Ranganathaswamy Temple

The Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Anegundi, Karnataka, is a significant historical and religious site located across the Tungabhadra River from Hampi. This temple, constructed in the 14th century CE, stands as one of the earliest examples of architecture from the Vijayanagara Empire.

Timings

The temple is open daily from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Long ago, in the ancient kingdom of Vijayanagara, there was a revered sage who performed intense penance on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared before him in the form of Ranganatha, reclining on the serpent Adishesha. The sage, filled with divine bliss, requested the Lord to stay in that place forever and bless the devotees.

Moved by the sage's devotion, Lord Ranganatha agreed and manifested in the form of an idol. The local king, hearing of this miraculous event, decided to build a grand temple to honour and house the deity. This temple was constructed in Anegundi, on the other side of the river from Hampi.

Do's and Don'ts

Dress Modestly: Wear traditional and modest clothing. Men should wear dhotis or long pants, and women should wear sarees or long skirts and tops.
Remove Footwear: Leave your shoes outside before entering the temple premises.
Follow Temple Etiquette: Maintain silence inside the temple, and participate in prayers and rituals respectfully.
Photography Restrictions: Follow any restrictions on photography, especially inside the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha) where it's typically prohibited.
Offerings: You may bring offerings like flowers, fruits, and coconuts, but ensure they are fresh and clean.

Avoid Western Attire: Refrain from wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, or other revealing clothing.
No Smoking or Alcohol: Smoking and alcohol consumption are strictly prohibited on temple grounds.
Avoid Loud Conversations: Keep your voice low and avoid unnecessary noise to maintain the sanctity of the temple.
Do Not Touch Deities: Touching the idols or entering restricted areas is not allowed.
Respect Queue Systems: Follow the lines and queue systems in place for darshan and other temple activities.

Dress Code

The dress code for visiting the Ranganathaswamy Temple in Anegundi emphasises modesty and respect for the temple's customs. Visitors are generally expected to wear traditional attire or clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Specifically:

Men: Should wear dhoti or traditional pants, preferably with a shirt or upper garment.
Women: Should wear sarees or salwar kameez, ensuring that the attire covers the shoulders and knees adequately.

This dress code is in place to maintain the sanctity of the temple and to respect the religious sentiments of the devotees.

How to reach

Open in Google Maps ↗

By Road: From Anegundi Bus Stand: Ranganathaswamy Temple is located within walking distance from Anegundi Bus Stand. You can easily reach the temple by walking or hiring local transportation.
By Train: Nearest Railway Station: The nearest major railway station is Hospet Junction Railway Station (HPT), located approximately 30 kilometres from Ranganathaswamy Temple in Anegundi. From Hospet Junction, you can hire a taxi or use bus services to reach Anegundi.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Tungabhadra River: The temple is located close to the Tungabhadra River, which flows through the historic region of Hampi. The river is significant for its role in irrigation and as a source of water for the surrounding areas.
Hampi: Anegundi is located near Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient ruins, temples, and monuments dating back to the Vijayanagara Empire. Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is a major tourist destination.
Kishkindha: Anegundi is traditionally identified as Kishkindha, the mythical kingdom of the monkey gods Vali and Sugriva from the Hindu epic Ramayana. The area is dotted with several sites associated with the Ramayana, including caves, temples, and hills.
Gangavathi: Gangavathi is a town located near Anegundi, known for its historical significance and as a centre for agriculture and trade. It is situated along the banks of the Tungabhadra River and is relatively close to the Ranganatha Swamy Temple.
Hospet: Hospet is a city located in close proximity to Anegundi and Hampi. It serves as a gateway for tourists visiting the Hampi ruins and is an important transportation hub in the region.