The place Sri Rangapatnam is in Mandya District of Karnataka, which is about 16 kms from Mysore. It is situated on an island on the banks of River Cauvery.The place is on Bangalore Mysore highway.
There are three islands on the River Cauvery. One is Adi Ranga at Srirangapatnam; second one is Madhya Ranga at Sivasamudram and Anthya Ranga at Srirangam.
In all these three islands, the temple is dedicated to Sri Ranganadhar. Here in Srirangapatnam the River Cauvery is flowing as Paschima Vahini and the place is considered auspicious to perform rituals here.
Main deity is Swayambu Saligrama Moorthy of Sri Ranganadha Swamy in Yoga sayanam {sleeping posture} on Adiseshan with seven heads. Goddess Cauvery is seen near his feet with flower in her hand. Ranganayaki thayar is the main goddesss of this temple.
Other deities seen, within the temple premises are Lord Srinivasar, Sri Krishna, Lakshmi Narashimar, Sudarshnar, Gajendra Varadhar, Garudazwar and Aanjaneyar.
We see beautiful sculptures carved to the pillars in the temple which is known as Chatur Vimsathi Sthambam. The entire prakaram is beautifully painted with mythological stories.
History says the temple building was constructed by Rulers of Ganga dynasty in 9th century. Later the Rulers of Vijayanagara Empire, Hoysala Kings and Mysore Wodeyar kings have contributed in expansion of the temple structure.
Sthala purana says Gowthama Rishi visited this place during his tour to religious places. Gowthama Rishi penance here for darshan of Lord who was pleased with him and gave darshan to him in sleeping posture. Rishi requested Lord to stay back in the place in same form. Lord said his idol is there in an ant hill {Putru in Tamil} in this place. He asked him to remove and install in that place. Rishi Gowthamar did as he was told, and he found an idol which he named as Sri Ranganadhar and he installed it in this place Sri Rangapatnam. Vimanam was constructed by Lord Brahma and it is known as Brahmanada Vimanam.
Importance: River Cauvery is considered sacred and during the month of Sep/ Oct of the year, all River Goddess take a dip in River Cauvery to purify them. Due to this River Cauvery felt she was impure, and she worshiped Sri Ranganadhar to bless her. Lord Sri Ranganadhar was happy with her worship and blessed her and she was allowed to stay near his padam to have darshan for ever. River Cauvery flows here as a garland for Lord Sri Ranganadhar to show her deep respect. Here the main deity Sri Ranganadhar is seen in sayana posture and the place came to be known as Sri Rangapatnam.
