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Monday, June 28, 2021

Ranganatha Perumal Temple, Singavaram – History

Ranganatha Perumal Temple, Singavaram – History

Singavaram could be the ancient Simhapura, the capital of Simhapuranadu. Simhapuranadu is assumed to be founded by Simha Vishnu Pallava or Narasimha Pallava I or Rajasimha Pallava (Narasimha Varma Pallava II). Hence, few people consider this temple might be built by them. As per the Mandagapattu inscription, the Pallava king, Mahendravarman I established the tradition of the Ranganatha temple.

This cave temple is believed to be built by Mahendravarman I based on its architectural style. Singavaram Hill is said to have been originally a centre of Jainism. Several Jain rock cuts and sculptures can be found around Singavaram. An inscription of Kopperunjinga (a Kadava chieftain) in the Singavaram temple mentions the deity is Thiruppanrikkunru Emperuman possibly meaning a shrine intended for Varaha Perumal.

Lord Ranganatha is said to have been the tutelary Lord of Gingee and the personal deity of Raja Desingu. There is an interesting connection between the Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Singavaram and the Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Srirangam. When the temple town of Srirangam was attacked by Ulugh Khan’s army in 1323 AD., the Utsava idol of Srirangam, Azhagiyamanavalan or Namperumal was taken out of this temple for safety to various places in South India.

Gopanna, a Vijayanagara official who had his residence in Gingee went to Tirumala where the images of Azhagiyamanavalan and consorts were worshipped and took them to Singapuram (Singavaram) where they were worshipped. He  subsequently brought the images to Srirangam where they were reinstated in 1371 AD.