Located about 5kms East of Panruti and about 15kms West of Thiru Vahindrapuram Divya Desam on the Panruti-Cuddalore Highway is the 7th Century AD Ranganatha temple in Thiru Vathigai, one that dates back to the early Pallava period and where the Lord is seen in a Sayana Kolam.
About half a km West of this temple is the Sara Narayana Perumal temple.
The Story
The story goes that Pallavaraya, who was ruling the Chola kingdom had a beautiful daughter. She was totally devoted to Lord Ranganatha and Thaayar Ranganayaki that she took a decision to move to Srirangam so she could have a daily darshan of her favourite Lord.
The King of Thiru Vathigai came to know about her and expressed interest to marry her. While Pallavaraya was delighted at hearing this, his daughter was wary as it meant moving away from her favourite Lord in Srirangam.
In an immediate decision, the ruler of Thiru Vathigai decided to build a temple here located between Kedilam River and Pennai River, similar to the one at Srirangam, with Lord Ranganatha in a Sayana Kolam as the main deity.
He also built a separate sannidhi for Ranganayaki Thaayar. To ensure that his wife did not miss Srirangam, the king created a huge one of its kind 8 feet Thaayar.
He also created a handsome idol for Kothandarama along with Sita and Lakshmana.
Festivals
Garuda Seva on Vaikasi Visakam
Float Festival on Full moon day in Aani
Flower decoration on 3rd Friday in Aadi
Sudarshana Homam every Krithigai star every month
Special Thirumanjana on Revathi star every month
Quick Facts
Moolavar : Ranganatha East Facing Sayana Kolam
Goddess : Ranganayaki Thaayar
Time : 7am-11am and 5pm-830pm
Contact : Seshadri Bhattar @ 99426 56612/ Balaji Bhattar @ 95859 90582
How to reach there?
Bus Number 16 from Panruti
Auto from Panruti bus stand / Railway Station is available. The temple is about 15kms West of Thiruvahindrapuram Divya Desam
Source:
http://prtraveller.blogspot.sg/
