Temples in Shivasamudram

Like I have mentioned in my earlier post, bringing you the new post on 2 famous temples on the island of Shivasamudram. One being Ranganathaswamy Temple who is an avatar of Lord Vishnu and Someshwara Temple which belongs to Lord Shiva.

Ranganathaswamy Temple

This temple here is called Madhya Ranga Kshetram (called middle ranganatha temple). There is a story on tri-rangam (three ranganatha temples). The first temple is called Asi Ranga, the first among the Ranganathas in Srirangapatna near Mysore. The second temple is in Shivasamudram which is called Madhya Ranga and the third and last temple is called Antya Ranga, meaning the last Ranga, located in Srirangam in Tamil Nadu close to Trichy (aka Tiruchirapalli).

What so special about these 3 Ranganatha temples? Why are they categorized this way and what is the basis of order of the temples?

Interestingly all these 3 temples are located in the river islands created by Kaveri River at various locations. Depending upon the flow of Kaveri the order of the temples are decided. The river flows from west to east direction, so the west most of the three is Srirangapatna (no. 1 in order) and east most one is Srirangam (no. 3 in order). Now we will speak about the middle temple.

The temple is built in dravidian style of architecture typically like all other temples in south india. When we say dravidian style, the gopura of the entrance will be the tallest structure sometimes called as Mukhadwara (main entrance). 

Someshwara Temple

Someshwara Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva close to the Ranganatha Swamy Temple. The pressing deity is called Someshwara Linga. It is believed that the Linga is said to have existed before the Ranganatha Idol. This is close by (a 500m away) from the Ranganathaswamy Temple when we go towards Barachukki Falls.

The grand temple entrance has the imposing Nandi on it’s top. The main temple dates back to Chola period, with major improvements done during Vijayanagara and Hoyasala periods. The temple looks new when compared to Ranganathaswamy temple.

Prasanna Meenakshi is worshipped in the different shrine inside the same temple compound. It is famous for a Sri Chakra consecrated by Adi Sankaracharya present inside the sanctum. The goddesses’ eyes are directed towards the Sri Chakra. Both the shrines are surrounded by beautiful gardens and well maintained parks.

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