Rangasthala temple, or eminently called “The Temple of Sri Moksha Ranganatha,” is situated in the district of Chikkaballapur, in Karnataka. This shrine dates back to the Hoysala period and was later renovated by the disciples. Sri Moksha Ranganatha or Lord Vishnu is the presiding deity of this ancient temple. Camouflaged amidst the mountain range of Nandi Hills, you can find this temple.
It is believed, that whoever visits this, Moksha Ranganatha temple after visiting, Adi Ranga temple in Srirangapatna, Madhya Ranga temple in Shimsha, and Antaranga temple in Srirangam, those people are, sure to get Moksha, i.e. attain salvation.
According to a legend, when Lord Sri Rama returned to Ayodhya with Goddess Sita Devi, after fourteen years, they were welcomed back cordially, and soon a pattabhisheka ceremony, to crown Sri Rama as the king of Ayodhya, took place. During this ceremony, it is said that even Vibhishana was present. While Vibhishana was going back to Lanka, as a token of love and gratitude, Sri Rama, presented an idol of his household deity Sri Ranganatha, in a bamboo basket to Vibhishana, and asked him to worship in Lanka. This idol was later installed by seven sages in the Rangasthala temple and began to worship. Later, the Hoysala kings built a beautiful temple.
The idol here is a Saligrama shila. Since the idol of Sri Moksha Ranganatha is very beautiful, it is also known as Jaganmohana. On the lotus feet of the Lord are the idols of Bhudevi and Neeladevi. This temple was built in the Hoysala style of architecture. Sri Moksha Ranganatha temple has a colossal Rajagopuram, surrounded by a mandap with captivating pillars. The garbha-griha or the sanctum is in the shape of a bamboo-basket. There is even a pradakshina marg, around the sanctum. Near this temple, you can even find a temple of Goddess Lakshmi Devi. Shankha Tirtha, and Chakra Tirtha, are present in this temple.
This temple is nestled amidst lush green foliage, and meadows. Makar Sankranti festival is the major festival, celebrated in Sri Moksha Ranganatha temple. On this day, sun rays fall on the lotus feet of the Lord through a window. There is a belief that anyone, who visits this temple, to seek blessings of the Lord, on the Makara Sankranthi festival day, will get all their wishes and desires fulfilled. Apart from Makar Sankranti, this temple even organizes Brahmotsava, which is celebrated during Margashira Ekadashi time, and Pavitrotsava celebrated, during the time of Ashvija Ekadashi to Purnima. Panchamrita abhishekam to Goddess Lakshmi Devi idol is performed every Friday, and abhishekam to Lord Moksha Ranganatha idol will be performed on Saturday.
Timings – 6 AM to 7 PM every day
Address – B B Road, Vapasandra Chikkaballapura, Chikkaballapur, Karnataka 562101
