Ranganatha Swami Temple, Nellore
I was in Nellore, South Andhra Pradesh, recently to attend a friend’s marriage reception. I had booked the return train only on next day evening, so I had some time in my hands. I went to my relatives house early in the morning and they told me about this Ranganatha Swamy Temple being close to their house. Intrigued, I decided to visit the Temple.
How to Go: Come out of the Nellore Railway Station. Take a Right, go to the Dead End. Take a left, go to the Dead end. You’ll find the Temple there. (Less than 1 KM from the station.)
The first photo shows the main Gopuram, also known as Gali Gopuram, and the above photo shows the old Tower behind the Temple. Probably this was the entrance to the Temple from the Penna river during the medieval times. The main deity facing the river, towards the west instead of east, is another reason to believe this. This Temple is believed to have been constructed somewhere between 8th – 12th Centuries by the Pallava Kings, whose boundary extended up to the Penna river in Nellore, in those days.
When you go inside through this Gopuram you’ll find workers quarters first, similar to Srirangam Temple. There is another entrance beyond that to enter the Temple. Another thing I noticed in this area is, there are many beggars on both sides of the pathway, but they didn’t ask for alms persistently. A couple of them asked once, and then they stopped.
The main deity, Lord Ranganathaswamy or Lord Vishnu, is sitting in a reclining posture on a huge snake. They give the harthi and place the chattari on our heads. I didn’t buy the ticket for archana, but if you want you can.
This Temple Tower is 70 feet high and is believed to have been constructed during the 19th Century. There are smaller shrines for other Gods also, but I didn’t visit all as I was here almost during the closing time (12 Noon!). The Temple is open from morning 6 AM to 12 PM and evening 5 PM to 8:30 PM (approx).
This is the view of the beautiful Penna river on the bank of which this Temple is situated. There are steps from the back of the Temple leading to the river. I found a couple of boats and ‘boating’ was written on the gate, but not sure if boating is actually available for the public. It was not available during the afternoon time I went.
Actually, I also planned to go to Jonnawada, another famous Tourist place nearby. But since I roamed on the streets of Nellore for almost an hour in the afternoon sun to find ‘tiffin’ (instead of meals) and didn’t get it, I was too tired and decided to sleep. However, I had sandwich, frankie, and an awesome Cassatta ice cream (Rs. 50). Wonder why we don’t get this ice cream here in the cities nowadays!
I want to go back to Nellore just to eat this Cassatta ice cream again 🙂
Destination Infinity
Thanks for introducing this beautiful temple.
My pleasure, thanks for reading 🙂
Destination Infinity
Thanks for introducing me to the beautiful Ranganatha Swami temple. The Cassatta ice-cream looks lovely. It was my favourite when I was in school.
It was my favorite too, when I was in school. But I didn’t get to eat much of this wonderful ice cream!
Destination Infinity
It must be very hot there! But despite that you got some beautiful photos on the temple towers and glad to see much water in the river during this time too… What sounds really cool was the price of the dishes. So fair
I took my umbrella this time and used it while walking to the Temple and coming back 🙂 Of course, it was HOT 😛
Destination Infinity
Yummy cassata!!!!
Thanks for sharing the pictures… The Gopuram is so brilliant!
Yeah the cassatta was yummy. Now I feel like going to Nellore again to eat it again 😛
Destination Infinity
Thanks for giving us a virtual tour of this beautiful temple. Cassatta… it was my all time favorite as a kid. That reminds, it’s been ages since I had one!
Yeah, it was ages since I ate the Cassatta too. Should search where in Chennai I’ll get this ice cream, now!
Destination Infinity
The Gopuram looks so majestic! and the temple surroundings, Penna river, all seem clean 🙂 That is nice to see…
Also, I find a striking similarity between this temple and Perur temple near Coimbatore. It is a Shivan temple, btw.
Btw, first I read the donuts post and now Cassatta ice cream!!! my cravings have gone up a notch and I am definitely going to hunt for a Cassatta place in Kochi this weekend!!! 😀
I’ve been to the Perur Temple, but I don’t remember much about it now. And yes, this Temple and its surroundings is clean indeed. I notice it now that you mention.
Destination Infinity
I like the gopurams of our South Indian temples always. Amazing architecture.
God is going to be angry with you since you didn’t say that you wanted to visit Nellore again to see him but wanted to come and eat cassaatta! Too bad!
Ha ha… Tho agle bar, God bhi, ice cream bhi 😛
Destination Infinity
Impressive temple and Cassatta ice cream with a lot of toppings. Must have been a great visit.
Yes, they are impressive enough to write a blog post!
Destination Infinity
Out of all the whole post what remains with me is the cassata ice cream!
😛
It is a personal favourite of mine and guess what, i first had it in Nellore! 🙂
I loved it ever since.
All the restaurants i visit , i persistently ask for cassata and got it only at one restaurant and it was heavenly.
Now you got me salivating!
Everyone likes the cassatta ice cream in this post more than the main subject! But it was *awesome* 😛
Destination Infinity