Rangaji Temple Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, is the largest temple in Vrindavan and was built in 1845 by Seth Govind Das. An amalgam of Rajput and South Indian temple architecture, the temple is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha or Rangaji depicted as Lord Vishnu in his Sheshashayi pose, resting on the coils of the sacred Shesha-nag. The temple built in the Dravidian style has a tall gopuram (gateway) of six storeys and a gold plated Dhwaja Stambha, 50 feet high. A water tank and a picturesque garden lie within the temple enclosure.
About Rangaji Temple Vrindavan :
Built in the year 1851, Rangji temple in Vrindavana is a typical example of South Indian temple architecture. Its impressive gopuram and the high walls exhibit characteristic features of a classic south Indian temple. This imposing façade was the contribution of the seth family of Mathura and it showcases Lord Sri Ranganatha or Rangaji as the principal deity. Rangji is one of the personifications of Lord Vishnu and it is depicted in the form of Anatha sayanam (the lord retreats on the celestial serpant Anatha).
Rangji temple is one among the biggest temples in Vrindavan and its dravidian style construction especially the fifty feet dwajasthambha needs special mention. This temple is quite famous for the ten days Brahmotsava that usually falls in between the months March-April. Thousands of devotees come to participate in the ratha yathra, which is marked by the pulling of the lord’s chariot by them to the adjoining gardens. Another auspicious occasion in the temple is the annual Jalvihar festival in which the deity is accorded a regal bath in the near by kund. The rituals and customs in the temple are in accordance with the precedents set forward by Andal, one among the famous Vaishnava Saints of South India.
History of the Rangaji Temple Vrindavan :
Seth Radha Krishna and Seth Govinda dasa are credited with the construction of this temple. It cost them a whopping sum of 45 lakhs in the nineteenth century. Construction of the temple started in 1845 and took six years for completion.
Constuction :
This temple is constructed in the South Indian Dravidian style. The construction of this temple began in 1845 and was completed in 1851, at the cost of 45 lakhs (4.5 million) rupees. It was built by Seth Radha Krishna and Seth Govindadasa of Chennai (Madras). This is the biggest temple in Vrindavana. The outer wall is 231m (770 ft) by 132m (440 ft). This wall encloses a nice tank and garden. This temple has eight South
Indian style gopurams. The main entrance to this temple is the western gate. There is a six-storey (31m or 105 feet) gopuram, which is completely covered by carvings. There is an 18m (60 ft) high flag staff (dhwaja stamba).
How To Get There :
This place is at the far end of town from the Krishna Balarama Mandir, across from the Govindaji temple. Almost everyone in town knows where it is located. It has a good-sized gopuram (South Indian tower) over the entrance, so it is hard to miss.
Temple Timings :
Summer: Mangala arati – 4 am; Darshan is 8 am to 12 noon and 3 to 6 pm. Winter: Mangala arati – 6 am; Darshan is 8 to 11 am and 3 to 7 pm