Sri Ranganatha Temple / Rangaji Temple, Vrindavan - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Sri Ranganatha Temple / Rangaji Temple

At a distance of 1.5 Km from Vrindavan Railway Station, Sri Ranganath or Rangaji Temple is a Hindu Temple situated in Vrindavan. It is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha - an incarnation of Lord Krishna. The highlight of the temple is the idol of Krishna present in the form of the groom with Goda (Andal) as his bride. Rangnath ji Temple is one of the largest and the only temple built in Dravidian style in Vrindavan, one of the famous pilgrimage sites near Delhi.

History & Mythology of Sri Ranganatha Temple / Rangaji Temple

The construction of the Rangaji temple commenced in 1845 and reached completion in 1851, incurring an expense of 45 lakhs rupees. It was established by Seth Radha Krishna and Seth Govindadasa from Chennai. This temple stands as one of the largest in Vrindavan and is enclosed by tall walls. The deity enshrined within is known as Lord Shri Goda - Rangamannar. Goda, also referred to as Andal, was a renowned 8th-century Vaishnava saint who authored 'Thiruppavai,' a collection of Tamil devotional hymns. According to tradition, Goda Devi undertook fasting and prayer to seek the blessings of Lord Rangamannar, who is synonymous with Lord Vishnu. Lord Rangamannar, identified as Lord Ranganatha, granted her desire by assuming the role of her bridegroom. Within the temple, Lord Ranganatha is honored as the bridegroom, depicted with a walking stick and Andal positioned to his right.

Architecture of Sri Ranganatha Temple / Rangaji Temple

The Sri Ranganatha Temple, also known as Rangaji Temple, is a remarkable representation of Dravidian architecture blended with Rajasthani elements. Surrounding the Sanctum Sanctorum, or Garbha Griha, are several concentric rectangular enclosures, showcasing inspiration from Dravidian design. Additionally, there are two stunning stone gates, intricately carved in Rajasthani style, positioned on both the eastern and western sides. The Shri Ranganath ji temple draws its inspiration from the Ranganathswamy temple located in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu. The temple features a seven-story Rajagopuram that leads to the sanctum sanctorum, which is protected by the guardians 'Jaya -Vijaya.' In contrast to other temples in North India, the temple boasts a prominent 50-foot high 'Dhwaja Stambha.' Within the temple grounds, visitors can also find a temple tank and a lovely garden. At the entrance, there is an electronic puppet show and a small museum to explore.

Festivals of Sri Ranganatha Temple / Rangaji Temple

The Rangaji Temple acts as an important center for the celebration of numerous Hindu festivals, particularly those linked to Lord Vishnu. The most notable event at this temple is Brahmotsavam, which takes place in the months of March or April. This 10-day celebration is commonly referred to as Rath ka Mela, where worshippers pull the grand chariots carrying the deities to a nearby garden. It is at Sri Rangji Temple that devotees can joyfully celebrate Holi with the Lord Himself during this occasion. Other key festivals at Rangji Temple include the annual Jalvihar festival and Vaikuntha Utsav.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Sri Ranganatha Temple / Rangaji Temple

Sri Rangnatha Temple in Vrindavan has a dress code that mandates visitors to don modest and traditional clothing. Men are expected to wear long pants, or dhotis along with shirts or kurtas, whereas women should opt for sarees, salwar kameez, or other forms of Indian attire that adequately cover the shoulders and knees. It is advisable to refrain from wearing Western garments such as shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops.

Only Hindus are allowed inside the Rangaji temple, and non-Indians, as well as non-Hindus are given access to the first two gateways only.

Sri Ranganatha Temple / Rangaji Temple Timings

Monday: 5:30 AM - 11 AM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Tuesday: 5:30 AM - 11 AM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Wednesday: 5:30 AM - 11 AM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Thursday: 5:30 AM - 11 AM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Friday: 5:30 AM - 11 AM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Saturday: 5:30 AM - 11 AM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Sunday: 5:30 AM - 11 AM & 4 PM - 9 PM

Sri Ranganatha Temple / Rangaji Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Sri Ranganatha Temple / Rangaji Temple

The best time to visit Rangii Temple in Vrindavan is from October to March. During this period, the climate is pleasant, making it comfortable for visitors to explore the temple and participate in the festivities. For individuals wishing to experience the temple at its most spiritually enriching, it is recommended to schedule your visit during the Brahmotsav festival which generally takes place in March/April. Vrindavan endures extremely hot summers and heavy monsoons, rendering those months less suitable for travel and exploration.

How to Reach Sri Ranganatha Temple / Rangaji Temple

Agra Airport is the closest airport, which is 70 Km away from Vrindavan. Vrindavan has a Railway Station but Mathura is the major railhead, which is about 13 Km away. Mathura Junction Railway Station is a major rail head with regular train services to Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Pondicherry, Vizag, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Trivandrum, Shirdi, Jammu Tawi, Chennai, Hubli, Goa, Patna, Lucknow, Bangalore and Chhattisgarh. Vrindavan is also well connected by road with Mathura, Agra, Jaipur, Lucknow, Delhi, Indore and Allahabad. One can reach Sri Ranganatha Temple / Rangaji Temple by hiring a cab, or an auto-rickshaw from all parts of Vrindavan.