Magadi Ranganatha Swamy Temple -- Magadi

 

Sri Magadi Ranganatha Swamy Temple – Magadi

ಶ್ರೀ ಮಾಗಡಿ ರಂಗನಾಥ ಸ್ವಾಮಿ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ -- ಮಾಗಡಿ

                                    Lord Ranganatha Swamy

Magadi town is about 60 kms from Bangalore city and the route to this place passes through Lush Green hilly area. You will come across Thippagondanahalli Reservoir en route to Magadi.

The drive to the place is enjoyable. The temple is situated near Magadi town & from here it is about 3  kms .

                                                  Route - 1

According to legend, sage Mandavya and Vasishta installed the idol in standingposition of Lord Vishnu which is also known as Lord Ranganatha.The Magadi Ranganatha temple was first consecrated in early 12th century bythe Chola’s Ruler and the temple has undergone renovations and expansion.

 

 

                                        on the way route scenery

The Ranganatha Swamy Temple located in Magadi is an ancient temple and a protected monument. This is one of the popular pilgrimage sites to visit around Bangalore. The ancient structure, known as Lakshmi Ranganatha kshetra However, it was renovated several times by successive rulers and local chieftains in the region.                                     

 

It is the birthplace of Kempegowda who is the founder of Bangalore. It has many temples, forts and places of interest ! Ranganathaswamy temple, a Shiva temple built by Kempegowda, 

Kempegowda's Magadi fort, Kalabhairaveshwara temple Lakshmi Venkateshwara temple in the nearby Savanadurga are very famous & Savanadurga also boasts of Lord  Narasimha Temple.

 

 

                                Route - 2

 

 

The beautiful Gopuras were built by Vijayanagar emperor Krishnadevaraya in the 16th century and later renovated by King Jayachamaraja Wodeyar of Mysore. There are structures inside the sanctum sanctorum which were also built by the Cholas and later renovated.

The Temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha is 1500 Years old , actually in a standing position of Narayana about 3 ft tall in Vijayanagara style with Shankha, Chakra, Gada and Abhaya attributes in four hands. The main deity is  traditionally believed to be installed by Mandavya Rishi. Gopura of the temple  is in Dravidian style. 

There are beautiful pillars inside the temple. Usually the idol of Lord Ranganatha would be in reclining position. But here it is in standing posture. Originally it is said to be the idol of Lord Venkateshwara. 

 

                                                Temple Entrance
 

During the period of Tippu Sultan, many Hindu temples were destroyed. To save this temple, they called Venkateshwara as Ranganatha, as Tippu Sultan was faithful to his god Ranganatha Swamy at Srirangapattana. One more interesting idol inside is Beleyo Ranga (Growing Ranga) which is a small idol of Ranganatha in reclining position.

 

                                        Steps of the Temple

 

There are other shrines dedicated to Rama, Sita, Anjaneya and Venugopala Krishna. Behind the main shrine, there is a small temple dedicated to Putta Ranganatha. The temple of Goddess Lakshmi is also near this shrine. There is a  Garuda Sthamba (flag post) which mentions the offerings made by Emperor Krishnadevaraya in 1524 AD. The stepped well or kalyani (sacred pond) is on the right side of the temple and many rituals are conducted here.

 

                                                   The Main Gopura

 

The Ranganatha temple complex consists of several shrines which includes sanctums for the Hindu deities Rama, Sita, Anjaneya, Lakshmi, Venugopala Krishna and Ranganatha (a form of the Hindu god Vishnu).

Legend has it that the main deity (Ranganatha) was installed by Sage Mandavya lending the location the name "Mandavya Kshetra" (abode of Manavya). The pillars in the  temple have attractive sculptures in relief. On either side of the temple entrance  are two large colorful images of elephants.

 

                                               another View

The idol is about three feet tall – 3 feet one hand in a Mudra, which suggests that the deity fulfills all the wishes of people who pray to him here, according to local belief with Shankha, Chakra, Gada and Abhaya attributes in four hands.

There are other sub shrines dedicated to Rama, Sita, Anjaneya and VenugopalaKrishna. Behind the main shrine, there is a small temple dedicated to Putta Ranganatha.

 

                                                       Pic - 1

 

One must Visit this Place and get blessings from Lord Ranganatha Swamy andits a Nice & Blissful serene Beauty drive from Bangalore and there are many frequent Local & Government Buses plying to Magadi and from here it is just 3 kms one can Walk or take local Rickshaws & shared ones also available.

 

 

-------------- Hari Om -------------