Talpagiri

Talpagiri Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple or Sri Ranganthaswami Temple or Ranganayakulu Temple was built on the banks of the Pennar River in Nellore, Andhrapradesh. In this temple, Lord Rangantha Swamy is seen lying on Anantha sesha in sleeping or resting position. This temple is one of the oldest temples in Nellore town. Brahmotsavam and Ratha yatra are the festivals celebrated in a grand manner.

Nellore Talpagiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple Legends:

The name “Talpagiri” comes from the legend, which says that Adisesha took the form of a hill here, when Lord Sri Maha Vishnu came down to Earth and rested here. “Talpa” refers to the bed of the Adisesha serpent in which Lord Maha Vishnu stands out.

According to legend, Lord Maha Vishnua wanted to visit Bhooloka with his wife, the goddess Sridevi, so he asked Adisesha to be the place of his residence during his stay in Bhooloka. By obeying his master’s order, Adisesha took the form of a mountain at this place. Therefore, the place was named “Talpagiri Kshetram”.

When Sage Kashyapa performed Poundarika Yagna on Ekadasi day, the Lord appeared and blessed him.

Nellore Talpagiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple History:

This temple was built by the governors of Pallava during the 7th and 8th centuries. The Simhapuri rulers also contributed to the construction of the temple. This temple was later developed by King Raja Mahendra Varma in the 12th century AD

The main entrance of Gopuram is seven floors with excellent sculptures. Gali Gopuram at the main entrance is 70 feet high and has seven 10 feet of gold-plated vessels at the summit called Kalisams.

About Nellore Talpagiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple:

The Idol of Lord Ranganatha Swamy in the Sanctum Sanctorium, lying on his conch of Adisesha, is ten feet long; with the goddess Sridevi sitting on his chest and Lord Brahma sitting on a lotus rising from the Lord’s navel. At the feet of the Lord there are deities 26 inches in height forms of Sridevi and Bhudevi. Before the main deity are the murthis of Utsava (deities of the festival). There is also a sitting divinity of  Sridevi called Ranganayaka Devi. One of the interesting things about the temple is that idols face west towards the Penna River, unlike most temples where the deity faces east.

‘Sri Vishnu Sahasra Namavali’ 1000 different names of Lord Maha Vishnu are written on the walls of Sanctum Sanctorium.

There is ‘Santhana Vriksha’, a tree that would give the blessing of children to couples without children. Women devotees tear a piece in a corner of their saris, put their offerings on the pieces of cloth and attach them like swings to the tree. There is an underground tunnel under this tree that was once used by yogis to reach the temple. It is said that those who give their offerings in this place in ‘Kondi Kasuli Hundi’ can get rid of the poisonous stings of scorpions and snakes.

Sub Temples inside Talpagiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple:

Lord Rangantha’s consort Goddess Ranganayaki.
Alwar Sannidhi (12 Alwars)
Lord Narasimha Swamy
Lord Venkateswara Swamy
Andal Ammavaru