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.