thirumangai Azhvaar refers to the Lord of Thiru Moozhikalam along side Aandalukku Aiyan.

என்னை மனம்கவர்ந்த ஈசனை , வானவர்தம்
முன்னவனை மூழிகளது விளக்கினை
அன்னவனை ஆதனூர் ஆண்டாளுக்கு ஐயனை …

Special Pillars
Thiru Athanur is one of the only two divya desams (the other being Srirangam) where one finds the special Thirumana Pillar on either side of the Lord inside the sanctum.

Ahobila Mutt

The temple is under the administration of Ahobila Mutt.

Festivals
10 day Brahmotsavam in Vaikasi
3 day Pavitrotsavam in Avani
Aadi Pooram- Andal Perumal Procession
Aadi and Thai Friday- Ranganayaki Thaayar procession

Quick Facts
Moolavar : Aandalakkum Aiyan East Facing Anantha Sayanam
Thayar     : Kamalasini (Ranganayaki/Bhargavi) Thaayar
Utsavar : Ranganatha (Azhagiya Manavalan)
Azhvaar : Thiru Mangai Azhvaar (1Paasuram)

The temple is open from 730am-1230pm and 530pm-830pm. Contact Seshadri Bhattachar @ 0435-2455165 / Mei Kavalar @ 96592 38838

Address :Adhanur Divya Desam
Via Pullabhoothangudi , Papanasam Taluk 612 301

How to reach Adhanur
Auto from Sarangapani Koil and back to Kumbakonam will cost Rs.400/-. Buses ply every half hour from Kumbakonam and Swami Malai to Thiruvaikavur.

Veena Ekantham Srirangam Ranganatha temple

900 year old unique tradition performed on nearly 300days every year at the Srirangam Ranganatha temple

A one of its kind 900 year old tradition initiated by Ramanuja continues to be performed to this day at the Lord Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam. This is the only Divya Desam where the Lord is woken up and put to sleep by the sweet Veena Recital.

Yaazh Isai- Reference in Azhvaar Pasuram

Ramanuja, who returned to Srirangam after a 12 year exile to Melkote, laid down specific processes to be followed in each area of service at the temple. He also ensured that people from different walks of life participated in the temple routine. Ramanuja found reference to  Yaazh in several pasurams of the Azhvaars.

In the Periya Thirumozhi, Thirumangai Azhvaar says

‘பண்ணின் இன் மொழி யாழ் நரம்பில் பெற்ற 

பாலை ஆகி, இங்கே புகுந்து, என் கண்ணும்

In the Thiruvoimozhi, NammAzhvaar sings

‘முன் நல் யாழ் பயில் நூல் நரம்பின் முதிர் சுவையே’

and

In his praise of Thiru Kudanthai Aaravamudhan, NammAzhvaar brings out the sweetness of Veena recital:

‘சூழ்கண்டாய் என் தொல்லை வினையை....

யாழின் இசையே அமுதே , அறிவின் பயனே , அரி ஏறே.’

In Thirupalli Yezhuchi, Thondaradipodi Azhvaar cites the yaazh:

‘ஏதம் இல் தண்ணுமை ஏக்கம் மத்தளி 

யாழ் குழல் முழவமோடு இசை திசை கெழுமி

கீதங்கள் பாடினர் கின்னரர் கெருடர்கள் 

கெந்தருவர் அவர் கண்குலுள் எல்லாம்’

Ramanuja wanted Veena recital to form an integral part of the daily routine at the Srirangam temple. And he gave it the most sacred and satisfying role- that of both waking up the Lord as well as putting him to sleep.

Sathya Kootam

Ramanuja assigned ‘Sathya Kootam’, a clan belonging to a village near Srirangam and well versed in this art form. Thus began the early morning and late evening Veena recital at the Ranganatha temple in Srirangam. This traditional Veena recital has also been included in the Limca books of records(1992 book, page number 138) for paternal service at temples and for its sheer longevity under the 'Music' Category (Veena G.Rangarajan is recorded as the 45th descendent of the Sathya Kootam clan performing this Veena Recital Kainkaryam at the Ranganatha temple).

Thirupalli Yezhuchi through the Veena

Every morning at around 515am, for about 30minutes, the descendents of the Sathya Kootam clan, now headed by 75 year old Veena G. Rangarajan, the retired Vice Principal of National College Trichy, present, through their veena recital. Thondaripodi Azhvaar’s 10 beautiful verses called Thirupalli Yezhuchi - to wake up Lord Ranganatha from his sleep. It is believed that all the Divya Desam Lords spend the night here at Srirangam and hence this veena recital is equivalent to waking up the Lords at all the Divya Desams. Belief is that the other Divya Desam Lords go back to their home town after listening to this beautiful piece of Veena Recital.

The Sathya Kootam descendents have broken up these 10 verses of Thondaradipodi into 5 different Ragams, one ragam for every two verses- Roopalam, Bilahari, Dhanyasi, Malaya Marutham and Saveri.

Ranganathar Sayanam with their Veena Recital

Similarly in the evening for about 20 minutes beginning 10pm, they present Kulasekara Azhvaar’s Pasurams to put the Lord to sleep.

"மண்ணு புகழ்க் கௌசளைதன் 
மணிவயிறு வாய்த்தவனே
தென் இலங்கைக் கொண்
முடிகள் சிந்துவித்தாய், செம்பொன்சேர் ....
என்னுடைய இன்னமுதே இராகவனே தாலேலோ"

"தேவரையும் அசுரரையும் திசைகளையும் படைத்தவனே
யாவரும் வந்து அடிவணங்க
அரங்கநகர்த் துயின்றவனே....
ஏவரி வெஞ்சிலை வளவா ராகவனே தலேலோ"

The evening presentation has been composed in 4 different Ragams starting with Neelambari, going on to Ananda Bairavi, Sahana, Revathi and ending again with Neelambari.

They are paid Rs.2 Paise 57 per month (Yes, only about Rs.30 annually) every month for their divine service but the greatness about this kind of service to Lord Ranganatha, just like the Araiyar Sevai, is that they are not doing this for financial benefits!!!

They present this daily Veena Recital for 262 days (non festival days) in the year. In addition to this daily service, they also present the Veena recital for another 29 days including during the Poochaatu Kodai Utsavam and Era Pathu Festival.

Veenai Ekantham- Special Recital during Thiruvoi Mozhi Thirunaal

During the 10 day Era Pathu festival, they present veena for about an hour to one and half hours. Interestingly, while the daily morning and evening recitals are solo performances presented in a sitting posture, Veenai Ekantham during the Era Pathu Thiruvoimozhi festival is presented in a group (currently 5 members) in a standing posture with the Veena tied to their shoulder. In all, they present around 250 pasurams during this Tamil Prabandham festival. During this Veena Ekantham, there is pin drop silence in an otherwise noisy Srirangam temple, such is the regard for the presentation of these Veena Vidwans.

During the Era Pathu Ekantha Seva, the Veena Vidwans also present kritis composed by Thyagarajar, Dikshitar, Arunachala Kavirayar, Aadi Shankara, Purandaradasa and Venkatathri Swamigal in languages such as Telugu,Kannada and Sanskrit, in addition to their presentation of the Prabhandham in Tamil. Their presentation in other languages has captured the imagination of devotees from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and other North Indian states and as a result they have been able to appreciate,better,the Veena Ekantham.

Elegant Tunes

The tunes composed by them are elegant and simple in its presentation thus enabling devotees to easily grasp and understand. Also, a good part of their presentation is in a conversational style. However, while the final presentation seems simplistic, perfecting this art form takes a great deal of effort and time- For a beginner, it may take at least 10 years to acquire the knowledge and confidence to present this traditional art form.

For the first 2-3 years, one has to perfect the vocal music. For the next few years, they would have to learn the Instrument and then follow it up with learning the art of presenting the pasurams through the Veena.

Presentation outside Srirangam

Of late, as a recognition to their pleasing presentation to the Lord, several temples have invited the sathya kootam Veena Vidwans to present Veena Ekantham, the evening before the Samprokshanam of the temple as a tradition to put the Lord to sleep on the previous night (before the Samprokshanam).

Veenai G. Rangarajan has been presenting the Veena Recital at the Srirangam temple for the last 65 years having begun his presentation in 1945, before India attained independence!!!!To ensure this centuries old tradition is passed on to the next generation, he has trained his sons and grandsons on this special composition.

Currently, Veena Rangarajan's sons, Srinivasan, Ramanujan,Govindan and Gopala Krishnan,as well as his Grandsons are involved in this unique and sacred veena presentation at the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple.

Veena G. Rangarajan's sons can be reached on 0431 2430706


PS: Veena Rangarajan passed away in 2014

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

Adhi Thiruvarangam Ranganatha

One of the oldest temples for Lord Ranganatha dating back to Kretha Yugam

Gigantic Ranganatha is bigger than the Lord at Srirangam
(http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2007/09/108-divya-desams-srirangam-lord.html)

Located about 60kms South West of Villupuram on the banks of the now completely dry South Pennai river is Adhi Thiruvarangam, an almost unknown and yet, one of the oldest temples for Lord Ranganatha. This temple dates back to the first Yugam (Kretha Yugam) and the first Avathaaram (Matsya Avathaaram). Hence, this Kshetram is referred to as ‘Adhi’ Rangam.

Lord Ranganatha is seen in a gigantic east facing sleeping posture and measures over 15 feet, not seen in any Divya Desam.

Historical reference

Reference to this temple is found in Skaantha Puranam Uthara Kaandam - 301-306 athyayam under Uthara Ranga Mahatmiyam.

The story

There are three stories that describe the significance of this temple.

1. The Devas, who lost the Vedic scriptures after being defeated by Asura Shomugan, approached Brahmma who in turn sought the help of Lord Narayana.

Finding out the hide-out of the Asura under the sea, Lord Narayana took the form of Matsya and defeated the Asura and handed back the Vedic scriptures to Brahmma. It is believed that the Lord initiated the Vedic lessons to Brahmma in this Kshetram. One sees the Lord with his left thumb folded towards his fingers in a posture indicating this.

Acceding to the prayers of the Devas, Lord Narayana is said to have directed his sculptor Vishwakarma to create an image of his similar to the one in Thiru Paarkadal.

2. In Kretha Yugam, a king by name Suratha Keerthi lived a prosperous life but he had one unfulfilled wish. He did not have a child. As suggested by Sage Narada, he came, with his wife, to the place where Lord Ranganatha was sleeping under Adhiseshan and undertook penance. Answering his prayers, he was blessed with four children.

3. Chandran, who showed love to only one of his 27 wives, was cursed by his other wives to lose his handsome looks. He came to Uthara Rangam, undertook penance in the temple tank to the South East of the temple and was liberated from his curse. Hence, the pushkarni here is called Chandran Pushkarani.

Lord in a South – North Sleeping Posture

Lying in a sleeping posture from South to North, Lord Ranganatha has his head on the lap of Sri Devi-on his left, while his left leg is stretched towards Bhoo Devi seen at his feet. To his right is Garuda ever ready to be of service to the Lord.

Prarthana Sthalam

This is a Prarthana Sthalam for:

Good Education (as the Lord initiated Brahmma with the Vedic lessons)

Progeny(as the Lord granted the wishes of the King who prayed here) and

One’s overall well being as Lord Ranganatha himself directed that an image of his be created at this place

Quick Facts
Moolavar : Ranganatha in a sleeping posture facing the East
Thayar     : Ranganayaki Thayar(separate sannidhi)
Time        : 6am-8pm (does not close for lunch)

Priest      : Ranganatha Bhattar @ 94446 91885 or 04153 293677/ S. Raja Bhattar @ 94429 83479
Address : Adhi Rangam, Via Kadambur, Sankarapuram Taluk
               Villupuram Dist. 605 802

Ranganatha Bhattar, who has been here for 15 years,stays (and sleeps) at the temple. His commitment and devotion to the Lord is highly commendable. Vishwaroopam takes place at 6 am every morning.

How to reach Adhi Thiruvarangam

Chennai- Villupuram- 160kms, Villupuram – Thiru kovilur- 40kms (Frequent buses from 330am from Villupuram new bus stand), Thiru Kovilur- Manalurpet - 15kms (Government and Private bus every half hour),  Manalurpet- Adhirangam-5kms (mini buses- local buses ply here every half hour-

One can reach the Northern banks of the temple and cross the Pennai river to reach the temple. There are also buses that reach the Southern side of the temple, in which case there will be no need for one to cross the river)

One can also take Chennai-Tindivanam-Tiruvannamalai- Manalurpet route (about 225kms)