This ancient temple of Shri Lord Ranganatha Swamy is located in Magadi which is around 50km from Bangalore.The temple was built during the period of King Cholas and further developed by the kings of Vijayanagara Empire.Gopuram of the temple is in Dravidian style while inside the idol is in standing posture which is Vijayanagara Empire style.
Lord Ranganatha is in standing posture with 3 arms holding shanka,chakra,gada and the other one in abhaya hasta (Asdsuring hand).
Usually the idol of Lord Ranganatha would be in reclining position.But here it is in standing posture.The priest said, originally it is the idol of Lord Venkateshwara and the elevated place were the temple is located is called Tirumale.
During the period of Tippu Sulatan,mughals started destroying many hindu temples.To save this temple,they called Venkateshwara as Ranganatha, as Tippu Sultan was faithful to his god RanganathaSwamy at Srirangapattana.
One more interesting idol inside is Beleyo Ranga( Growing Ranga) which is a small idol of Ranganatha in reclining position.
We visited in a family group with food,water etc.Had a nice darshanam,food and spent a whole day.Ideal place for family outing.You can also visit other near by places like TG Halli,SavanaDurga etc.I came across this link which was interesting.
1. Comment by SG
18/Sep/2010 at 4:25 PM
Very nice narration of Lord Ranganatha Swamy Temple. I am surprised you were able to “click” the moolavar. They don’t allow that in many temples.
2. Comment by Ashwini
19/Sep/2010 at 8:49 PM
I do think that they shouldn’t allow to click the idols…but it depends..this temple doesn’t have much visitors and they want to popularize it badly.So they don’t mind taking photos inside!
3. Comment by prasad
30/Jan/2012 at 11:54 PM
One of the old and famous temple in karnataka. I’m very happy about this place. I would like to expect the development of temple more than this. Government has to take importance about this temple.
4. Comment by narasimha
10/Mar/2012 at 2:52 AM
Shri ranganatha swamy temple . is one of the best temple in magadi please all the people visit once in ur life………
5. Comment by Kalpana da
26/May/2012 at 6:09 AM
I had been to the temple on 26th may 2012.There were lots of devotees.The road leading to the temple is in very good condition.The temple is very popular and has lots of devotees visiting everyday.
6. Comment by Pramod
9/Jun/2013 at 9:27 PM
Visited yesterday i.e 9th June 2013 a very nice temple & felt very good after visiting here. I dont know earlier now they wont allow touching the idols & its very true about Beleyo ranganathaswamy temple where the idol is growing every year & whatever you wish will happen true. And what i experienced is the priest will tell what’s the wish in your mind. And anna prasadam was arranged which was very nice. From Bangalore you can reach the temple within 1 hour & 30 minutes of time. Its before Magadi & sign boards are there for the route guidance. May god bless all of you….Please visit again & again…