2019.04.20 Magadi Ranganatha Swamy temples

The Ranganatha Swamy temples are located in the historic town of Magadi, about 41 km from Bangalore. The temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Magadi was first founded by the Chola dynasty around 1139 A.D. during their rule over the region. Magadi is the birthplace of Kempe Gowda, the Vijayanagara chieftain who founded Bangalore in the 16th century.

Ranganatha temple

According to locals the sanctum of the Ranganatha temple was first consecrated in early 12th century by the Chola ruler and the temple has undergone renovations and expansion since. Based on an inscription on a Garuda sthamba (Garuda pillar) in front of the temple, the tall decorative Gopurams (towers) were added by the famous Vijayanagara empire King Krishnadeva Raya in 1524 A.D. Contributions were also made by the Mysore regent Tipu Sultan and the Maharaja of Mysore Jayachamaraja Wodeyar.

The Ranganatha Swamy temple is situated on a hill called Tirumale. There is a vast Prakara with a gateway having tall Rajagopura.

The temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha is actually a standing image 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 hence 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.

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 but during the regim of Tippu Sultan, the locals 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.

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.