Saturday, March 9, 2019

Adhirangam Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Adhi Thiruvarangam – Legends

Adhirangam Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Adhi Thiruvarangam – Legends
Lord Vishnu saved Vedas from demon Somukan:
As per Hindu legend, a demon king named Somukan stole all the Vedas from the Devas and all the sages were worried. The Devas and Sages approached Brahma who in turn sought the help of Lord Vishnu. Finding out the hide-out of the Asura under the sea, Lord Vishnu took the form of Matsya and defeated the Asura and handed back the Vedic scriptures to Brahma. It is believed that the Lord initiated the Vedic lessons to Brahma in this place.
One sees the Lord with his left thumb folded towards his fingers in a posture indicating this. Then, Devas appealed to Lord Vishnu that he should make this place his abode. Responding to their prayers, Lord Vishnu called the divine sculptor Vishwakarma and ordered him to make an idol. Vishwakarma made a big Idol in a reclining form similar to Lord Vishnu abode in Parkadal and installed here. Lord Vishnu fulfilled the prayer of the Devas and is gracing devotes from this temple.
Suratha Keerthi was blessed with Children:
In Kretha Yugam, a king by name Suratha Keerthi lived a prosperous life but he had one unfulfilled wish. He did not have a child. As suggested by Sage Narada, he came, with his wife, to the place where Lord Ranganatha was sleeping under Adisesha and undertook penance. Answering his prayers, he was blessed with four children.
Chandran got relieved of his curse:
Chandran, who showed love to only one of his 27 wives, was cursed by his other wives to lose his handsome looks. Chandra-Moon due to the curse of his wives lost his luster and began to fade. As advised by Maharshi Naradha, he came to this place. He established a tank to southeast of this temple and worshipped Ranganatha with the holy waters and believed to have been relieved off his curse. The temple tank, Chandra Pushkarani, is believed to be the tank he established.
Lord Vishnu darshan to Mahabali & Azhwars:
Ranganatha Perumal is believed to have appeared here to king Mahabali and the Azhwars.
Adhi Rangam:
This temple dates back to the first Yugam (Kretha Yugam) and the first Avathaaram (Matsya Avathaaram). Hence, this Kshetram is referred to as Adhi Rangam.
References in Purana:
Reference to this temple is found in Skanda Puranam Uthara Kaandam - 301-306 Adhyayam under Uthara Ranga Mahatmiyam.