Sri Rang Ji Mandir
of Vrindavan is one of the biggest temple premises in North India. The temple
is dedicated to the divine couple Sri Goda-Rangamannar. Sri Goda, known popularly
as Andal was an 8th century Vaishnava saint of South India and a
great devotee of Lord Krishna. She composed Tiruppuvai, a 30-stanza
long poem in which she proclaims her love for Lord Krishna. Andal dedicated
her life in the devotion of Lord Krishna and wanted to marry Him. Lord Krishna in
his Ranganatha form answered her prayers by marrying her. In the main sanctum
of the temple, Lord Ranganatha is seated in the middle while Goda accompanies
him on the right and the vehicle of Lord Krishna, Garuda on the left.
Rang Ji temple also known as Ranganatha Ji temple is the
biggest amongst the few South Indian styled temples in Northern part of the
country. Its architectural style is inspired by Sri Ranganathaswamy
Temple, Srirangam in the state of Tamil Nadu. The temple was built in 1851. Great
Vaishnav scholar Sri Rangadeshik Swamiji was the main force
behind the construction of Sri Rang Ji temple. Ragadeshik Swamiji’s wealthy disciples
Seth Govind Dasji and Seth Radhakrishna Dasji contributed financially for the
construction of the temple.
Sri Rang Ji Mandir
boasts a rare amalgamation of South Indian and North Indian religious customs. It
hosts a 10-day Sri Brahmotasav, a South Indian event along with Holi, the
festival of colour played in North India. Additionally, the temple organized various
Vaishnava events throughout the year. The 10-day Vaikuntha Utsava is amongst
them, during which Vaikuntha Dwara of the temple is opened on the day of Vaikuntha Ekadashi.
This is once in a year event.
The temple
comprises five concentric rectangular courtyards around the main sanctum and
two gigantic gates carved in Jaipur style on the eastern and western side of
the temple. The temple also hosts a 50-feet high wooden chariot which is taken
out only once a year during Brahmotsav and a 50-feet high gilded Dhwaja-Sthambha.
Five-day Vivahotsava of Godamma at Ranganatha Ji
Temple, Vrindavan
Sri Rang Ji Mandir
hosts 5-day Vivahotsava of Goda Amma every year in the month of Magha. The
Utsava, during which various South Indian wedding rituals are conducted for
five days concluded with the wedding ceremony of Sri Goda and Lord Rangamannar on
the day of Makar Sankranti. This year, the Utsava started on 10th
January. During the one month of Dhanurmas, Godamma kept fast to attain Lord
Krishna as her husband. As a result of her devotion to the Lord, He married her
on the last day of the Dhanurmas which is Makar Sankranti.
On the first
day of the Vivahotsava,
Godamma left her abode to extend the wedding invitation to her friends. Her wedding
invitation contains a fresh tuber of turmeric, turmeric leaves, betel leaf,
areca nut, fresh flowers, flower garland and other auspicious articles. During her
visit, Godamma practice the North Indian tradition and carries a Ghunghat
around her head. On each day of the Vivahotsava, Godamma is donned in a Mala of
Lord Ranganatha as special wedding jewellery.
On the second
day and third day, Haldi ceremony is performed. During the Haldi ceremony, a paste of turmeric and
saffron is put on Godamma which is followed by Abhishek with milk and curd. Then
her hair is treated with aromatic oil and done in a beautiful hairstyle. After every
ritual, Godamma checks her reflection in the mirror held by the temple priest. Women
devotees sing Suhag songs on the occasion. During wedding rituals, Godamma
reflects the blissful blush of a bride which mesmerize old and young equally.
On the fourth
day, Godamma receives the gifts
of saree, shawl, fruits, flowers, dry fruits and utensils from Sri Rangadeshik
Swamiji. The gifts reflect the fatherly love of Swamiji for Godamma.
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| Sri Godamma adorned as a bride on her wedding day |
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| Devotees carrying Sri Goda-Rangamannar in Palanquin on their wedding day |
The last day of the Vivahotsava is the wedding day. The
wedding rituals take place at the Barahdwari Mandap near the eastern gate. On her
wedding day, Godamma is adorned in a beautiful red saree which she carries with
the elegance of a new bride. She also draws Ghunghat on her head. She is then
carried in a palanquin in front of Lord Ranganatha. Here, Godamma is put a Mala
of Lord Ranganatha as a special adornment. Following this, the procession
reaches the banks of River Yamuna. After Godamma receives the blessings of
Yamuna, Aarti is done and the procession returns to the temple.
After a little
rest, Godamma is adorned with turmeric, Kumkum and other Suhag items and
transformed into a beautiful bride. An event of Jai-Mala is also
conducted as part of wedding rituals. During the Jai-Mala, flower garlands are
exchanged between Godamma and Lord Ranganatha three times. All through the wedding
rituals, devotees and priests sing Mangal Geet or wedding songs. From here, the
procession is taken to Barahdwari Mandap, where Lord Ranganatha put
Mangal-Sutra around the neck of Godamma. The five-day festivities end with the fulfilment
of first amongst the three wishes of Godamma which she expressed in Nachiyar Tirumozhi,
a set of 143 verses composed by Godamma in praise of Lord Krishna.
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