Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

The entrance of the temple has a striking tower and two huge Prakarams which is a very typical structure in Hindu architecture that forms the outer part of the temple, around the sanctum. There is a Mandapa (pavilion) lined by numerous intricately carved pillars that lead to the main shrine. The temple complex also consists of two more halls, one of which is the Mukhamandapa (the front hall) and a Sukhanasi (an Antechamber).

The Mukhamandapa is adorned with intricately carved miniature Shikharas (towers) that look like a garland. These miniature towers have fine stucco work images of Lord Vishnu. The main shrine possesses the divine idol of Lord Vishnu resting or reclining on the coils of the Adishesha Naag with its seven hoods canopying the Lords idol. Goddess Lakshmi is seen at his feet while idols of some other deities are seen around the Idol of Lord Vishnu. There are also some smaller shrines inside the temple complex that are dedicated to Srinivasa, Gopalakrishna, Narasimha, Garuda and Hanuman.

1. Magha Sudha Poornima: This is the full moon day in the Hindu month of Magha. This day is important to offer sincere prayers to the Deity and ask for forgiveness for any wrongdoings. Taking a bath in the Holy River Kaveri is considered to be very auspicious on this day.

2. Sriranga Jayanti: The Jayanti is celebrated on the seventh day of the Vaishakh Shuddhi. It is the day Idol of Sri Ranganathaswamy was installed here.

3. Uyyalotsava: Uyyalotsava is a five-day festival that starts on Prathama Ekadashi in the Hindu month of Ashadi and is completely dedicated to Sri Ranganathswamy. The sixth and the seventh day are dedicated to Goddess Ranganayaki and Lord Krishna respectively.

4. Vedantacharya Thirunakshatra: This festival involves special poojas performed for eleven days in either in the Hindu month of Ashwin or Bhadrapada. After the eleven days of poojas, the Gandhapudi Festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

5. Navaratri: During these festivals, special poojas, homas, Yaggyas etc. are performed for 9 days. The Shuddha Padya in the Hindu month of Ashwin marks the first day of the festival. A procession of Sri Ranganathaswamy is taken on the main roads on the day of Ayudha Pooja day and on the last day, Vijayadashami day; the festival is concluded by performing pooja for the Shammi tree in front of the temple.

6. Bangarada Garudotsava: It is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Vaishakh. The gold plated idol of Garuda in the temple complex is decorated with flowers, and a procession is taken on the main roads with the Idol of Sri Ranganathaswamy sitting on the Idol of Garuda.

7. Ashta Teerthotsava: It is believed that a dip or a bath in the eight holy streams of River Kaveri on Dashami, the tenth day of the Hindu month of Ashwin before offering prayers to Sri Ranganathaswamy. This day is marked as the Ashta Teerthotsava. This festival also includes a procession of the idol of Sri Ranganathaswamy.

Tulsi Archane: INR 10
Kunkum Archane: INR 10
Saharanam Archane: INR 10
Vastra Kanike: INR 20
Nagha Kanike: INR 20
Nivedana Kanike: INR 20 
Shikyothsava: INR 50
Adyanosava: INR 50
Vasanthosava: INR 80
Rangamuddi Mantaposava: INR 100
Sannidhimantapothsava: INR 100
Rathosavada Mantaposava: INR 100 
Prakarotsava: INR 100 
Suttlagudi Abhisheka: INR 100 
Chaturveedi Utsav: INR 150 
Utsavara Abhisheka - INR 200.00
Ammanavara Abhisheka: INR 200 
Muladevara Abhisheka: INR 1000

The best time to visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is between July and September, during the monsoons. This is the best time as River Kaveri gushes with all its might and the sight is breathtaking. Some may also choose to visit the temple between October and December as the weather is quite pleasant for exploring the site during the winters.

1. There is no dress code as such, but it is advisable to follow a conservative dress code.
2. The temple is visited by devotees all through the year, and there are long lines almost every day, but the temple gets extremely crowded during the weekends.
3. Garlands, flowers and other offerings can be bought from the kiosks outside the temple complex.
4. Carry enough water to keep yourself hydrated.
5. Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside the temple complex.
6. A decently large area nearby is used as parking space. Visitors can park their vehicles at minimal charges.

One can avail public transport from Mysore. The distance between Mysore and the gorgeous temple complex is barely 16 kilometres.

The Srirangapatna Railway Station is just behind the temple complex. Devotees can walk from the station to the temple.