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Andhra Pradesh Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
Sri Ranganathswamy temple is situated in the Nellore district. In this temple Lord Vishnu is in reclining on his couch “Aadishesha”. Penna River is flowing in close proximity of the temple and considered holy. To take a dip into the river before entering in this temple is believed the better way of getting blessings of Lord Vishnu. It is also believed in the general public that the place was a result against order of Lord Vishnu. In the religious books, it is mentioned that once Lord Vishnu desired to visit the entire earth with Sridevi. He ordered Aadishesha to arrange the visit and other administrative arrangements. Aadishesha converted himself into a huge mountain and further ordered the serpent king Phani Raju to look after the visit of Lord Vishnu further. Phani Raju and his consort managed all the things of Lord’s visit and paid their respects at every step. Lord very much pleased for them and blessed the couple that the name of this place will be changed as “Talpa Giri”. Later in the 7th century, Pallava kings constructed a temple on this location commemorating the even managed by the Phani Raju. In the temple, the reclining posture of Lord Vishnu was established as main idol. Later in 12th century, a deep renovation work was done by Raja Mahendra Verma.
Architecture
The temple is traditionally built as the Gopuram at just entrance of the temple is very large and constructed in Dravidian pattern. The Gopuram is too high and has seven stories. On the facing of Gopuram, various gods and goddesses are carved in different postures. Some idols, which are not religiously important, have been carved in dancing postures. Worshiping sages, saints, in blessing postures, Yakshas in musical playing postures alongwith some sculptures are beautifully carved on the facing side of Gopuram. On each storey of Gopuram a balcony has been provided for easy ventilation. This shows the brilliance of architecture of that era. The top portion of the Gopuram (which is also known as Wind Tower), seven vessels of Gold plating are fixed. Idols of the Trio, Maker, Savior and Destroyer of the universe Bramha, Vishnu and Mahesh respectively are also placed on the top floor of Gopuram. The Gopuram is approximately 70 Ft high and has a visibility from the outskirts of the town.
In the interior portion of the temple, 1000 names of Lord Vishnu have been written and devotees used to keep chanting the same during their visit. Presently, another door has been opened for devotees from the back side of the temple.
Festivals
In this temple, Bramhotsawam is celebrated at large scale. To celebrate this festival, a large number of devotees gather here across the country. In all over the country, there is rarely a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s reclining posture. Due to this specialty, the festival attracts a huge gathering across the country. In last few years, various NRIs from foreign countries also participated in this festival.
How to Reach
This temple can be accessed by three ways of transportation.
By Air
Chennai airport is the nearest one and located at 177 kilometers from here. Road connectivity is in good condition right from airport.
By Rail
Nellore is the nearest railway station to reach this temple. This railway station falls on Waltair-Chennai train route.
By Road
This temple is located at around 5 kilometers from the main Nellore city and road transportation is frequently available. APSRTC buses and taxies are available on affordable charges. Single person can even move by foot from bus station to this temple.
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