Ranganatha
(Also Sri
Ranganatha, Ranganathar, Ranga)
Ranganatha is a
Hindu deity, more well-known in
South India. The deity is a resting form of Lord
Vishnu, one of the foremost of
Hindu Gods. His consort is Goddess
Laxmi, also known as
Ranganayaki, Thayar (mother in
Tamil). Most of the deities portray a 'smiling' lord in a reclining position over the celestial serpent '
Adisesha'. This is the form in which he is open to listening to all of his devotee's woes, and blesses them. Apart from being worshipped by all Hindus, this form is of particular importance to the '
Sri Vaishnava' community.
One of the most sacred of Ranganatha temples is at
Srirangam. Of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred places of worship of Lord Vishnu), Ranganatha or the reclining posture of the God can be found in many temples. They include Thirumayyam, Thirukoshtiyur, Koviladi, Kapisthalam, Thiruneermalai and Srivilliputhur.
The three sacred Ranganatha temples on the banks of the Cauvery are popularly known as:
* Adi Ranga - at
Srirangapatna* Madhya Ranga - at
Shivanasamudram* Antya Ranga -
Srirangam
