Gopurapatti, the holy refuge of sri Vaishnavas in the hard times of muslim invasion

Gopurapatti is a small village around 12 km from srirangam temple away, and became a refuge village of the emigrating priests around srirangam in the years 1310- 1311 AD as a muslim invasion laid south india into fire by the great Hater of Hindu culture Malik Naib and his famous general Ulugh Khan. In that time a huge muslim army plundered the temple of Lord Ranganatha, and killed tousands of priests and devotees aroung the temple (that story will be told later in this blog). The utsava Murthy (Namperumal) fleed the island with one of his very close priests, and Pillai lokacarya was the head priest who carried Nammperumal to hide him, around his neck.

Who could flee from this onslaught were hiding in the hidden small villages around srirangam. Gopurapatti was one of those places, and it became soon after this devastating incident a refuge place for vaidika priests, as Kaveri is flowing in two parts as it would do around srirangam island. Those refuge priests started to worship they beloved Lord Ranganatha and very soon after they had built a small temple for Him here. After 46 years of hidding the original Utsava Murthi of Lord Ranganatha he returned from Tirupathi and recieved his original temple in Srirangam. So did the surviving priests and their family returned to srirangam, and the village Gopurapatti kept it secret and the temple declined. Only recently the ruins of Gopurapatti Ranganatha was restored and renovated by the community of Archakas from Srirangam, especially Murali Bhattar did his best to return Gopurapatti to his ancient glory and worship of Lord Ranganatha. The temple is rebuilt and i had the pleasure to visit this place, when it was still rebuilding. On 26th of august 2010 will be the Samprokshana Ceremony (reinstallation of the Main deity).
As the Mula Vigraha (the main deity from inside the sanctum sanctorum) was digged out the ground and many items were missed he was remodelled by the stapathies. The utsava Murthies were casted newly and blessed by the two Ahobilam Jeeyars recently (see picture).
Gopurapatti is a very smooth and relaxed village and has a very beautiful scenery around. It is perfect for spiritual practise and anyone who wants to support this temple (as it is in need of funds for the daily seva, like puja, food etc.) please contribute. If you want to visit Gopurapatti please do so and get the anugraham (blessings) of the Lord of Gopurapatti Ranganatha!!!