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Singavaram Ranganathasway Temple

Ranganatha Perumal Temple is in Singavaram Village near Gingee Town in Tamil Nadu, India. It's dedicated to Lord Vishnu, with Ranganatha Perumal as the main deity and Ranganayaki Thayar as the mother goddess. You can find this cave temple on top of a hill, reached by climbing around 160 steps. It faces east and has a three-tiered entrance tower. The temple's design is a great example of Pallava rock-cut architecture.

Timings

Opening from 7am-12pm And 4pm-7pm.

Entry Fee

Entry fee for this temple is free of charge

 Hiranyakasipu and Hiranyaksha, known as the Hiranyas, were Vishnu’s gatekeepers Jaya and Vijaya, born on earth due to a curse from the Four Kumaras. In ancient times, they were born to Diti and sage Kashyapa. Their birth, said to be at dusk, was considered inauspicious. Hiranyaksha was slain by the Varaha avatar of Lord Vishnu, leading Hiranyakasipu to seek immense power through penance. Pleased with his penance, Lord Brahma granted him a boon of near immortality. Hiranyakasipu became invincible and terrorised the world. Meanwhile, divine sage Narada protected Hiranyakashipu’s wife and unborn child, Prahlada, who even in the womb, was influenced by the sage's teachings.


 Prahlada, despite being the son of the tyrant Hiranyakasipu, becomes a devout follower of Vishnu. His unwavering devotion angers his father, who tries to kill him but fails each time due to Vishnu's protection. In a fit of rage, Hiranyakasipu challenges Prahlada to prove Vishnu's presence, to which Prahlada points to a nearby pillar. Narasimha, a form of Vishnu, emerges from the pillar and slays Hiranyakasipu. Even after his death, Narasimha's fury remains unabated until Prahlada, at Brahma's behest, calms him with his prayers. Narasimha then appoints Prahlada as king and disappears. The place where this event occurred came to be known as Singavaram, with Prahlada's idol enshrined there.



Do's and Don'ts

  1. Dress Modestly: Wear traditional or modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
  2. Respect Rituals: Participate quietly in rituals and follow the instructions of the temple priests.
  3. Remove Footwear: Leave your shoes outside the temple premises as a sign of respect.
  4. Maintain Cleanliness: Keep the temple premises clean and dispose of waste properly.
  5. Be Respectful: Show respect to the deity, priests, and fellow devotees.
  6. Silence and Reverence: Maintain silence and a reverent attitude inside the temple.
  7. Offerings: Bring appropriate offerings like flowers, fruits, and prasadam as per temple customs.
  8. Follow Photography Rules: Check if photography is allowed and adhere to the temple’s rules regarding taking pictures.
  9. Use Designated Areas: Perform rituals and offerings only in designated areas.
  10. Support Conservation: Participate in or contribute to temple preservation and conservation efforts.


  1. No Inappropriate Behaviour: Avoid any behaviour that can be considered disrespectful or disruptive.
  2. No Loud Conversations: Do not engage in loud conversations inside the temple premises.
  3. Avoid Non-vegetarian Food: Do not bring non-vegetarian food into the temple.
  4. No Smoking or Alcohol: Smoking and consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited within the temple grounds.
  5. Don’t Touch Deities: Do not touch the idols or any sacred objects without permission.
  6. No Footwear Inside: Do not wear shoes or sandals inside the temple.
  7. No Damage to Property: Avoid writing on walls, carving on pillars, or damaging any part of the temple.
  8. No Commercial Activities: Do not engage in any commercial activities within the temple premises unless authorised.
  9. Respect Sacred Spaces: Do not enter areas restricted to priests and authorised personnel.
  10. No Flash Photography: Avoid using flash photography as it may disturb others and potentially harm delicate artwork.


Dress Code

Men:

  1. Traditional Attire: Wear traditional clothing like dhoti or veshti (mundu) with angavastram (upper cloth) for men.
  2. Shirts or Kurta: If wearing a shirt, ensure it covers the shoulders and torso properly.

Women:

  1. Saree or Salwar Kameez: Wear a saree or salwar kameez with a dupatta, or any traditional attire that covers the body modestly.
  2. Avoid Revealing Outfits: Avoid wearing sleeveless tops, short skirts, or tight-fitting clothing.
  3. Dupatta or Shawl: Carry a dupatta or shawl to cover the head while entering the temple.

How to reach

By Road:

  1. From Villupuram: Singavaram is approximately 40 kilometres southwest of Villupuram. You can hire a taxi or use public transportation like buses to reach the temple.
  2. From Puducherry (Pondicherry): The temple is around 60 kilometres northwest of Puducherry. You can drive or hire a taxi to reach Singavaram.

By Train:

  1. Nearest Railway Station: The nearest major railway station is Villupuram Junction. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Singavaram.

By Air:

  1. Nearest Airport: The nearest airport is Pondicherry Airport, located about 70 kilometres from Singavaram. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach singavaram.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Gingee River: This river flows close to the town of Gingee, providing a vital water source for the region.
  2. Thenpennai River: Also known as the South Pennar River, it is one of the major rivers in the area, flowing through Villupuram District.


Cities:

  1. Gingee: The nearest town, known for its historical fort and proximity to the temple.
  2. Villupuram: The district headquarters, located about 40 kilometres from Singavaram, providing access to various facilities and transportation.
  3. Puducherry (Pondicherry): A coastal city and Union Territory, approximately 60 kilometres from the temple, known for its beaches and colonial architecture.
  4. Tindivanam: Another nearby town, about 30 kilometres from the temple, which serves as a regional hub for trade and transportation.