Senji Singavaram Ranganatha Temple, Villupuram

Villupuram, Tamil Nadu

Senji Singavaram Ranganatha Temple, located in Villupuram, is a remarkable testament to the rich blend of cultural heritage and spiritual devotion. With a history that spans centuries, the temple has preserved its original charm while adapting to the evolving times. Its unique architecture reflects the craftsmanship of skilled artisans, while its rituals echo ancient traditions passed down through generations. Visitors are captivated by the intricate carvings, sacred idols, and the serene courtyards that invite both prayer and reflection. This temple has not only served as a centre of worship but also as a cultural hub where stories, art, and traditions thrive. For both devotees seeking divine blessings and heritage enthusiasts exploring India’s spiritual landscape, Senji Singavaram Ranganatha Temple in Villupuram offers a truly enriching experience. Its legacy also resonates with the grandeur of Historic temples in Tamil Nadu.

Senji Singavaram Ranganatha Temple History and Significance

The Senji Singavaram Ranganatha Temple is a cave-temple dedicated to God Ranganatha and Goddess Ranganayaki Thayar. It is a Pallava period structure, reconstructed and patronized by Krishnapa Nayakkar of the Senji Nayak dynasty. The temple is located about 4 miles from the Gingee Fort.

The 24 feet long idol of Ranganatha is carved from living rock and is in a reclining pose on the coils of the serpent Ananta. A panel in the rear wall depicts Gandharvas and Brahma, with Brahma born from the navel of Vishnu. Besides Garuda, the demons Madhu and Kaitabha, killed by Vishnu, are depicted. Goddess Bhoomidevi graces the feet of the lord while Prahlada sits near his knee.

Pallava cave temples, cut from rock, dating to the time of Mahendravarman or Narisimhavarman (580-688 AD), exist in Melacceri as Maddileshvara temple and at Singavaram as Ranganatha temple. The Pallava king, Mahendravarman I, established the tradition of the Ranganatha temple. Historian KR Srinivasan suggests Durga and Vishnu of this shrine are similar to some cave shrines of Mahabalipuram.

Senji Singavaram Ranganatha Temple Opening Time
Senji Singavaram Ranganatha Temple Pooja Timing
Senji Singavaram Ranganatha Temple Information Facilities and Accommodation
Senji Singavaram Ranganatha Temple Transportation and Accessibility
Senji Singavaram Ranganatha Temple Interesting Facts
Senji Singavaram Ranganatha Temple Nearby Temples
Other Vishnu Temples
Famous Temples from around

Senji Singavaram Ranganatha Temple Opening Time

Day	Timings
Monday	7:00 AM – 12:00 PM 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday	7:00 AM – 12:00 PM 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday	7:00 AM – 12:00 PM 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Thursday	7:00 AM – 12:00 PM 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Friday	7:00 AM – 12:00 PM 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday	7:00 AM – 12:00 PM 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Sunday	7:00 AM – 12:00 PM 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Senji Singavaram Ranganatha Temple Pooja Timing

Pooja Name	Timings
Subrabhadham Pooja (Silver kavasam)	06:00 AM to 07:00 AM IST
Sayaraksha Pooja (Evening) (Silver kavasam)	04:30 PM to 05:00 PM IST

Senji Singavaram Ranganatha Temple Location Details

Senji Singavaram Ranganatha Temple is located in Villupuram, Villupuram, Tamil Nadu. The temple is well connected by road, rail, and air, making it easily accessible for devotees and tourists. Below are the location details.

Address

604202

How to Reach Senji Singavaram Ranganatha Temple

By Road:

Gingee (Senji) is well-connected by road to major towns in Tamil Nadu. State Transport Buses and private taxis operate regularly from nearby cities like Chennai, Pondicherry, and Villupuram.

By Train:

Nearest railway stations: Villupuram Junction and Tindivanam Railway Station. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Gingee (Senji).

By Air:

Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Villupuram or Gingee (Senji) via connecting cities.

Senji Singavaram Ranganatha Temple Nearby Temples

Best time to visit (season/months):

The best time to visit is between November and February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the temple. Avoid the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall.

Temple Facility

Inside the temple is the Chandra Pushkarani Tirukulam,

Other Vishnu Temples

Senji Singavaram Ranganatha Temple Information Facilities and Accommodation

Temple Speciality

Historical:

Aranganathar performs at Anantha Sayana Thirukkolam.

Subshrines Details

Anjaneyar:

Anjaneyar

Lakshmi varagar:

Lakshmi varagar

Vishnu Durgai:

Vishnu Durgai

Karudalvar:

Karudalvar

Desigar:

Desigar

Ramanujar:

Ramanujar

Sakkarathalvar:

Sakkarathalvar

Varatharaja perumal:

Varatharaja perumal

Ranganayaki thaiyar:

Ranganayaki thaiyar

Temple Services

Free Bathrooms

Free Toilets

Drinking Water R.O

Drinking R.O water sytem

Vechicle parking arranged for devotees in the temple hill fountain area

Tank Information

Chandira pushkarani:

Inside the temple is the Chandra Pushkarani Tirukulam,

Sculpture Details

Inside the temple is the Chandra Pushkarani Tirukulam,

Mural Details

Inside the temple is the Chandra Pushkarani Tirukulam,

Legends Beliefs

The Sthalapurana of the temple associates it with the legend of Prahlada, born to the demon-king Hiranyakashipu. An inscription of kōpperuñjinga in the Singavaram temple mentions the deity as 'tiruppanrikkunru emperuman,' possibly meaning a shrine intended for Varaha Perumal.In a later legend, Krishnappa Nayakkar kept a flower garden dedicated to Lord Varadaraja Perumal. But Perumal, in the form of a boar (Varaha), destroys the garden. Krishnappa Nayakkar chases the animal but could not kill it. The boar goes to Singavaram, bores himself into a cave, then reveals his true form to the nayak. Bewildered, the nayak invokes the blessings of the Singavaram god, who then directs him to build a temple with the help of an ascetic.The ascetic attempts to kill the nayak, but the nayak kills the ascetic instead. His dead body becomes gold, using which the temple of Ranganatha inside the Gingee fort was built, and the Singavaram temple was refurbished.The Shashti Poorthi celebration in this temple is associated with a legend of Desingh Raja. This temple was his tutelary deity (Kuldev). As per local ballads, Raja Desingh sought the God's blessings before his battle against Sadatullah Khan, the Arcot Nawab, in 1714 AD. But the deity turned his head aside, marking his disapproval. However, Raja Desingh proceeded with his war plans and was killed.
Deities and Sub Deities

The main deity of the temple is Ranganatha, depicted in a reclining pose on the coils of the serpent Ananta. The temple also features depictions of Gandharvas, Brahma, Garuda, the demons Madhu and Kaitabha, Goddess Bhoomidevi, and Prahlada. Durga with four hands holding the Shankha, Chakra, and two arms resting on her thigh and waist, stands on the head of Mahishasura.
Offerings

Devotees offer various traditional items such as flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deities. Special offerings are made during festivals and important religious ceremonies.
Architecture

The temple is a Pallava period structure, featuring a 24 feet long idol of Ranganatha carved from living rock. The architecture includes a panel depicting Gandharvas and Brahma, with Brahma born from the navel of Vishnu. The temple also has depictions of Garuda, the demons Madhu and Kaitabha, Goddess Bhoomidevi, and Prahlada.Pallava cave temples, cut from rock, dating to the time of Mahendravarman or Narisimhavarman (580-688 AD), exist in Melacceri as Maddileshvara temple and at Singavaram as Ranganatha temple. The Dwarapalas in this temple follow Pallava iconography.
Festivals

The temple celebrates various Hindu festivals with great fervour. The Shashti Poorthi celebration is particularly significant and is associated with the legend of Desingh Raja. Devotees participate in rituals, prayers, and special offerings during these festivals.
Religious Practices

Devotees engage in various religious practices such as daily prayers, special rituals, and offerings to the deities. The temple also hosts special ceremonies during festivals and important religious occasions. Pilgrims seek blessings and participate in the temple's spiritual activities.

FAQ's

Where is the Senji Singavaram Ranganatha Temple located?

The Senji Singavaram Ranganatha Temple is located in Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, India. Specifically, it is situated in the Villupuram district.

Which God is Aranganatha Swamy?

Aranganatha Swamy is a major Hindu deity.

What is the best time to visit Senji Singavaram Ranganatha Temple?

The best time to visit is between November and February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the temple. Avoid the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall.

Why is Senji Singavaram Ranganatha Temple famous among tourists and devotees?

Aranganathar performs at Anantha Sayana Thirukkolam.

How to reach Senji Singavaram Ranganatha Temple from near City or Town?

Nearest railway stations: Villupuram Junction and Tindivanam Railway Station. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Gingee (Senji). Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Villupuram or Gingee (Senji) via connecting cities.