Sri Ranganath or Rangaji Temple in Vrindavan is one of the biggest temples in the region. Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi.
Vrindavan, often hailed as the city of temples, boasts countless sacred sites, each with its unique story. However, certain temples stand as icon, deeply connected with the very identity of this holy city. The Rangnatha / Ranji Temple in Vrindavan is definitely one such iconic shrine. You can get more information and donate on the temple website.
The temple houses a gold plated pillar and is very famous for its south Indian style architecture. This big temple started being built in 1845 and Two rich men from Chennai, Seth Radha Krishna and Seth Govindadasa, paid for it. Also, this is one of the biggest temples in Vrindavan. Tall walls go all around it. Inside the temple, the main statue is of Sri Ranganatha. He is shown sleeping on a big snake called Shesh Nag. Furthermore, the temple also has statues of Sita-Rama and Lakshmana. You can also see statues of Lord Narasimha, Ramanujacharya, and Venugopala there. So, this temple has many important figures from Hindu belief.
History
Sri Rangji Mandir is a temple for Lord Sri GodaRangamannar. Goda, or Andal as many in South India call her, was a well-known holy person and poet from the 8th century. She loved Lord Krishna very much and wrote songs about her love and Vrindavan, where Krishna played as a child. Furthermore, She even wanted to be with Krishna. Lord Ranganatha, who also is same as Krishna, heard her prayers and became her husband.
In Sri Ranganath Mandir, Lord Krishna (the groom) has a walking stick, which is normal for a South Indian wedding. To his right is Andal, his bride. And to his left is Garuda, the bird who carries Lord Krishna. So, this temple shows the special love story of Goda and Lord Krishna.
Architecture
The way the Rangji temple is built is like the famous Sri Ranganatha Swami temple in Sri Rangam. However, local builders made some changes. So, the Sri Ranganath Mandir is a special mix of South and North Indian temple styles. It follows the South Indian way of building, with five rectangle-shaped walls around the main holy place. Also, it has two pretty stone gates on the east and west sides.
The Rangaji Temple has a South Indian style of building. It has eight towers called gopuras, made in the Dravidian way. The main door to this temple is on the west side. There is a tall tower with six levels and covered with carvings. Also, the temple has a flagpole that is 50 feet high and covered in gold. Inside, you can find a pond and a lovely garden. Near the entrance, there is a puppet show that uses electricity and a small museum. So, the Rangaji Temple is a beautiful place with interesting things to see.
Ratha Yatra
This temple has a big 10-day festival called Brahmotsavam. It happens around March or April. Also, people often call this festival Rath ka Mela. During this time, followers pull a chariot from the temple to a garden close by. Another important festival here is the yearly Jalvihar festival. For this, many devotees come to bathe the statue of God in a special ritual.
Furthermore, Only Brahmin priests from South India perform the prayers in this temple.
Timings
Morning – 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Evening – 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Timings may slightly vary as per seasons.
