342. Temple Darshan – 4

 Again, Jayashree found about this temple in Hyderabad and said we should visit this.  Off the 5 of us went to see this temple one fine evening.  The details of the temple are as below from a blog by Mr Gowri Shanker, a journalist…

Tucked in the hustle and bustle of concrete IT jungle in Rangbagh, Nanakramguda is the over 400-year old Ranganath Swamy Temple, one of the cleanest temples in Hyderabad and Telangana State with architectural beauty. It’s no surprise the ancient temple bagged INTACH Heritage award long back (2002) for preserving the heritage structures and the premises spic and span.

Compared to a couple of years ago, locating temple itself is now a difficult task as huge commercial complexes and residential apartments camouflage the temple and its precincts.  But once you find it and enter the sprawling temple complex near Wipro circle, one is floored by the beauty of the Gopurams, the temple entrance, cleanliness and the serene environment. The temple is located about 18 kms from Hyderabad city centre.

Presiding deity Lord Ranganath Swamy, Sri Maha Vishnu, idol or Moola Vigraham, is a single piece black stone with the Lord in reclining form under the hood of 5 headed snake, Adi Sesha. The Lord’s consorts, Sridevi, Bhudevi and Neeladevi sit at his feet. Dasavataars (10 incarnations) of Lord Vishnu, are also carved in the same stone.  Creator, Lord Brahma, is seated on a lotus which has emerged from the navel of Lord Ranganath Swamy.

Besides Ranganath Swamy, the temple also houses Lakshmi Devi and 12 Alwars in the same premises. The temple is constructed with stone and lime stone. But who constructed the temple remains a mystery even today.

“People and we have immense faith in Lord Ranganath Swamy.  We feel it’s our divine duty to serve the temple, which with the family since decades. We are fortunate to serve the Lord,” Sharad B Pitti, Chairman and Managing trustee says. Pitti family maintains the temple, priests, ward and watch from their personal funds. “The temple income is meagre hence we pump from out personal funds,” he explains.

The presiding deity idol conforms to Krishna Sila or Saligrama Sila make. The temple is open from 6 am to 12 noon and 5 pm to 8 pm daily.  The utsav murthis of the Lord, Sridevi and Bhudevi are made of pancha-dhatu.

There is separate pancha-dhatu idol of Goda Devi, a devotee consort of the Lord, popularly known as Aandal. Idol of Goda Devi was discovered from the well in temple premises 100 years ago!

Besides Lord Ranganath Swamy, there is smaller temple at the back of Goddess Maha Lakshmi. The moola vigraham of Lakshmi is also made of black stone and utsav murthi is made of pancha dhatu.   Another mini temple is that of 12 Alwars including Sri Ramanujacharya and other acharyas of Sri Vaishnava sampradayam.

The temple complex is a study in synthesis as there is clear evidence of continuous building activity over the years.  The temple complex reflects a blend of Qutb Shahi, Moghul and Kakatiyan architecture.

It is stated the temple, other structures and surrounding land was purchased by Seth Shivlal Pitti in 1861 for a consideration of Rs 70,000.  In 1935, his grandson Raja Bahadur Sir Bansilal Pitti set aside Rs 75,000, the income from which was to be spent to meet temple expenses.  Temple was part of the private property of Pitti family till 1954, when his son Raja Pannalal Pitti created a trust to which the temple, the appurtenant land, jewellary, silver vahanams, utensils and other items were transferred.  It is believed the temple dates back to 16th or 17th century. “There are no records to show who constructed the temple,” says Pitti.  The board of trustees was headed by his son Sri Badrivishal Pitti and now headed by Sri Sharad B Pitti, son of late Badrivishal Pitti.

Temple celebrates Janmastami, Dhanurmas (before Sankranti) and Brahmotsvam in a big way. Brahmothsavam is celebrated during Magha Masam (Jan-Feb) for 8 days including rathotsavam.  On the occasion, a decorated 35 feet, five storied antique wooden chariot carrying Lord Ranganath Swamy is drawn by the devotees for half a kilometer.   After this ritual, an effigy of Ravana is burnt to symbolize the victory of virtue over vice.

Temple dances:

Temple dances, which use to entertain devotees and ceased to exist at many temples, has been revived at the Sri Ranganath Swami Mandir.  The temple dances are performed at the annual 8-day Brahmotsavam by noted artistes.

“If I am not wrong, it’s the only temple in the country which has revived the original ancient temple dances. Only change is instead of Devadasis, which is banned, artistes perform,” says Sharad B Pitti. According to Pitti, noted dancer Swapna Sundari and her disciples had performed at the temple.

You can find the photos of the temple taken from Internet, attached to this blog.

Cheers till next time😊