Rangasthala Temple In Chikkaballapur, Karnataka

The Ranganatha Temple is located in Chikkaballapur and dates back to the 11th century. The popular Lord Rama is worshiped and depicted here as a deity. This temple is also worshiped by the non-Hindus. The architecture of this place is supposed to be built in the Dravidian style by the much-reputed Vijayanagara Empire.

Regarded as one of the most important architectural achievements from the Hoysala dynasty, the magnificent Rangasthala temple is a must-visit while in Chikkaballapur. The temple, located on the banks of the Tunga River, is easily accessible from the surrounding town and is a popular weekend getaway. 

Rangasthala Temple, also known as Ranganatha Swamy temple, is an ancient Hindu temple situated at Chikkaballapur. The temple is around 40kms from the city of Bangalore. The temple is celebrated because it is situated right next to the Kaveri River, which is considered sacred by Hindus. Regardless of the level of your interest in the religion, it is incredibly interesting to visit the temple because of its beauty, traditional architecture, and because it is the only temple along the Kaveri River.

The Ramanathapuram temple is considered to be one of the most significant temples in India's country, with important links to the Ramayana, the Ramanathaswami Temple. It is also one of the Panchalinga Temples located near Bangalore. The Ramanathaswami is one of the most prominent Hindu temples in the state of Karnataka.

If you're ever in Lilavati Hospital and need to get to a good temple, the Rangasthala Temple is a great place to visit. It is located in the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka, and is home to many treasures!

Continue reading to learn more about this impressive structure.

History Of The Temple

Rangasthala is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Ranganatha, located about 10 kilometers (2 miles) east of Chikkaballapur town in the Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is one of about 108 sacred sites that are part of Vaishnava tradition. It has rich carvings that are typical of the Hoysala style.

The inscription on the temple has signatures of historically important people like Kempa Vira, one of the first among the Yelahanka dynasty rulers. It also talks about the large donation of 12,000 cows to temples.

The history of the Rangasthala Temple in Chikkaballapur is rooted in the idea of empowering women, which is part of the worldwide women’s rights movement. The temple was established in the 16th century and it has grown during the centuries that have followed into a large, bustling pilgrimage site for millions of Hindus. It’s now the centerpiece of the town.

Festivals Celebrated In Rangasthala Temple

They organize festivals every year celebrated with pomp and gaiety, which offer people an opportunity to witness traditional customs and rites followed in the temple. True to this tradition, they organize the annual Hanumanta Navaratri festival, Sharada Srishti festival, Mahashivaratri festival, Rudrabhisheka festival, Karaga festival, Savitri festival, Vasantha Navaratri festival, Shasta Navaratri festival, Vinayaka Chavithi festival, Deepavali festival, Diwali festival, and Navaratri festival.

Brahmotsavam is celebrated as part of Navarathri. The celebrations begin with the priests conducting a prayer on Goddess Shakthi and then it’s followed by nine days of rituals. Rangasthala Temple, Chikkaballapur, celebrates Vishu and Ganesh Chaturthi as well as Milad-un-Nabi more commonly known as Prophet Muhammad's birthday. Vishu is the festival of light and the Tamil festival of the same name is celebrated on the same day as Eid. 

On 14 October, people in Chikkaballapur will be celebrating the Rangasthala Temple Festival. The festivities will include folk art, singing, and of course, lots of delicious Indian food. There will be crafts, sala performances, etc. People of all ages are welcome to come and explore this colorful festival of joy.

The Architecture Of The Rangasthala Temple

Chikkaballapur is a city in the Indian state of Karnataka, and it's also the headquarters of the Chikkaballapur district. There are several buildings and temples in the region, and one of the most notable ones is the Rangasthala temple. The architecture of the temple is worth mentioning because it's a beautiful temple with rich features. The Rangasthala temple has a front gopuram and the outer walls of the temple are decorated with stone carvings.

The architecture of the Rangasthala Temple in Chikkaballapur is unique because it was built by succession, or by one ruler, over some time. Each ruler made his contribution to the building. The temple was first built by Tirumalai Nayaka in the 16th century, who was the ruler at the time, and his contribution consisted of the vast, courtly mask which create the facade of the temple. However, he did not complete the construction of the temple, and the next ruler who came along, Chikkalingam Nayaka, improved and expanded on Tirumalai Nayaka's construction.

Another aspect of the temple building is a small window that lets in light while we do the circumambulation (Pradakshine) inside the Garbhagriha. The sun rays fall directly at the feet of Lord Ranganatha on Makara Sankranti. The accuracy with which the temple was constructed only demonstrates ancient India's engineering prowess.

How To Reach Rangasthala Temple?

The Rangasthala Temple is Chikkaballapur's most famous temple. It's located at HMT Nagar, which is well-connected by road and it takes around 15 minutes to reach the temple by car. The temple is open for worship from 30 am to 130 pm and 5 pm to 30 pm. Much like most Hindu temples, entrance to the temple is free. Visitors are expected to take off their shoes before entering.

When To Go?

Throughout the year. The Brahma Ustavam is a Hindu festival that takes place in December. Thirumanjanam is the greatest time to observe (Darshan) the Lord.