Sarangapani Temple
Sarangapani is one of the highly revered temples of South India visited by a large number of devotees every year. The temple was built in the honour of Lord Vishnu, the protector of the Universe. He is considered as the prime God of the Vaishnava traditions of Hinduism. Sarangapani Temple is located in the famous temple town Kumbakonam which falls under Tanjavur district. Sarangapani is ancient temple which was given a face-lift in the 16th century. It is the largest Vishnu temple in the town whose foundation was laid in the 13th century. The shrine houses a gigantic Gopuram( is the rising tower at the entrance of a temple)whose height is 150 feet. There are two elaborately sculpted columns inside the temple - the Karuvarai and Vimanam. These chariot shaped columns are a real treat to the eyes. The tank in the temple complex is considered holy and is nicknamed as Porthamarai Kulam.
Sarangapani Temple is one of the 108 Tirupatis, which has been given the third position after Srirangam and Tirupati. The peculiarity of the temple is that it has a chariot like shape. Hundreds of impressive pillars, huge and decorated gopuram, carved perforated stone screens and mandaps consists of its architectural beauty. At the main gateway two statues of dwarpals(gate keepers) have been built who guard the Lord Vishnu.
Lord's consort also known as Kamala Valli Thayar has a separate sannidhi and there are Lord's paduka's(foot prints) in the outside prakaram where devotees offer worship. Opposite to that, there is a shrine for Patala Srinivasa Perumal. Here one has to climb down a few steps to reach the shrine . The main temple has a beautiful mandapam in front of the temple. The sanctum has two entrances. One is known as the Uttarayana dwara and other one the Dakshinayana dwara as is in Tiruvellarai. The dakshinaya dwaram remains open from the Tamil month of Aadi to Marghazi ( mid August to mid January ) and the other door remains open from ( Mid January- mid July) Thai -Aani. This is in accordance with the movement of the Sun's path.
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