The Belief and Significance of Triranga Darshanam
A journey between dawn and dusk to visit all three Sri Ranganatha Swamy temples in one day is called Triranga Darshanam (also known as Triranga Darshan, 3 Ranga Darshan, or Brahmananda Darshana).
According to belief, devotees who complete this sacred darshan receive relief from graha doshas (the malefic effects of planets) and are blessed with peace, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment.
This darshan becomes even more auspicious when performed on Ekadashi and Dwadashi. Scriptures say that Sri Rama himself observed Ekadashi fasting, prayed with devotion, and later defeated Ravana in Lanka with divine blessings. Hence, visiting the temples on these sacred tithis multiplies the benefits of Triranga Darshanam.
The Belief Behind Triranga Darshanam
So, what is Triranga Darshanam?
It is the sacred act of visiting and praying at all three Sri Ranganatha Swamy temples on the same day — between sunrise and sunset. The journey begins at Adi Ranga (Srirangapatna), continues to Madhya Ranga (Shivanasamudra), and concludes at Antya Ranga (Srirangam, Tamil Nadu).
Devotees believe that completing this yatra in one day removes graha doshas (malefic planetary effects) and brings blessings for health, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment.
All three temples lie along the holy Cauvery river belt of South India, making this darshan even more powerful. Together, they form one of the most sacred Vaishnavite pilgrimages in the region.
Preparation Before Starting Triranga Darshanam
Undertaking Triranga Darshanam requires careful planning, as all three temples must be visited between sunrise and sunset. Among the most auspicious times to perform this darshan is during Dhanurmasa (December–January), when visiting Sri Ranganatha Swamy is considered especially sacred.
Here are some key preparations before you begin:
- Spiritual Preparation – Many devotees observe fasting or simple meals during the journey to maintain focus on devotion.
- Start Early – Plan to reach Adi Ranga (Srirangapatna) by around 5:00 AM to begin the journey with enough daylight.
- Plan the Route – The darshan requires covering long distances, so map your route in advance.
- Carry Essentials – Pack snacks, breakfast, and water, as there will be little time to stop between the temples.
- Travel Readiness – Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, as the trip involves continuous travel through multiple districts.
Start Your Engine – The Journey Begins!
If you are ready to take the road for Triranga Darshanam, planning is the key. This sacred yatra must be completed between sunrise and sunset in a single day, covering all three holy temples:
- Adi Ranga – Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna (Karnataka)
- Madhya Ranga – Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Shivanasamudra (Karnataka)
- Antya Ranga – Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam (Tamil Nadu)
The journey is long, but deeply rewarding. With devotion in the heart and preparation in place, you can set out on this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage — a road trip filled with faith, discipline, and divine blessings.
Temple 1: Adi Ranga – Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna
Your Triranga Darshanam begins at Adi Ranga, the first and oldest temple of Lord Ranganatha, located in Srirangapatna (Mandya district, Karnataka).
If you are traveling from Bangalore, plan to start very early in the morning to reach the temple by sunrise. The darshan timings are limited, so arriving early ensures you begin the pilgrimage on time.
About Adi Ranga
- Deity: Lord Ranganatha (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) in reclining posture (Yoga Nidra) on the serpent Adi Sesha.
- Significance: Known as Adi Ranga, this is considered the first Ranga in the holy Cauvery river belt.
- Special Features: The idol, about 4.5 meters long, is one of the largest reclining Vishnu idols in India. Goddess Lakshmi is seen seated near the Lord’s feet, blessing devotees.
- Heritage: Built in 817 AD by a lady named Hambi, with later expansions by temple dancers in 874 AD.
Travel Information
Distance from Bangalore: ~130 km (2.5 to 3 hours by road).
Temple Timings: 7:30 am – 1:30 pm & 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm.
Entry Fee: General entry is free; Quick Darshan – ₹250 per person.
Address: Srirangapatna, Mandya District, Karnataka – 571438.
Temple 2: Madhya Ranga – Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Shivanasamudra
From Srirangapatna (Adi Ranga), your journey continues about 75 km via Bannur and Mavalli to reach the second holy shrine of Triranga Darshanam — Madhya Ranga at Shivanasamudra.
This temple stands beautifully on an island formed by the Cauvery river, built in traditional Dravidian architectural style. The presiding deity here is Lord Ranganatha in his youthful form, affectionately known as Mohana Ranga and Jaganmohana Ranga.
About Madhya Ranga
- Deity: Lord Ranganatha (youth form of Vishnu).
- Other Names: Mohana Ranga, Jaganmohana Ranga.
- Significance: Known as Madhya Ranga, this is the second Ranga of the Cauvery river belt.
- Architecture: Built in the Dravidian style, the temple sits on an island surrounded by flowing river water, offering a serene spiritual atmosphere.
Travel Information
Distance: ~75 km from Srirangapatna, ~115 km from Bangalore, ~85 km from Mysuru.
District: Kollegala Taluk, Chamarajanagara District.
Temple Timings: 7:30 am – 8:00 pm (opens at 4:30 am during Dhanurmasa).
Entry Fee: Free for general darshan.
Address: Shivanasamudra, Sathegala Post, Kollegala Taluk, Chamarajanagara District, Karnataka.
Telephone: 08224-253615
Travel Time: ~1.5 to 2 hours by road from Srirangapatna.
Coordinates: 12.2704266°N, 77.1696703°E.
Email: eo.shivanasamudra@gmail.com
Temple 3: Antya Ranga – Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam
Your final step in the sacred Triranga Darshanam journey is at Antya Ranga, the grandest and largest of the three Ranganatha Swamy temples, located in Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli (Tamil Nadu).
From Madhya Ranga (Shivanasamudra), the journey covers about 290 km via Kollegal – Erode – Namakkal, taking nearly 6 to 7.5 hours by road. Devotees must plan carefully to reach here before sunset, as completing darshan at all three Rangas within the same day brings the true blessings of Triranga Darshanam.
About Antya Ranga
- Deity: Lord Ranganatha (reclining posture on Adi Sesha).
- Significance: Known as Antya Ranga, this is the final Ranga on the Cauvery river belt and one of the most sacred Vaishnavite shrines in the world.
- Temple Complex: Spread across 155 acres, it is the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world. The complex includes 81 shrines, 21 gopurams (towers), 39 mandapas (pavilions), and numerous sacred water tanks.
- Heritage: With a history of over 1,000 years, Srirangam temple reflects the richness of medieval South Indian civilization, architecture, and devotion.
Travel Information
- Distance: ~288–290 km from Shivanasamudra.
- District: Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu.
- Temple Timings: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm.
- Entry Fee: General entry is free; Quick Darshan – ₹250 per person.
- Address: Sri Ranganathar Swamy Temple, Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu.
- Telephone: +91 431 2432246
- Travel Time: ~6 to 7.5 hours by road from Shivanasamudra.
- Coordinates: 10°51′45″N, 78°41′23″E.
- Email: srirangam@tnhrce.org
Temple Details
Temple Deity: Sriranganathaswamy Temple. Sri Anthya Ranga of Triranga Darshanam
Location: Srirangam (288 km from Shivanasamudra via Kollegal – Anthiyur Rd and Tiruchengode – Namakkal – Trichy Rd).
District: Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu
Built-in: More than 1000 years old.
Geographical Co-ordination: 10°51′45″N 78° 41′23″E.
Temple Timings: 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Temple Entry Fee: General Entry is Free, Quick Darshan – Rs. 250/- per person,
Address: Sri Ranganathar Swamy Temple, Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli
Telephone No.: +91 431 -2432246
Travel time: Anywhere between 6 hours to 7 hours 30 minutes.
Temple Email ID: srirangam@tnhrce.org
Completing the Sacred Triranga Darshanam
As the sun sets over the holy Cauvery river, completing darshan at Adi Ranga (Srirangapatna), Madhya Ranga (Shivanasamudra), and Antya Ranga (Srirangam) in a single day is considered one of the most blessed pilgrimages in Sanātana Dharma.
Devotees believe that this sacred yatra removes graha doshas, brings prosperity, and paves the way for moksha (liberation). More than just a journey across temples, it is a journey of faith, discipline, and surrender to Lord Ranganatha.
May Lord Ranganatha bless all those who undertake this divine darshan with peace, strength, and spiritual upliftment.
FAQs on Triranga Darshanam
1. What is Triranga Darshanam?
It is the pilgrimage of visiting all three Sri Ranganatha Swamy temples (Adi Ranga, Madhya Ranga, Antya Ranga) along the Cauvery river in one day between sunrise and sunset.
2. Why is Triranga Darshanam considered powerful?
It is believed to remove the malefic effects of planets (graha doshas), bring prosperity, and grant spiritual upliftment.
3. Which temples are included in the 3 Ranga Darshan?
- Adi Ranga: Srirangapatna (Karnataka)
- Madhya Ranga: Shivanasamudra (Karnataka)
- Antya Ranga: Srirangam (Tamil Nadu)
4. When is the best time to perform this darshan?
Any time is auspicious, but Ekadashi/Dwadashi and the month of Dhanurmasa (Dec–Jan) are considered most sacred.
5. Can the darshan be done in one day?
Yes. With proper planning and an early start, pilgrims can visit all three temples between dawn and dusk.
