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SARANGAPANI TEMPLE
The temple is dedicated to Vishnu and it is richly ornamented.
The twelve - tiered tower built, to a height of t 17 feet is quite imposing. The temple contains several
ornamental figures and two big chariots of supreme craftsmanship. It was built by
Nayak Kings, whose munificent patronage bewilders the viewers. It has two majestic
entrances - one on the Southern, and the other to the Northern sides. Strange to observe the practice that
the visitors are made to enter the temple through the Southern during the Uttaranyana months - 14th Jan
to 15th July, and through Northern during the Dakshinayana period - 16th July to 13th Jan. it is a big
temple covering an are, of about 3 acres with two prakaras. The fore and the rear of the
sanctum sanctorum is so sculptured to resemble a chariot fitted with whells and horses ma they seem ready for
an aerial flight. The stone-cutters workmanship is worthy of appreciation. This shaped garbha
griha has a strange legend and publish, the world that Lord Sri Mahavishnu is bhaktaparadeena
and grants the desires, if properly invoked.
According to legend, Sage
Hemarishi of great spiritual standing desired to see Sri Mahavishnu with Saranga in his hand. He did
penance here and when the Lord was pleased, he descended in his chariot direct to the spot where the
sage was doing penance. Hence the chariot shaped sanctum. There is a sculptural representation of this
fascinating legend in the temple. Among the others deserving an indispensable darsan is the
Aravamudar image installed in a separate beautiful shrine. The special feature of the icon of
Aravamudar is that he is in the posture of rising in hurry to giving darsan to Saint Tirumalisai
Alwar. Ah what a kingship! How benign is the Lord!! And how much power the devotion embodies!!!
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