(Also Sri Ranganatha, Ranganathar, Ranga)

Ranganatha is a Hindu deity, more well-known in South India. The deity is a sleeping form of Lord Vishnu, one of the foremost of Hindu Gods. His consort is Godess Laxmi, variously called Alamelu, Thayar (tamil). Most of the deities portray a 'smiling' lord in a reclining position over the celestial serpent 'Adisesha'. This is the form in which he is open to listening to all of his devoutee's woes, and blesses them. Apart from being worshipped by all Hindus, this form is of particular importance to the 'Sri Vaishnava ' sect - Iyengar community especially.

One of the most sacred of Ranganatha temples is at Srirangam. Legend has it that if one can visit the THREE Ranganatha temples on the banks of the river Cauvery in one day, it will bring him immense blessings.

The Three sacred Ranganatha temples on the banks of the Cauvery are:

• Adi Ranga - at Srirangapatna
• Madhya Ranga - at Shivanasamudram
• Antya Ranga - Srirangam

This deity was also patronised by Tipu Sultan. It is said, he had to give away his sons as hostage to protect the temple at Srirangapatna.