- Deity
- Sri Ranganatha (Vishnu, reclining)
- Timings
- 7:30 am to 1:30 pm, 4 pm to 8 pm
- Best time
- October to March
- Nearest airport
- Mysuru, about 30 km
- Nearest railway station
- Srirangapatna
History and legend
The temple is traditionally credited to Thirumalaiya, a chieftain of the Ganga line, and it was enlarged under the Hoysalas and the Vijayanagara kings. Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, whose capital was Srirangapatna, also treated it with respect.
Local legend calls the site Gautama Kshetra, the place where the sage Gautama worshipped Vishnu. Another story tells how the Cauvery, burdened by the sins washed into her by pilgrims, prayed to Vishnu here and was purified.
What to see
- The reclining Ranganatha in the main sanctum
- A tall Garuda pillar in front of the shrine
- The Chaturvimsati pillars, carved with the 24 forms of Vishnu
- A separate shrine of Goddess Ranganayaki
- Shrines of Krishna and images of the Alvars and Acharyas
Timings and dress
Morning darshan runs from 7:30 until 1:30 in the afternoon, and evening darshan from 4 until 8 pm. Traditional clothes are preferred, but any modest outfit is accepted.
Festivals
The main events are the Brahmotsavams at Makara Sankranti and Ratha Saptami, when the big chariot is pulled. Crowds also gather for the holy dip on Magha Purnima, for Sriranga Jayanti, Navaratri, the Garudotsava in Vaishakha, the Cauvery Puja in Ashada, Pavitrotsava and Deepavali.
When to visit and how to reach
October to March is the most comfortable time. Summer is hot and crowded, while the monsoon brings lower hotel rates but frequent rain.
Mysuru airport is about 30 km away, and Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport has far more flights. Srirangapatna railway station is on the Bengaluru–Mysuru line, and buses and taxis run from both cities through the day. Nimishamba Temple and Karighatta are close by.
Also nearby
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