Renganathar Pallikonda

Vaishnavite Temples – Vellore District

God

Renganathar, facing east

Goddess

Ranganayagi, facing eastagi, facing south

Other Deities

Udayavar, Rama, Navaneetha Kannan, Andal, Anjaneya, Manavala Mamunigal, Garuda, Kulasekhara Azhwar, Nammzhwar

Renganathar Pallikonda is a large east facing temple with a 5 tier Rajagopuram and is situated beautifully on the banks of the Palar River. The temple has an inner Prakaram and a spacious outer Prakaram. The temple tank is situated just outside in the north east. The lord here is also called Uttara Renganathar. He is in a grand reclining position here so that the adjacent Palar River is flowing below his feet.

Holy Water – Vegavathi (Palar River), Temple Tank

Holy Tree – No information

History

Renganathar Pallikonda is an ancient temple that has been served by the Chola and Vijayanagar Kings. Many stone inscriptions are found around the sanctum sanctorum. One mentions the land donated by Vikrama Chola I (12th Century CE) for the maintenance of Renganathar Pallikonda temple. Emperor Krishnadeva Raya (15-16th Century CE) of the Vijayanagar Dynasty has contributed to the temple including building of the large outer walls.

Legend

Goddess Saraswathi got angered when Brahma proclaimed Goddess Lakshmi as the greatest and she walked away. Upon Brahma’s request Lord Vishnu tried to pacify Saraswathi who took the form of a river and sped away. He tried to stop her in three places and Renganathar Pallikonda is the first where the river passes below his reclining feet. The second one is Thiruparkadal where the river passes over his head and the third where he successfully stops and appeases her anger is Thiruvetka in Kanchipuram. Later the lord gave Dharshan to a wealthy king Amba Raja who was about to commit suicide after being unsuccessful to see the lord even after severe penance. Renganathar Pallikonda was the place where he appeared and agreed to stay on upon the request of the King.

Directions

Renganathar Pallikonda is about 25 kilometers from Vellore towards Bangalore on the highway. Take a right soon after the Pallikonda toll booth to reach the temple.

Stay and Food

Not much locally except a few tea shops. A shop in the junction with the highway seems to be popular for its mini samosas and other fried items.

Vaishnavite Temples

Renganathar, Pallikonda