Sri Rangji Temple in Vrindavan

      Rangji Temple is located at one end of the town, close to Brahma Kund and Govind Dev Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, in His form of Ranganatha, reclining on Sheshanag. It is quite similar to the Ranganatha Temples seen in the south Indian towns of Srirangapatna and Srirangam. The locals probably found it difficult to pronounce Ranganathaswamy, so they shortened it to Ranga and added the respectful suffix 'ji' and called Him Rangji. This temple was built in 1851 AD.

      A striking feature of this temple is that even from a distance, once can see the 100 ft high South Indian style gopuram that adorns the temple. The tall gopura is six stories high. It is believed that the businessman who built this temple had hired a south Indian priest. This priest was a follower of Ramanujacharya, hence the Dravidian architecture and a striking a striking resemblance to the temples of south India. In front of this tall south Indian style gopura, is a huge gate, which is built according to the Rajasthani style. As I went past this gate, I noticed a huge water tank and a well-maintained garden nearby.

Rangji Temple in Vrindavan

      To my left, I saw the main temple. This temple has an idol of Lord Vishnu in His famous reclining posture. He is lying on the Serpent King, Sheshanag. Next to this temple is another gopuram which leads to a huge open courtyard. At the centre of this courtyard, is a huge gold pillar, weighing 500 kg. This pillar is known as Dhwaja Stambha. It is approximately 50 ft high. The businessman who built this temple, constructed it in the memory of his late parents. Similar to Tirupathi, here also Brahmotsavam is celebrated every year, when devotees pull the chariots carrying the deities. This 10-day long festival is annually held in the month of March/April.

      There are many other temples in the same premises. There is one temple that has deities of Vishnu, Lakshmi, and Garuda, all made of black stone. There is another one of Tirupathi Balaji. On the right is a temple dedicated to Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana. Interestingly, this has two sets of idols. The ones in the front are made of black stone and the ones at the back are made of gold.