Shri Rangji Temple Vrindavan

In Vrindavan, the Sri Rangji Temple, also known as Rangnath Ji Temple, stands out for its unique Dravidian-style architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shri Goda-Rangamannar, the temple honours the 8th-century Vaishnava saint, Goda or Andal, who wrote the devotional hymns of "Thiruppavai." The architecture is inspired by the famous Sri Ranganatha Swami temple in Sri Rangam, combining both South Indian and North Indian styles. The temple has five rectangular enclosures around the main area and two well-carved stone gates in Jaipur style on the eastern and western sides.

Main Attractions of Rangji Temple

Sri Rangji Temple unfolds a fascinating journey through its various attractions. Right outside the western gate, a towering 50-foot-high wooden chariot rests, which makes a rare appearance during the annual Brahmotsav. Stepping through the intricately carved western gate, your eyes catch a glimpse of a massive seven-storeyed gopuram, where devotees enjoy electrically performed leelas.

Nestled between these gates is the serene "Pushkarni" pond, complemented by a beautiful garden. The garden, adorned with stone fountains, comes alive during special occasions. There, you will discover the Goverdhan Peeth and the temples of Lord Ram and Lord Ranganath. At the heart of it all, there is the main deity, Sri Goda-Rangamannar, in the sanctum sanctorum. The divine presence includes Sri Goda Devi, Sri Garudaji, and the lively "utsav-vigraha" surrounded by divine companions.

Things to Do at Rangnath Ji Temple

Shree Rangnath Ji Temple is one of the special temples in Mathura and Vrindavan where Baikunth door opens only once in a year on Baikunth Ekadashi. It is believed that who cross this door, attain MokshaEvery year devotees come to this temple in Chaitra month(as per hindu calendar) to celebrate a special occasion of Brahmotsav which is also called chariot mela and runs till 10 days. During this festival, Lord has been carries on a huge chariot to huge garden on eighth day of Brahmotsav. People from all corners visit Vrindavan in this month and take part in this procession. If you wish to book Mathura Vrindavan trip for this special occasion, contact us for best package.

Rangnath Temple Opening and Closing Time

Shri Rangnath Temple opening time is 5:30 am and closing time is 9 pm in the evening. The highlight of the temple is the idol of Krishna present in the form of the groom with Goda (Andal) as his bride which attracts visitors here frequently.

Legend of Rangji Temple

The story behind Sri Rangji Temple revolves around a special bond between Goda, also known as Andal, a saint from South India in the 8th century, and Lord Krishna. She expressed her deep love for Krishna in the verses of "Tiruppuvai," where she fasted, sang, and wished to marry him. In response, Lord Ranganatha, a form of Krishna, became her bridegroom in Sri Rangji Temple. The temple reflects a South Indian wedding, with Krishna holding a walking stick, Andal on his right, and Garuda on his left.

The wishes of Andal, like spending her life in Vrindavan and having Krishna accept her as his bride, came true in the temple. Sri Ramanujacharya, an 11th-century saint, fulfilled her desire for "Ksheeranna," a special dessert. Sri Rangadeshik Swamiji made her first wish true by building this temple, where Sri Goda-Rangamannar lives as a divine couple.

History of Rangji Temple

Let us take a walk to the mid-1800s when Sri Rangadeshik Swamiji, while sharing tales about South Indian temples, heard the wish of two brothers from Mathura, Seth Sri Radhakrishnaji, and Sri Govind Dasji. Their dream? To bring Sri GodaRangamannar to Vrindavan. Now, Swamiji had a keen interest in the unfulfilled desire of Andal, so when he heard the brothers express this wish, it felt like a divine message.

Without wasting time, Swamiji headed straight to Sri Rangam and spoke to the divine couple, Sri Goda-Rangamannar, asking for permission to build their temple in the town. They said yes. Skilled workers were summoned from Sri Rangam, and in 1845, the construction kicked off. The brothers, fuelled by dedication, poured their hearts into the effort, and with the blessings of Sri Goda Rangamnaar, the temple stood tall in 1851. The passion and a total expense of Rs 45 Lacs brought to life the magnificent Goda Rangamannar Mandir in Vrindavan, a beautiful blend of human dreams and divine blessings.

Distance of Rangji Temple from Railway Station