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Sri Senganmal Ranganathar Temple

Sri Seganmaal Ranganatha Perumal Temple, also known as Thiru Thetriyambalam, is located in Thirunangur, near Sirkazhi, in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the 108 Divya Desam temples revered in the Vaishnavite tradition.

Timings

The temple will be kept open between 06.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History :-


The Sri Seganmaal Ranganatha Perumal Temple, like many of the Divya Desam temples, is believed to have been built by the Chola dynasty. The temple's construction is attributed to the early mediaeval Cholas, who were great patrons of architecture and the Vaishnavite tradition. The exact date of its construction is not well-documented, but it is believed to have been established between the 7th and 9th centuries during the height of Chola rule.


Puranic Significance :-



All the sages and devas sought protection from Lord Vishnu to maintain the stability of the world. To fulfil this request, Lord Vishnu decided to take the Varaha incarnation. Concerned about his departure, Goddess Mahalakshmi asked what she should do if he left her. Lord Vishnu reassured her by instructing the divine serpent, who serves as his bed, to go to Palasavanam and meditate on him. He also mentioned that Lord Shiva would join them and promised to return after defeating the demon.

This place is known as Tiruthetri Ambalam in Kaliyuga because of this divine promise. Lord Vishnu also foretold that his staunch devotee, Sri Bhashyakara, would bring 108 scholars initiated into Vaishnavism to this place, and he assured that he would take care of and protect all beings.

Afterward, Lord Vishnu descended to Patala Loka, where he defeated the demon Hiranyaksha. After rescuing the earth and restoring it to its original place, Lord Vishnu returned to Palasavanam, granting darshan to both Mahalakshmi and Lord Shiva. He rested there after the battle, with his beautiful red eyes half-closed. This is why Lord Vishnu is praised as Senganmal Ranganathar at this temple.

Uniquely, this temple is the only one among the 108 Divya Desams referred to as "Ambalam," a term usually associated with Shiva temples. Worshiping Lord Vishnu here is considered equivalent to worshipping him at Srirangam. In this east-facing temple, Lord Vishnu is depicted in a reclining posture on the Adisesha bed, with four hands. His head and right hand rest on a wooden stand, while his left hand is placed on his hip. Goddess Sridevi is positioned near his head, and Mother Bhoodevi is near his feet. Devotees strongly believe that Lord Vishnu's grace elevates them to royal positions, and prayers for such blessings are promptly answered by the Lord.

Although the Lord is in a reclining posture, his eyes are always wide open. The Lord at this place is known as Senkann Maal, meaning "the one with reddish eyes." These red eyes are believed to be the result of a vigorous dance or the fact that he never closes his eyes, even while resting. Despite his sleeping posture, Lord Vishnu remains vigilant, guarding his devotees with yoga maya, and observing the world's happenings through his Sun-like eyes.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Dress Modestly: Wear clean, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees.
  2. Follow Etiquette: Remove shoes before entering and adhere to temple instructions.
  3. Maintain Reverence: Keep noise low and speak softly.
  4. Respect Rituals: Observe ceremonies quietly and participate as appropriate.
  5. Make Offerings: Respectfully offer prayers and donations.
  6. Follow Photography Rules: Adhere to the temple’s photography guidelines.
  7. Keep Clean: Dispose of waste properly and keep the area clean.
  1. Avoid Disruption: No loud conversations or phone calls.
  2. No Eating or Drinking: Refrain from consuming food or drink unless part of a ritual.
  3. Don’t Touch: Avoid touching the deity or sacred objects.
  4. Respect Boundaries: Do not enter restricted areas.
  5. No Public Affection: Avoid physical affection within the temple.
  6. No Unauthorised Sales: Don’t sell or distribute goods without permission.
  7. Photography Restrictions: Follow rules for taking photos.


Dress Code

Women:

  1. Attire: Wear sarees, salwar kameez, or long skirts with tops covering shoulders.
  2. Coverage: Ensure shoulders and knees are covered. Avoid sleeveless tops and short skirts.

Men:

  1. Attire: Wear dhotis or long trousers with a shirt. Avoid casual t-shirts.
  2. Coverage: Ensure shoulders and legs are covered. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.


How to reach

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  1. By Train: Take a train to Sirkazhi Railway Station, which is the nearest major station. From Sirkazhi, hire a taxi or take a local bus to Thirunangur (about 10 km away).
  2. By Bus: Buses from Chennai to Sirkazhi are available. From Sirkazhi, take a taxi or local bus to Thirunangur. 

Nearby Cities and Rivers

The Sri Seganmaal Ranganatha Perumal Temple is located in Thirunangur, which is near Sirkazhi in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. The nearby cities and rivers are:

Nearby Cities:

  1. Sirkazhi: A major town located approximately 10 kilometres from Thirunangur, known for its historical temples.
  2. Nagapattinam: A coastal city about 45 kilometres away, significant for its religious and cultural heritage.
  3. Mayiladuthurai: Located around 20 kilometres from the temple, this town is another important religious centre with several temples.
  4. Chidambaram: Around 30 kilometres from Thirunangur, Chidambaram is famous for the Nataraja Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.


Nearby Rivers:

  1. Cauvery River: One of the major rivers in Tamil Nadu, it flows near Mayiladuthurai, which is close to Thirunangur.
  2. Manniyar River: A tributary of the Cauvery River, it flows through the region around Sirkazhi and Mayiladuthurai.
  3. Kollidam River: This river, a distributary of the Cauvery, flows near Chidambaram, not far from Thirunangur.