Lord Vishnu, the supreme deity in Hinduism, is known as the preserver of the universe. He is believed to protect and sustain all of creation. Vishnu is depicted in various forms and poses, each symbolizing a different aspect of his divine role. One of the most iconic depictions of Lord Vishnu is the reclining pose, called Anantasayana. In this posture, Vishnu rests on the serpent Adishesha, floating peacefully on the cosmic ocean. This image represents the balance of creation, preservation, and the eternal cycle of life.
There are countless temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, with 108 considered especially sacred. These temples, known as Divyadesams, are revered and renowned Vaishnavite saints. Within these Divyadesams, Lord Vishnu is worshipped in various postures—sitting, standing, and reclining. Of these, 24 temples feature the Lord's reclining posture.
Let us embark on a journey to explore some of the most significant temples of Lord Vishnu, where He is enshrined in the reclining posture.
1. Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple
Srirangam Temple, dedicated to Lord Ranganatha (a form of Lord Vishnu), is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred shrines of Lord Vishnu) and holds immense significance in Vaishnavism. The temple's history dates back to the 1st century BCE, with contributions from various dynasties, including the Cholas, Pandyas, and Vijayanagara rulers. It is considered one of the largest and most important Vishnu temples in the world.
Srirangam is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Vaishnavites, and its sanctum houses the idol of Lord Ranganatha. It attracts millions of devotees and scholars every year. The temple complex is vast, with 21 gopurams (gateway towers), and the sanctum sanctorum holds the reclining form of Lord Vishnu. One of the unique aspects of the temple is its depiction of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, seated at his feet. The temple is also known for its grand annual festival, Vaikunta Ekadasi, and its sacred water tank, the "Panchakshara Teertham."
Location: Srirangam, near Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu
The Ranganathaswamy Temple is located in the town of Srirangam, on an island between the Kaveri and Kollidam rivers.
2. Thirupper Nagar - Appakkudathaan Temple
Thirupper Nagar, also called Koviladi, is a temple town in Tamil Nadu, situated between the Kaveri and Kollidam rivers. It is home to the Appakkudathaan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and is one of the 108 Divya Desams, temples praised in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham hymns by the Azhwars.
The temple is significant due to its legend. King Ubhamanyu, cursed by Sage Durvasa, had to feed one lakh people daily to lift the curse. One day, Lord Vishnu appeared as an old man and ate all the food, requesting Neyyappam (a sweet dish). The king realized it was Vishnu, who freed him from the curse. Since then, Vishnu is worshipped as Appakkudathaan, "the Lord with a pot of Appam."
The main deity, Appala Rangan, reclines on a serpent couch, facing west, which is rare in Vishnu temples. His consort, Goddess Kamalavalli, is worshipped alongside him.
The Chariot Festival in Panguni (April–May) is the most important event, where devotees pull a chariot carrying the festival deity. Other major celebrations include Vaikuntha Ekadashi and Navarathri.
Location: Koviladi, 16 km from Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu.
3. Thiruparkadal - Athi Ranganatha Perumal Temple
One of the twin temples in Thiruparkadal Village, located along the serene banks of the Palar (Vegavathi) River, showcases remarkable architectural and spiritual splendour. The temple features a three-tiered Rajagopuram and a sanctum adorned with the Sapthakam Vimana. Its presiding deity, Sri Athi Ranganatha Perumal, is a swayambu (self-manifested) idol made from Adhi wood, depicted in a reclining posture (saayana kolam) on the serpent Adhisheshan. Sri Devi and Bhoodevi are positioned beside the deity, with Brahma emerging from his navel. Interestingly, all the idols in the temple are intricately crafted from Athi wood.
A unique and revered ritual in the temple is the application of thailakappu (protective oil) on the deity, during which only the face of Sri Athi Ranganatha Perumal is visible for darshan. During such times, devotees can witness only the divine face of the Lord, which holds a special spiritual charm.
The prakaram (outer courtyard) houses shrines dedicated to Thayar Ranganayaki and Andal, enhancing the temple's religious significance. According to legend, this temple is associated with the story of Goddess Saraswati transforming into the Vegavathi River to disrupt Brahma’s yagna. Lord Vishnu, in response to Brahma’s prayers, lay down to block the river’s flow, preserving the sacred ritual.
Built during the Krishna Devaraya period in the early 16th century, the temple carries historical significance, with inscriptions in Telugu and Tamil referring to it as Narayana Chathurvedhi Mangalam. The temple celebrates major festivals such as Tamil and English New Year, Revathi star days, Purattasi Saturdays, Navarathri, Vaikunta Ekadasi, and Panguni Ekadasi, drawing devotees who seek blessings
Location: Athi Ranganatha Perumal Temple is located about 1 km from Thiruparkadal Village and approximately 3.5 km from Kavripakkam, Tamil Nadu
4. Thiruvekka or Yathothkari Perumal Temple
The Tiruvekkaa Temple, also known as the Yathothkari Perumal Temple or locally as Sonnavannam Seitha Perumal, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is an architectural marvel constructed in the Dravidian style. It holds significant spiritual and historical importance, as it is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil hymns of the Azhwar saints dating back to the 6th–9th centuries CE.
This temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, sacred abodes dedicated to Vishnu, where he is worshipped as Yathothkari Perumal, accompanied by his consort Goddess Lakshmi, revered here as Komalavalli. Notably, it is the second largest temple in South Kanchipuram, following the grand Varadaraja Perumal Temple.
Yathothkari Perumal is believed to have appeared to Saraswati and Thirumalisai Azhwar, highlighting its deep mythological connections. A rare and unique feature of the temple is the image of Ranganatha, depicted reclining on his left hand, which is distinct from other Vishnu temples where he reclines on his right.
The temple is vibrant with six daily rituals and three annual festivals, attracting devotees throughout the year. Its rich heritage and spiritual ambience make it a revered destination for Vishnu devotees and architecture enthusiasts alike.
Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
The Tiruvekkaa Temple, also called Yathothkari Perumal Temple or Sonnavannam Seitha Perumall, is located in Kanchipuram, a significant historical city in Tamil Nadu.
5. Sri Sarangapani Swami Temple
The Sri Sarangapani Swami Temple is a prominent Divya Desam, one of the 108 sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu. The deity, Lord Sarangapani, is depicted reclining on a chariot, symbolizing his divine journey to bless devotees.
According to legend, Sage Bhrigu once kicked Lord Vishnu on his chest, which angered Goddess Lakshmi, who resides in Vishnu’s chest. Upset by Vishnu’s calm reaction, Lakshmi left Vaikunta and incarnated as Padmavati on Earth. Vishnu followed her and married her, but even after regaining her memories, Padmavati remained upset. To soothe her, Vishnu stayed in the temple’s underground chamber as Pathala Srinivasa.
Later, Sage Bhrigu repented for his actions and requested that Lakshmi be born as his daughter in her next life. Reborn as Hemarishi, he performed penance, and Lakshmi emerged from the Potramarai tank as Komalavalli. Vishnu then descended to Earth as Aravamudhan in a chariot from Vaikuntha and convinced Komalavalli to marry him after staying at the nearby Someswaran Temple. The name Sarangapani is derived from the words Sharanga, meaning Vishnu’s bow, and pani, meaning hand, symbolizing the deity holding his bow. The temple, the largest Vishnu temple in Kumbakonam, features a towering 173-foot Rajagopuram with intricate sculptures. It hosts major festivals like Vaikunta Ekadashi and the Chariot Festival, attracting thousands of devotees annually.
Location: Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
The Sarangapani Temple, also known as Thirukudanthai Temple or Kumbakonam Koyil, is located in the town of Kumbakonam
The temples dedicated to this form of Vishnu in Tamil Nadu are not only spiritual havens but also rich in history, culture, and architectural splendour. Visiting these temples, especially during Vaikunta Ekadasi, holds a special significance. On this auspicious day, the doors of the temple's sanctum are opened to allow devotees to witness Lord Vishnu in His reclining form. It is believed that this day offers a chance for devotees to receive the divine grace of Lord Vishnu and attain moksha (liberation).