Seeking for the ancient architectural patterns of the Nayak dynasty in south India? Visit the Sarangapani Temple. It is the famous site that has the capability to satisfy your curiosity with its unique carvings, sculptures, and art patterns. Located in the Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu, the temple is only 1.5 miles from the Kumbakonam railway station.

Significance

The Sarangapani Temple is included in the 108 Divya Desams or Tirupatis of the world. It boasts of being the third in the respective category after Srirangam and Tirupati. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is a highly revered Vaishnavite temple, which draws countless devotees and history buffs from all over the world. The main deity of Sarangapani Temple is Sarangapani Swamy with Komalavalli Thayar.

Architecture

Built by the Nayak Kings during 15th century, the temple is considered one of the largest gopurams in South India. Located along side the Cauveri river, the Sarangapani Temple is built in the shape of a Chariot. The entire structure is built in twelve storey, with a height of about 147 feet (45 m).

The temple premises has a beautiful tank called Hema Pushkarni, which separates the shrines with those of Adi Kumbheshwara temple. Carved perforated stone screens in different designs also form a major attraction. The Golden Lotus tank in the temple is known as Lakshmi Theertham. It is the place where Goddess Lakshmi performed penance, and Lord Vishnu came down as Lord Aravamudhan and married her.

The temple is not only the principal and largest of the Vishnu temples in Kumbakonam, but also one of the Pancharanga Kshetrams of the Hindu religion.