Ranganatha
Perumal Temple, Singavaram – The Temple
This Cave temple is situated on a hill top with around 160 steps. This temple is facing towards east with three tiered Rajagopuram. It is a good specimen of Pallava rock cut shrine. There is a four pillared mandapam called as Oonjal Mandapam at the foot hills exactly where the steps lead to the hill temple. Carvings of conch, discus, namam, the feet of Lord Ranganatha and five forms of Lord Hanuman can be seen on the rocks at the starting of the steps.
The Temple Office can be seen in foot hills. Lakshmi Theertham can be found on the way to Hill temple. There is a mandapa, situated in front of the rock cut cave shrine. Dhwaja Sthambam, Bali Peedam and Deepa Sthambam can be found facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum (Cave Shrine) consists of Mukha Mandapam, Ardha Mandapam and Sanctum. The Ardha Mandapam consists of two rows of pillars and pilasters.
The pillars are carved with lotus medallion. Pallava era dvarapalas can be seen guarding the sanctum. There is a niche showing Durga, on the left side of Dvarapala. Durga is depicted with 4 hands holding the Shankha, Chakra, and two arms resting on her thigh and waist, stands on the head of Mahishasura. Presiding Deity is called as Ranganatha Perumal and is facing east.
The idol of Lord Ranganatha, in a reclining posture, measures 24 feet. The idol is seen in reclining pose on the coils of the serpent, whose five hoods are shown above the head of Lord Vishnu to provide shade to Lord Vishnu. Vishnu’s left hand is in Kataka mudra while the right hand is patting the coil of Sesha.
The Idol is carved from living rock and covers almost the whole wall. A panel in the rear wall of the sanctum depicts the Gandharvas (celestial beings known for their music skill), Brahma, seated on a lotus, emanates from the navel of Lord Vishnu, Mahalakshmi can be seen on his chest, Garuda and Madhu & Kaitabha who were killed by Lord Vishnu.
Goddess Bhoodevi, the consort of Lord Vishnu can be seen near the feet of Lord Vishnu and Prahlada can be seen near his knee. His feet face towards north, the direction of Kubera, the Lord of wealth. Those worshipping Lord Vishnu in this form will never have to face poverty in their lives. The Idol is said to be bigger than the idol in Srirangam.
Like Thiruvananthapuram Ananthapadmanatha Swamy, the head, chest and leg portions of Ranganatha Perumal have to be worshipped through 3 separate entrances. The festive idol of Lord Vishnu can be seen with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Mother is called as Ranganayaki Thayar. She is housed in an east facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in a level below the sanctum on the south side.
There are shrines for Varadaraja, Chakrathazhwar, Anjaneya, Garuda (made of Navapashana), Ramanuja and Desikar can be seen in the temple premises. Sculptures of Jain Thirthankaras can be found around the temple. It is said that the Rajagiri Fort, Gingee is linked by underground tunnels to this temple. The tunnel is said to be used by Raja Desingu and his queen to visit the temple unobserved.
