Sri Kshanambika Devi Temple Srirangapatna,Karnataka
Sri Kshanambika Devi Temple, located in the heritage town of Srirangapatna in Mandya district, is believed to be about 1,200 years old. Historical tradition holds that Adi Shankaracharya, during his travels across India, established this temple and consecrated the sacred Sri Chakra (Sri Yantra) in front of the main deity. The temple, over centuries, witnessed neglect and partial ruin, but its spiritual vibrations never faded. In recent decades, the shrine has been lovingly revived by devotees, with daily worship, lighting rituals, and the restoration of the Sri Chakra’s sanctity.
Deity
The presiding goddess, Sri Kshanambika Devi, is an incarnation of Lalitha Maha Tripurasundari, a powerful form of Parvati Devi symbolizing instant grace and motherly compassion. She is worshipped alongside Lord Jyothirmaheswara (Shiva), emphasizing the sacred union of Shiva and Shakti. The name Kshanambika itself means “the Mother who blesses in a moment”, highlighting her ability to respond to prayers instantly when offered with true devotion.
Architecture
Though simple in appearance, the temple holds deep architectural and spiritual significance. The central feature is the Bijaksharagarbhita Sri Chakra, engraved with mystical beejaksharas (seed syllables) representing cosmic energy. The temple once hosted a grand ritual where 1.5 lakh oil lamps were lit simultaneously — each lamp symbolizing a household in the region — an event that continued until the reign of Jaya Chamarajendra Wadiyar. The temple’s compact design, ancient stone walls, and serene sanctum reflect the deep spiritual aura that surrounds this sacred site.
Sthalapurana
According to the Sthalapurana, when Adi Shankaracharya was traversing the South to establish Shakti Peethas, he felt that the sacred town of Srirangapatna — being home to Lord Ranganatha — needed a balancing presence of Divine Mother Energy (Shakti). Through his spiritual insight, he identified a spot filled with subtle cosmic vibrations and consecrated the idol of Kshanambika Devi along with a Sri Chakra.
It is said that the Sri Chakra here is alive (Jeeva Sri Chakra) — vibrating with divine energy due to the specific mantras and tantric rituals performed by Shankaracharya. Devotees believe that this Sri Chakra continuously radiates blessings, and when prayers are made with pure intent, the energy responds almost immediately — in a kshana (second).
One of the temple’s most unique practices is offering a lemon on the Sri Chakra, symbolizing the devotee’s surrender of ego and obstacles to the Goddess. After placing the lemon, devotees perform three pradakshinas (circumambulations) around the sanctum, praying for relief, healing, or fulfillment of wishes. Many devotees share experiences of immediate results — whether it be mental peace, career breakthroughs, or removal of long-standing difficulties.
The Ashtamangala Prashnam, an ancient astrological ritual practiced here, is performed to understand and resolve devotees’ karmic or planetary issues. Using eight sacred items — a lamp, mirror, gold, milk, curd, fruits, a holy book, and a white cloth — the temple priest interprets divine signs to guide worshippers toward peace and prosperity.
The temple also has a special belief connected to astrology — those with a weak moon (Chandra dosha) or emotional instability are advised to light lamps here, as it is said to strengthen the lunar energy and bring calmness. Thus, Kshanambika Devi is not only a divine mother but also a cosmic healer who responds instantly to sincere hearts.
Festivals & Rituals
Major festivals like Navaratri and Karthika Deepotsava are celebrated with great devotion, with the temple beautifully lit by hundreds of oil lamps. Special poojas are also performed on Full Moon and New Moon days, when the Goddess’s energy is believed to be at its peak. However, the most important and daily ritual is the lemon offering on the Sri Chakra, which devotees perform throughout the year, seeking quick relief and instant grace from the Divine Mother.
