Talpagiri Sri Rangantha swami temple, Nellore

It is not down in any map; true places never are.

- Herman Melville

Nellore is primarily famous for its Sri Rangantha swami temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha a resting form of Lord Vishnu. This temple, also called Talpagiri Ranganatha swami temple or Ranganayakulu is one of the oldest temples in Nellore.

Sri Ranganatha Swami temple

ETYMOLOGY:

The great sage Kashyapa Maharshi performed yagna in the name of Lord Vishnu on the bank of River Pennar. Pleased with his penance, Lord Vishnu blessed him saying that he would establish himself as Ranganatha Swami in Simhapuri (present Nellore).

HISTORY:

The King of Pallava, Sri Rajaraja Narendra, would construct the temple in 7^th century. Later in 13^th century Sri Jatha Varma, an ardent devotee of the Lord Ranganatha Swami, offered precious stones and precious metal to the Lord.

SRI RANGANATHA SWAMY TEMPLE:

This temple was built around 1070. Talpagiri Ranganatha Swami is one of the forms of Lord Vishnu and this temple is known for its architecture splendor. This temple has a striking tower at the entrance called as gaali gopuram, which has seven floors. This huge tower, to the east, is about 95 feet tall with 10 feet of seven gold kalasham (holy urn) on the topmost part. It is on the bank of the River Pennar, or Penarkini.

The main Deity, Garbhodakasayi Vishnu reclining on his couch of Ananta Sesa, is ten feet long. Laksmi is sitting on a lotus flower on his chest. Lord Brahma sitting on a lotus rising from the Lord's navel. At the Lord's feet are 26" high deities of Sridevi and Bhudevi. In front of the main Deity are the Utsavamurtis (festival deities) of Ranganatha Swami. There is also a four-handed seated Deity of Laksmidevi called Ranganayaki devi. To the north of the main shrine, there is a temple dedicated to Goddess Andal called as Andal Ammavari Devalayam.

FESTIVALS:

Brahmotsavam is celebrated every year during the month of March-April. This is the time when there is heavy rush in the temple as the pilgrims throng from the nearby towns and villages.

Railway bridge over Penna river

WHAT TO SEE?

• Addalamandapam (mirror hall) presents the most picturesque sight with its high definition of mirrors.
• Over 600 years old, Ranganatha Temple observes an annual festival of Rath Yatra (chariot festival) every year.
• It is said that the famous poet Tikkanna translated the great epic Mahabharatha into Telugu on a mandap in the banks of the Pennar river. Now Government has developed a park around this mandapa.

Tikkana

ABOUT TIKKANNA:

Tikkanna was one of the greatest poets of Telugu literature. He was one of the "Kavi Traya" (or the Trio of poets) of Telugu literature. He was the second of those trios, while the first one was Nannaya and the third Errana. He was born in Nellore Andhra Pradesh in a Saivaite Brahmin family. Tikkanna was also known as Vikrama Simhapuri and lived in Paturu, a small village about 10 km from Nellore.

Tikkana mandapam

It is believed that Tikkanna used iron stylus (Gamtamu) to translate the great epic Mahabharata on a mandap in the banks of the Pennar river.

You can visit the park in Nellore near named after him and the mandap where he is believed to have composed his poems.

Tikkanna was not just a poet. He was also the prime minister of King Manumasidhi and was known for his diplomatic and administrative skills.

WHERE TO STAY?

• There are many luxurious hotels at Nellore.

GETTING THERE:

• Once you reach Nellore, you can avail local transportation (auto richshaw) to reach the temple, which is located Ranganayukula Pet.



Penna river

VISTING PLACES NEAR NELLORE:

• Penchalakona
• Jonnawada
• Narasimha konda
• Kasmuru Dargha and many more!