MAGADI RANGANATHA SWAMY TEMPLE

 Tuesday, 6th February, 2024

Magadi Ranganatha Swamy Temple.

Magadi is about 55 Km from Bengaluru, we Nalini, sister Vijaya and her husband Ramachandra Bhat, started at 9.30 am in Baleno Car, myself driving, reached Ranganatha Swamy temple at 11.30 and temple was open hardly any crowd, had darshan and went round the ancient temple.

Apart from the 7 prakarams with massive walls, the Temple Complex has 21 very colourful sculpted gopurams (consecrated gateways with towers), 50 sub shrines, 9 sacred pools, gilded Vimana (dome) over the sanctum sanctorum of the presiding deity, and other interesting features such as fresco paintings.

History. Magadi was first founded by the Chola dynasty around 1139 A.D. during their rule over the region. Magadi is the birthplace of Kempe Gowda, the Vijayanagara chieftain who founded Bangalore in the 16th century. Kempe Gowda and the chiefs who followed him built many architectural temples here.

We visited Nalini/Vijaya's Childhood/school days friend Nagaratna, spent some time remembering those days and people.

Returned home after lunch at Udupi Aathitya at Sahakaranagar.

Posted 7/2/2024