Sri Rangaji Temple

With imposing getaways, beautiful shikara, and magnificent gold-plated embellishments, Rangaji Temple is reckoned to be one of the largest Hindu shrines in Vrindavan. Sacred to Lord Krishna, Rangaji Temple dates back to the late 19th century. It is one of those serene places in Vrindavan where you can go, perform darshan and just sit for hours, the entire experience soothes you from within. It is said that this temple of Lord Krishna was built by the followers of Sri Vaishnavas of southern India. Hence, the temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture, which is prevalent in much of South India. One of the key highlights of the entire architecture of this temple is the spacious courtyard which is beautifully encircled by a gorgeous garden and a water tank. Another significant highlight of this popular shrine in Vrindavan is the Gopuram (gateway). It directs you to the main temple hall where the image of Lord Rangaji, made up of black stone, along with the idols of Lord Rama, his brother Laxmana and the consort Goddess Sita, are located. Besides, the walls of the temple are also quite famous amongst devotees and tourists because of the exotic paintings that narrate the temple's story. Apart from this, the temple room is one of the prime points of tourist interest at this place as it offers a splendid view of 50 feet high gold-plated pillar. Rangaji Temple is one of the few famous tourist places in Vrindavan that you should visit during your vacation in the city.

History of Sri Rangaji Temple

The construction of this temple began in 1845 and was completed in 1851, for 45 lakhs rupees. It was built by Seth Radha Krishna and Seth Govindadasa of Chennai. It is one of Vrindavan's largest temples and is surrounded by high walls. The deity in the temple is called Sri Ranganatha and is represented in sleeping posture on Shesh Nag. The temple also houses the idols of Sita - Rama and Lakshmana, Lord Narasimha, Ramanujacharya, and Venugopala.

Architecture of Sri Rangaji Temple

The Rangaji Temple is an admirable amalgamation of different architectural styles. The entrance gate of the temple makes one reminiscent of Rajput architecture, the gopuram is sure to bring to one's mind the South Indian style of temple architecture whereas the colonnade hadistinctlyinct Italian touch. Consequently, apart from those with a religious bent of mind the temple is also well worth a visit by those who are fond admirers of art and architecture. The temple beautifully coalesces different kinds of architecture.

Distinguished as the largest temple in Vrindavan, it has an outer wall that measures 770 feet by 440 feet. There are as many as eight gopurams. Of these, one of them is six storied and covered with beautiful carvings.

Before setting your foot into the precincts of the temples through the western gate which is the main gate of the temple, watch the two electronic puppet shows at the entrance. They depict scenes from the two Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. As for the interiors of the temple, they are beautifully decorated. However, what will attract your attention the most is the 15 m gold plated pillar in the central enclosure of the temple. This dhwaja stambha is indeed stupendous. Also within the premise of the temple are a nice tank and a lovely garden.

Lord Ranganatha or Rangaji to which the temple is dedicated is depicted here as Lord Vishnu. He is shown in the sheshashayi pose resting on the coils of the divine serpent or the sacred Shesha nag. Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu is also worshipped in this temple.