- Vishnu
Karamadai Ranganathar Temple
- Karamadai,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
Arulmigu Aranganatha Swamy Temple is a renowned Hindu shrine located at Karamadai, in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. The temple is located about 30 kms from the Coimbatore city, on the Metupalayam highway. The temple lies amidst picturesque locations with the beautiful Nilgiri Hills at its backdrop. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is known for its uniqueness. The deity here is worshipped in the form of a Swayambu lingam. Ramanuja, the holy saint and founder of Sri Vaishnava philosophy is believed to have visited this temple on his way from Srirangam to Thiru Narayanapuram (Melkote, Karnataka).
About The Temple
Karamadai Ranganathar Temple is regarded as the second oldest temple in Coimbatore, which was built by the rulers of Vijayanagara kingdom. The renowned chola ruler, Karikala Chozhan and the Mysore king, Krishnaraja Wodeyar are believed to have made innumerable contributions to this Temple at Karamadai. The much respected Thirumalai Nayakkar of Madurai had built the temple walls and several other Mandapams (halls) in and around the temple.
The auspicious occasion of Vaikuntha Ekadesi draws thousands of devotees, who visit this temple to seek the blessings of the Lord. This festival falls on the the eleventh day after the new moon, in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January). Vaikuntha Ekadesi is a much revered festival which is primarily celebrated in all Vishnu temples across the world.
About The Deity
The presiding deity is seen gracing his devotees at this temple in three divine forms, as Lord Venkatesa Achudan, Lord Aranganatha Swamy and Lord Venkatesa Perumal. Separate shrine are also found dedicated for Pettathu Amman and Kodha Nachiyar (Andal).
Legend and Stories
The story behind the origin of Sri Karamadai Ranganatha Temple is quite fascinating. Garudan, the sacred vahana of Lord Vishnu, desired to get the divine darshan of the Lord in his Kalyana Kolam (wedding attire) along with his consort, Goddess Mahalakshmi. The kind Lord Vishnu fulfilled the wishes of Garuda at this place and decided to stay at the place to bless the local people. As time passed, the stone statue of the deity went underground and was covered by a dense forest full of Kara trees.
After many centuries, a cowboy from the Thottiya community hailing from Karamadai area noticed that one of his cows often disappeared into a specific spot within the thick undergrowth. The cow is also believed to have shed her milk voluntarily at that spot. Intrigued by the act of the cow, the cowboy decided to uncover the thick bushes. When he attempted to cut them, blood suddenly started oozing from the spot. The bewildered cowboy then found a stone, resembling a Lingam. The same night, Lord Vishnu is said to have appeared in the cowboy’s dream and had asked him to apply Chandana Kaapu (sandalwood paste) over the stone. On applying the sandalwood paste, the cowboy found the stone to be the divine and graceful Lord Ranganathar.
On learning about this divine occurrence, the people of this region built Mandapams (halls) around the place and created a simple temple. They also consecrated the Swayambu lingam as Lord Ranganathar. Only the face of Lord Ranganatha can be seen here, unlike other temples where he is usually found in his sayana kolam (reclining posture). The deity’s image is believed to be growing in size every year. Thirumalai Nayakkar, the ruler of Madurai is said to have been cured of a terrible disease, nearly 400 years ago. The noble king had built further temple structures for this Lord at Karamadai as a prayer commitment.
One another tale mentions about a British engineer who planned to construct a railway line near this temple. This railway line would disrupt the temple functioning if built. Thus the native people prayed Lord Ranganatha for finding a solution for this issue. The benevolent Lord Ranganatha is said to have appeared with a white horse in the engineer’s dreams. This made the engineer realise the powers of this Lord, and hence decided to change the direction of the railway line. He is also believed to have donated a wooden white horse to the temple, signifying the appearance of the Lord in his dream. Even now, the Utsava Moorthy (processional figure) is taken around the temple streets on auspicious days in processions over a white horse.
The Brahma theertham which is the holy waters blessed by Lord Brahma is said to flow behind the main deity. The sacred temple pond is called the Karuda Theertham. The temple is considered as one of the most significant places of worship with special Pandha, Thanneer and Kavaala Poojas. Saint Vasavan, Varunan, Kuberan, Karudalvar were all said to have been blessed by the lord here.
Festivals
- Chithirai - Tamil New Year, Sri Ram Navami, Sri Ramanuja Jayanthi
- Vaikashi - Nammaalvar Thirunatchatram, Narashimma Jayanthi, Pattar Thirunatchatram
- Aani - Sri Chakkarathalvar Thirunatchatram
- Aadi - Thakshinaayanapunya Kaalam, Aandaal Thiruvaadipooram
- Purataashi - 5 Saturdays, 9 days navarathiri utchavam
- Ipashi - Sanai Mudhaliyar Thirunatchatram, Manavaala maamunigan Thirunatchatram, Deepavali
- Karthigai - Thirumangai Aalvar Thirunatchatram, Thiru Karthigai Deepam
- Margazhi - 10 Days Utchavam, Vaikunda Aegathashi, 10 Nights Utchavam
- Thai - Pongal, Kurathaalvar Thirunatchatram
- Maashi - Thiru Ther Festival (CAR festival) 12 Days
- Panguni - Sri Ranga Naachiyar Panguni Uthram
Pooja Timing
Ko Pooja – 5:45 am
Kaalasanthi Pooja – 08:30 am
Annathanam – 12:15 pm
Utchi Kaala Thiruvaradhanam – 12:30 pm
Raakaala Pooja – 08:00 pm
Thiruvaradhanam – 08:30 pm
Significance
People pray here for prosperity and wealth. There is a Kaarai tree (Rain tree) in Karamadai Ranganatha Temple which is considered sacred. It is said to grant a devotee’s prayer for settling marriages in the family and to beget children.
How to Reach Karamadai Ranganathar Temple
Airport
The nearest located airport is the Coimbatore International Airport which is about 30 km away from the Karamadai. A number of Bus and taxi services are available from the airport to reach the temple comfortably.
Railways
The nearest railway station is the Karamadai Railway Station.
Road
Regular and frequent bus services are available from all over the state to the city of Coimbatore which is situated nearly 27 km away from the temple.
Temple Address
Arulmigu Aranganatha Swamy Temple,
Karamadai, Coimbatore - Mettupalayam NH Road,
Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu,
India, Pincode - 641 104.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Prosperity
- Wealth
Shlokas
Achutham Keyshavam Rama Narayanam Krishna Damodaram Vasudevam Harim Shridharam Madhavam Gopika Vallabham Janaki Nayakam Ramachandram Bhajey
Meaning -Oh Lord who cannot be perished, who also has names like Keshava, Rama, Damodara, Narayana, Sridhara, Madhava, Krishna, Ramachandra the beloved of Janaki, let me say your name regularly.
Vasudeva Sutham Devam Kamsa Chanoora Mardhanam Devaki Paramanandham Krishnam Vande Jagathgurum
Meaning -I bow to you O Krishna, the ultimate guru, Devaki and Vasudeva's son, and the destroyer of Kamsa and Chanur.
Adharam Madhuram Vadanam Madhuram Nayanam Madhuram Hasitam Madhuram Hridayam Madhuram Gamanam Madhuram Mathuraa Dhipate Rakhilam Madhuram
Meaning -Meaning - Sweet are Your lips, sweet is Your face, sweet are Your eyes, sweet is Your smile, sweet is Your heart, sweet is Your gait, O Lord of Mathura, everything about You is sweet.
Alokya Mathur Mukha Madarena Sthanyam Pibantham Saraseeruhaksham Sachinmayam Devam Anantha Roopam Balam Mukundam Manasa Smarami
Meaning -I think of this Balamukundan as the one who looks lovingly at his mother's face while taking milk from her, who has eyes similar to the red lotus, who is the embodiment of truth and intelligence and other forms.
Timings
The temple is open from 06:00 am to 01:30 pm and from 04:00 pm to 08:30 pm on all days excluding Saturdays. On Saturdays, the temple is usually open from 06:00 am to 02:00 pm and from 03:00 pm to 08:30 pm.