History, Importance, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Ranganath Swami Temple, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh
Ranganatha Swamy temple, formally called as Talpagiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple or Ranganayakulu Temple is one of the oldest temple of Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. The Temple is dedicated to Ranganathe Swamy a resting form of Supreme Lord Shree Vishnu. It is located on the bank of the river Penna. The name Talpagiri comes from the Legend, that the Adisesha - Anantha Sesha took the form of the hill at this place when the Lord Vishnu asked him to create abode of Lord because Lord Vishnu wanted to take rest on the earth. Talpagiri means the couch of the serpent Adisesha on which Lord Vishnu reclines. It is also said that at this place great sage Kashyapa performs the Poundarika Yagya on Ekadashi and pleased the Lord Vishnu. As per the Arayna Kanda of Ramayana, it is believed that Lord Shree Ram visited here. Devotee can observed the Ashwathama caves here and it is said that Aswathama still lives as an immoral being, doing penance for absolving his sins at this place.
Ranganatha Temple Architecture, Festival, Belief and Temple Campus
The temple was built during 6th – 7th Century by the Pallava Kings. The temple was later developed by the King Raja Mahendra Verma during 12th Century. The huge tower, called Gaaligopuram, which literally means "wind tower" located before the main door of the temple is the key attraction in devotee and tourist. The 70 feet high tower and surrounded by 10 feet of gold-plated vessel placed on top called as kalashams attracts large number of devotee around the year. The images of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Maheshwara, several sages and sculptures reflect the architecture brilliance. Sri Vishnu Sahasranamavali or the 1000 different names of Lord Vishnu are displayed on the walls of sanctum sanctorum. Devotees can chant Sri Vishnu Sahasranamavali while performing the parikrama around the temple. Along with the main temple, mirror house, shrine of goddess Laxmi Ma and Goddess Andal Ammavari are the other place of attraction in Ranganatha Temple campus. Thus Ranganatha temple is also popular for its beautiful architecture and exquisite carving.
The deity of the Lord Vishnu is one of the most beautiful deity in India. The Idol of the Ranganatha is ten feet long, reclining on his couch. Goddess Sridevi sitting on his chest, Brahma sitting on a Lotus rising from the navel of the Lord. In all the temples mostly the deity faces the east while in this it faces the west towards the river Penna. There are almost 100 forms of Lord Vishnu being carved on the walls of the temple. There is a Vruksh beside the Temple, the couple seek blessing from Vruksh called Santhana Vriksha to get a child. The lady tears a piece of saree, puts the offerings and tie in the form of the swing to get blessings. Brahmmotsavam is very well celebrated festival during the month of March – April. Devotees from all over India come here to celebrate Ratha Yatra, the most popular annual ritual held in the temple.
Various Seva – Puja Perform in Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh
Devotee can perform various Puja – Seva at temple and get the blessing from the Lord Vishnu. Several important rituals are Poolangi Seva Ubhayakatnam, Special Kalyanam, Nithya Kalyanam, Abhishekam / Thirumanjanam, Sahasranama Archana, Astottara Satanam Archana, Karpura Sarathi, Addala Meda Pravesam etc. Certain Puja can be performed on special days or one day in a year, these are Mulavarla Special, Darshan, Saswata Kalyanam, Saraswati Sahasranama Pooja, Saswatha Ashtottara Puja, Saswatha Annaprasada Vitarana.
How to reach Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh
As Nellore is district head quarter of Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh, thus it is very easily approachable through road to all major city of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore. Nellore is connected with all major city if India via Railway Networks. Tirupati and Chennai are the nearest airport at 120 and 190 km respectively.
