“P ancha ranga kshetrams are a group of five sacred temples dedicated to Lord Ranganatha,
one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. These temples are located in the southern
Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The term "Pancha Ranga Kshetrams"
means "Five Ranganatha temples" in Sanskrit. Each of these temples has its unique
significance and history, making them a must-visit destination for Hindu devotees. Adi Ranga - The First of the Five Ranga Temples Madhya
Ranga - The Second Temple on the Ranganatha Circuit Antya Ranga - The Last of the
Five Ranga Temples Pranava Ranga - The Hidden Ranga Temple Para Ranga - The Final
Destination
Adi Ranga - The First of the Five Ranga Temples:
Adi Ranga, also known as Srirangapatna, is the first temple in the circuit of Pancha
Ranga Kshetrams. It is located in the town of Srirangapatna, in the Mandya district
of Karnataka. The temple is said to have been built by the Ganga dynasty in the
9th century AD. The idol of Lord Ranganatha here is in a reclining posture and is
said to be one of the largest in the world.
Madhya Ranga - The Second Temple on the Ranganatha Circuit:
Madhya Ranga, also known as the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple, is the second temple
in the Pancha Ranga Kshetrams circuit. It is located in the town of Melkote, in
the Mandya district of Karnataka. The temple is known for its intricate architecture
and is said to have been built in the 12th century AD. The idol of Lord Ranganatha
here is in a standing posture.
Antya Ranga - The Last of the Five Ranga Temples:
Antya Ranga, also known as the Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, is the last temple in
the circuit of Pancha Ranga Kshetrams. It is located in the town of Nellore, in
the state of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is said to have been built by the Pallava
dynasty in the 9th century AD. The idol of Lord Ranganatha here is in a standing
posture.
Pranava Ranga - The Hidden Ranga Temple:
Pranava Ranga, also known as the Appalarangaswamy Temple, is the hidden Ranga temple
in the circuit. It is located in the town of Appalaraju Palli, in the state of Andhra
Pradesh. The temple is said to have been built during the reign of the Vijayanagara
Empire in the 15th century AD. The idol of Lord Ranganatha here is in a seated posture.
Para Ranga - The Final Destination:
Para Ranga, also known as the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, is the final destination
in the Pancha Ranga Kshetrams circuit. It is located in the town of Srirangam, in
the state of Tamil Nadu. The temple is said to have been built by the Chola dynasty
in the 11th century AD. The idol of Lord Ranganatha here is in a reclining posture
and is considered to be the holiest of all the Ranga temples. In conclusion, the
Pancha Ranga Kshetrams hold great significance in Hinduism and are considered a
must-visit destination for Hindu devotees. These five sacred temples dedicated to
Lord Ranganatha offer not just religious significance but also architectural beauty
and cultural richness. The journey through these temples can be a spiritual and
enlightening experience for those seeking to explore India's diverse cultural and
spiritual heritage.