Magadi Ranganathaswamy Temple - Thirumale or Lakshmi Ranganatha Kshetra Near Bangalore

Magadi Ranganathaswamy Temple, popularly known as Thirumale or Lakshmi Ranganatha kshetra, is located near Magadi town in Ramanagara, Karnataka and is dedicated to Ranganatha form of Vishnu. The murti at this 12th century temple is in standing posture and is 3 feet tall. Legend has it that Sage Mandavya and Sage Vasishta installed the murti of Magadi Ranganatha. The temple is around 6 km from Magadi and around 45 km from Bangalore.

History of Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple

The Magadi Ranganatha Swamy Temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka division of the Archaeological Survey of India. As mentioned in the Brahmanda Purana, the present-day Tirumale Magadi Kshetra was once referred to as Swarnachala, Swarnadri, Mandavya Kuti, Makuti, and Magudi—all considered sacred names.

The temple is believed to have been originally built in the 12th century during the Chola period. The pillars from the Hoysala era and the murals from the time of Kempegowda reflect the temple’s deep mythological and historical roots.

This sacred site is surrounded by eight holy theerthas (water bodies), eight hills, a divine river, and dense forests. It has been a place of intense penance for sages like Mandavya, Kanva, Vasishta, Purunjaya, and Prahlada. According to legend, under the guidance of Lord Srinivasa of Tirupati, Sage Mandavya built a hermitage at the Swarnadri hills of Tirumale and performed penance there.

One night, Lord Srinivasa appeared in his dream and instructed him to worship a self-manifested Saligrama (sacred stone) form daily to attain spiritual liberation and fulfill his desires. Following this divine vision, Sage Mandavya installed the idol of Lord Venkateshwara at the spot and, along with Sage Vasishta, worshipped the deity and attained moksha (liberation).

As a result, the deity worshipped here came to be known as Mandavyanatha (Lord of Mandavya), but in popular usage, he is revered as Magadi Ranganatha Swamy.

One of the miraculous features of this temple is the Udbhava Saligrama (naturally occurring sacred stone). No matter how much water is poured on it during abhisheka (ritual bathing), the water mysteriously disappears without leaving a trace. The destination of the water remains an unsolved mystery to this day.

Special rituals and events at the temple include daily worship, Sudarshana Homa, group and individual Kalyanotsava (celestial weddings), special poojas during Shravana Masa (holy month) and Dhanurmasa (auspicious winter month). These are considered highly sacred.

Devotees believe that offering prayers here can bless them with Kankana Bhagya (good fortune), children, wealth, and relief from evil influences. Those who are unable to visit Tirupati believe that worshipping Lord Venkateshwara at this temple will still grant them their wishes.

During the Dhanurmasa, special early-morning rituals are held at the temple starting from 4:30 AM. After the ceremonial Kamadhenu Go Pooja (cow worship), the daily Thiruvaradhana (ritual service) is performed for Lord Ranganatha, followed by offerings, Thiruppavai recitations, and other worship activities.

The temple hosts significant religious events like Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Kotarotsava, Pavitrotsava, and other special spiritual ceremonies. Every day during Dhanurmasa, one Pasuram (verse) from the Thiruppavai is recited in front of the idol of Andal Devi and offered at the lotus feet of Lord Ranganatha.

The temple remains open until 6:00 AM, then reopens at 9:00 AM for further rituals. The Lord of the temple is also known by the name Paschima Venkatachala (Western Venkata Hill).

The beautiful gopuras were built by Vijayanagar emperor Krishnadevaraya in the 16th century and later renovated by King Jayachamaraja Wodeyar of Mysore. There are structures inside the sanctum sanctorum which were also built by the Cholas and later renovated.

The idol is about three feet tall, one hand in a mudra, which suggests that the deity fulfills all the wishes of people who pray to him here, according to local belief. There are sub shrines dedicated to Rama, Sita, Anjaneya and Venugopala Krishna. Behind the main shrine, there is a small temple dedicated to ‘Putta Ranganatha.’ 

The temple of Goddess Lakshmi is also near this shrine. There is a Garuda kamba (flagpost) which mentions the offerings made by Emperor Krishnadevaraya in 1524 AD. There are beautiful pillars inside the temple. Tipu Sultan is also said to have patronised the temple. The stepped well or kalyani (sacred pond) is on the right side of the temple and many rituals are conducted here.