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Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna
Vishnu (Ranganatha) · Adi Ranga · Karnataka
॥ ॐ नमो नारायणाय ॥
On an island in the Kaveri near Mysuru stands the Ranganathaswamy Temple of Srirangapatna, the Adi Ranga — the first of the three great island shrines of the reclining lord Ranganatha along the river’s course. A Divya Desam of Ganga and Hoysala antiquity, it gave the island and the town their name and stood at the centre of the kingdom of the Wodeyars and of Tipu Sultan.
The first of the three Rangas
Three islands of the Kaveri hold reclining Ranganatha: Srirangapatna upstream is the Adi Ranga (first), Shivanasamudra the Madhya Ranga (middle), and Srirangam the Antya Ranga (last). At Srirangapatna the lord lies on the serpent Adisesha in a sanctum of deep antiquity, and pilgrims trace the three Rangas as a single sacred journey down the river.
A temple of dynasties
Founded under the Western Ganga kings around the 9th century and developed by the Hoysalas, the temple grew further under the Vijayanagara rulers and the Wodeyars of Mysore. The island fortress of Srirangapatna became the capital of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, and the temple stood within the walls through the great sieges of the 18th century.
Island of the Kaveri
The temple’s setting — ringed by the branching Kaveri, with the Ranganthittu bird sanctuary close by — makes it one of the loveliest of the southern shrines. Vaikunta Ekadashi and the annual Brahmotsavam draw pilgrims from across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to the Adi Ranga.
How to reach the temple
- By road: Srirangapatna is about 18 km from Mysuru and 125 km from Bengaluru, on the Bengaluru–Mysuru highway.
- By train: Srirangapatna has its own railway station on the Bengaluru–Mysuru line.
- By air: Mysuru airport is about 30 km away; Bengaluru is the larger hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Adi Ranga?
Adi Ranga means the “first Ranga.” Srirangapatna is the first of three island temples of reclining Ranganatha along the Kaveri, followed by Shivanasamudra (middle) and Srirangam (last).
Who built the temple?
It was founded under the Western Ganga kings around the 9th century and developed by the Hoysalas, Vijayanagara rulers and the Wodeyars of Mysore.
What is the Tipu Sultan connection?
The island fortress of Srirangapatna was the capital of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, and the temple stood within its walls through the 18th-century sieges.
Is it a Divya Desam?
Yes — it is counted among the 108 Divya Desams, the sacred Vishnu temples of the Alvar hymns.
How do I reach Srirangapatna?
It is about 18 km from Mysuru and 125 km from Bengaluru on the highway, with its own railway station; Mysuru airport is about 30 km away.
What else is near the temple?
The Ranganthittu bird sanctuary and the historic island fort of Srirangapatna are close by.
॥ जय श्री रङ्ग ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Vishnu as Ranganatha (reclining) |
| Significance | Adi Ranga — first of the three river Rangas; Divya Desam |
| Built | From the 9th c (Ganga, Hoysala) |
| Setting | Island in the Kaveri near Mysuru |
| History | Capital island of Tipu Sultan |
| Main Festival | Vaikunta Ekadashi |