Rama Temple inside the Ranganatha Temple complex

Rama Sannidhi (Pancaratradiksha Temple outside)
Lord Ramachandra with his consorts


yagna pitha and in the back the 10 different Deities of Lord Vishnu
Dhyana Mandapa inside the Pancaratradiksha Temple of Sri Rangam


This Lord Rama Temple is not far away of the suryapushkarini (a big watertank in the form of the sunglobe, used for anual brahmotsavam festivals) north side of the complex, next to the Vaikuntha Dwara (Door). Today this temple is used for the "pancaratradiksha" Ceremonies, to install the next generation priests for Lord Ranganathas service. The initiation ceremony takes normally 2 - 3 days, and are done in privacy, without public audience. But to the ceremony later... The temple was once upon a time only a Mandapa (pillar hall), and when the temples were destroyed by the muslim invaders, deities where coming from other places to Sri Rangam island, to be protected from this onslaught of iconoclast. This Mandapa was transformed into a shrine for Sita Rama Lakshmana and Hanuman. As the priest of Sri Rangam required a secluded place for their initiation ceremonies, this place was perfect to serve the required need. Now it has a Yagna spot, with a very deep Homa Kundam, a Mandala sthana, a sanctum sanctorum of Lord Rama, Dhyana Mandapa (secluded room), a nice Kitchen with a garden and a ancient waterwell. Next to the Homa kundam we have 10 special Murthies installed (see next post...)