The Arulmigu Sri Ranganathaswami Temple, located in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and is one of the 108 Divya Desams in Vaishnavism. Built in the Dravidian and rock-cut architectural styles, the temple stands along the Salem–Namakkal–Trichy Road. Historians date its origins to the 6th century, constructed by the Adiyaman dynasty, also known as Satyaputras. An inscription naming the temple as "Adiyendra Vishnu Gruham" confirms its association with the Adiyaman rulers.
The temple holds a unique place in Indian history due to its ancient Sanskrit inscriptions, believed to date back to the 6th to 8th centuries CE. These inscriptions play a crucial role in dating the nearby Narasimhaswamy Temple, which lacks inscriptions but shares architectural elements. The structure and inscriptions offer insight into the era's craftsmanship, which historians compare to the Badami Caves from the same period, indicating a potential influence.
Scholars believe the temple was established around the 6th century CE by Satyaputra rulers in a rock-cut style. Historian P.R. Srinivasan supports this dating, while other experts have compared it with the Ganesha Ratha inscriptions in Mahabalipuram. The main temple inscriptions refer to the shrine as "Adiyanatha Vishnu Grham," further confirming Satyaputra kings as its builders, with one inscription revealing the king’s name as Gunasila, dating around 500–600 CE.
The sanctum sanctorum houses Lord Vishnu in the Anantashayana pose, a reclining position, with other deities like Shiva, Brahma, Varuna, and Narada depicted worshiping him. Rock-cut panels within the temple depict scenes from Vaishnavism, including figures like Thrivikrama, Kevala Narasimha, and Harihara. The Annual Report of Epigraphy (1961) contains detailed records of these inscriptions, highlighting their historical and architectural significance.