Ranganatha Temple and Rajarajeshwara Temple- Andhra & Kerala

Ranganatha Temple, Nellore- Andhra Pradesh

Founded by King Raja Mahendra Varma in the 7th century

The Talpagiri Ranganathaswamy aalayam

Was built in the 12th century on the banks of River Penna

The Galli gopuram* stands 70 feet tall 

Surrounded by 10 feet gold plated ships, kalasam

Source: Templevihar

Bhagwan Vishnu reclines at this aalayam 

On his favorite Adisesha* 

Who was sent to earth in advance 

To create an abode for Bhagwan Vishnu and his wife, Maa Sridevi 

The king of snakes, Adisesha chose this region 

To turn into a hill, awaiting his master’s arrival 

Source: Vihara Darshani

Etched on the walls of the Sanctorum you can see 

Sri Vishnu Sahasranamavali, the 1000 names of Bhagwan Vishnu

A treat for the bhaktas who visit 

Especially during the Brahmotsavam, 

A yearly grand celebration during spring 

To pray for a happy and healthy life 

Source: Trip Advisor

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Note: 

• Gali gopuram- literally translation is a wind tower 
• Adisesha- King of snakes 
• Talpa- snake bed 
• Giri- hill 

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Rajarajeshwara Temple, Kannur- Kerala

Oh, what a significance this kshetram* has! 

Located in the Taliparamba village

Where women can enter and pray 

Only after 8 in the evening 

The reason they say is Prabhu Shiva sits with his consort

Devi Parvati during the evenings 

And is happy to fulfill the wishes 

Of women who pray to the couple 

Source: Kerala Tourism

The history of the kshetram dates eons ago

When Parasurama* visited the region 

Identified the spiritual powers of an ancient shrine in ruins 

He called Narada Mahamuni* to know more 

And was told of a story that spanned across the yugas*

Source: Kerala Tourism

Three lingams lay buried deep inside the earth

One from the Treta yuga* and two from the Dwapara yuga* 

Parasurama then called upon the celestial architect, Viswakarma 

To rebuild the aalayam and brings back its lost glory 

The kings from the later generations worked

Renovating the structure to keep it intact 

As the lamp lit by Agasthya muni still shines bright 

Source: Trawell

The story doesn’t end here, as Prabhu Rama 

During his return to Ayodhya from Lanka 

Prostrated before the lingam in the Namaskara Mandapam 

And thus came the tradition

Where no other human would do so in the same place

Source: DTPC Kannur

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Note: 

• Kshetram- temple 
• Parasurama- an avatar of Bhagwan Vishnu
• Narada Mahamuni- a celestial sage and a storyteller; a catalyst in every major change that took place over the eons
• Treta yuga- the second yuga for the four cycles in Hinduism 
• Dwapara yuga- the third yuga 
• One yuga is equal to 4,320,000 years

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Source: 

https://www.viharadarshani.in/2019/08/ranganatha-ranganayaka-swamy-temple-nellore-history-timings-photos.html

https://templesinindiainfo.com/nellore-talpagiri-ranganatha-swamy-temple-history-timings-address/

https://www.nativeplanet.com/travel-guide/the-temple-where-women-are-allowed-only-at-night-004056.html

https://www.keralatourism.org/temples/kannur/raja-rajeswara-taliparamba 

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