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| Pancha Ranga kshetras templeyatri.in |
The Pancharanga Kshetrams, a revered group of five Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, are situated along the sacred Cauvery River. These temples feature the deity in the Ananthasayanam posture, reclining on the serpent Adhisesha. This unique alignment symbolizes the spiritual journey downstream along the river. They are significant pilgrimage sites for Vaishnavites and are revered Divyadesam shrines mentioned in Tamil Alvar saints' hymns.
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| God Vishnu in reclining posture.uveda.org |
Above image: God Vishnu in Ananthasayanam posture on the coiled bed of hooded Serpent Adisesha........
The first, Adi Ranga, is the Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangapatna, Karnataka. Built with Hoysala patronage and later supported by Mysore's Wodeyar kings, this temple marks the start of the spiritual pilgrimage. It is about 15 km from Mysore city and Tpu's father Hyder Ali donated a chariot -ratha to this temple. The second, Srirangam in Tamil Nadu, is Adya Ranga -Sri Ranganathar temple. Known for its massive 156-acre temple complex, it is celebrated as the largest functioning Hindu temple globally. The temple, destroyed during Delhi Sultanate raids in the 14th century, was later restored and fortified, becoming a center for Vaishnavism. Saint Ramanujar (11th CE) and his predecessors Nathamuni and\ Pillai Lokacharya made vital contribution to this temple. Among the dynasties, Vijayanagara rulers made several additions to this temple. Vaikunta Ekadasi and the annual Soorgavasal Thirappu are popular here attended by a million people during the festivities. First among the 108 Divyadesam shrines spread across India.
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| Appakudathan temple, Koviladi.alchetron.com |
Appalarangam, the third shrine, is located at Koviladi near Thirukattupalli and Tiruvaiyaru close to Trichy-Thanjavur districts' border. Renowned for its elevated structure (access through a flight of steps) and unique offering of Neyyappam as a nightly ritual lots of devotees to seek blessings for progeny. The temple is near the historic Kallanai dam built by Karikala Chola. The fourth, Sarangapani Temple in Kumbakonam, is often included in the Pancharanga series. Known as Madhya Ranga, this temple features intricate stone carvings and dual entrances Uttarayana Vasal and Dakshinayana Vasal, each will be open for six months.symbolizing the solstices. Its chariot festival is among the grandest in Tamil Nadu. Panguni festival (March-April) is popular here. The richly ornate twin chariots are heavy, each weighing 300 tons apiece.
The fifth, Parimala Ranganathar Temple in Thiruvilandur, Mayiladuthurai, is called Andhiya Ranga, the final stop in this pilgrimage. It is known for the huge moolavar deity (12' ft long) crafted from green stone in the sanctum which adorned with celestial sculptures. Lord's consort is Parimala Ranganayaki. It is said God Vishnu blessed the planet Chandra here. The temple includes shrines for Ganga and Cauvery; there are shrines to Santhana Gopalakrishna Anjaneya and others. Unique rituals involve six daily food offerings, and annual festivals, including Vaikunta Ekadasi and Panguni that draw large crowds.
Collectively, the Pancharanga Kshetrams celebrate devotion to god, art, and the cultural heritage of South India. Their alignment along the Cauvery and connection to Vaishnavite tradition enhance their spiritual significance.
https://www.navrangindia.in/2018/03/pancharanga-shrines-kshetrams-exciting.html
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