Renganathar Singavaram

Vaishnavite Temples, Villupuram District

God

Renganathar, facing east

Goddess

Renganayagi Thaayar, facing east

Other Deities

Durga, Anjaneya, Lakshmi (to be updated)

Renganathar Singavaram is a cave temple on a hill about 150 ft high and is said to have a secret tunnel connecting it with the Gingee Fort. The lord here is seen as a large rock carving in sleeping posture on the coil bed of Aadhisesha. The carving of Lord Ranganatha measures 24 ft. in length which together with the inner sanctorum, is carved out of a single rock. It is said to be bigger than that of the idol in Srirangam.

Holy water (Theertham) – Lakshmi Theertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Not known

History

Evidences reveal that the gopuram and mantapams of Renganathar Singavaram were constructed by Thubaki Krishnappa Nayak of the Vijayanagar period.Though there are several theories on the date and period of Renganathar Singavaram they all indicate that the architecture and style relates to the style that existed during Mahendravarman I.

Legend

Renganathar Singavaram is also known as Adhi Varaha temple as Lord Vishnu is believed to have taken the Varaha Avathar (one of his ten incarnations) at this place.

Directions

Singavaram is located about 41 km from Viluppuram and 3 km from Gingee. Take the right after Gingee on the Thiruvannamalai Road and drive to reach Renganathar Singavaram. You have to climb as vehicles cannot go up the hill.

Stay and Food

Tea and snack shops available locally.

Vaishnavite Temples

Renganathar, Singavaram