Monday, February 26, 2018

Ranganathar Temple, Thiruparkadal – The Temple

Ranganathar Temple, Thiruparkadal – The Temple
The temple consists of 24 pillared Artha Mandapam, Mahamandapam and Sanctum Sanctorum. Presiding Deity is called as Ranganatha. Lord Ranganatha is seen sleeping on the 9 ft long 3 ft height Adhiseshan. The interesting feature of Ranganatha at Thiruparkadal is that he is seen resting his head (Southern Direction) on a Marakkal (measuring bowl) in a grand Anantha Sayana Posture.






The presiding deity is around 6 feet long accompanied by his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi and Brahma seated on the lotus flower rising from the Lord's navel. Yet another special feature is that the entire moolavar deity of Ranganatha is made of Athi Maram. Like how Kanchi Varadaraja is referred to as Athi Varadar, Lord Ranganatha at Thiruparkadal is referred to as Athi Ranganatha. Because he is a Swayambu Moorthy, there is no Thirumanjanam performed but only Thaila Kappu is applied.






Mother is called as Alarmelmangai Thaayar / Ranganayaki Thaayar. There is a separate shrine for Anjaneya and those who want to get rid of Apamrityu Dosham offer him a garland of pumpkins.






Vimanam over the sanctum is called as Ranga Vimanam. On the Ranga Vimanam, one finds the Mandhakini hill, the posture of nectar being drilled as well as the Saptha Rishi’s penance posture. The Sthala Vriksham of this Temple is a combination of Vanni and Pinna Marams.