Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple – Melukote, Karnataka
Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple is the main temple in Melukote and is dedicated to Narasimha Swamy. Built on a hill, this temple overlooks the town of Melukote. The main deity is in a sitting posture with a yoga mat. Prahlad is believed to have installed the idol of Yoganarasimha in the temple. This temple is considered as one of the seven holy centers dedicated to the worship of Lord Narasimha. Inside the temple is a Sanskrit school dating back to 1853. Around 300 – 400 steps have to be climbed to reach the temple from the foothills.
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Legendary of Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple Melukote
This ancient Melukote Temple is appreciated for its magnificent architecture, peaceful surroundings and religious significance. Home to the Lord Narasimha / Lord Vishnu Temple, you can see Lord Narasimha in a sitting posture with a yoga mat. The temple Is considered one of the seven shrines dedicated to Lord Narasimha. Apart from the regular pujas that are held every day, the most famous festival celebrated every year is Narasimha Jayanti. On this day, special pujas are performed to the lord and hundreds of devotees flock to this temple. Established during the reign of the Hoysala kingdom, the shrine houses a huge drum donated by Emperor Tipu Sultan of Mysore and a magnificent bell presented by the Mysore Parakala mata.
Melukote Temple History:
The 12th century was a period of great hostilities between the Saiva and Vaishnava sects in South India. The Cholas who ruled Tamil Nadu at that time persecuted the Vaishnavas. Sri Ramanujacharya, a prominent preacher of Vaishvaism had to escape from Chola rule. The then Hoysala ruler Vishuvardhana was allowed to live in exile at Melukote. Under the influence of Sri Ramanujacharya, Vishwavardhana, who was a Jain, became a Vaishnava. Melukote was destroyed in the 14th century when the Hoysala kings were defeated by Muslim forces. The town was looted by the invaders. It was later restored during Vijayanagara rule.
Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple Architecture:
Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple is facing East. And the temple has 2 squares. The entrance to the gopura is high and visible to the distance, the main sanctum gopura is newly constructed and visible only when entering the temple. The RajaGopuram in this picture is the original entrance to the temple built by the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana. The place has a temple, an elephant and an idol of Yoga Narasimha carved on one of the granite pillars. The intricate carvings on the pillars and the overall structure of the temple give a glimpse of the architectural style of the bygone era and the inner sanctums are supported by plain stone pillars.
Yoga Narasimha Swamy temple Melukote Location:
Melkote Main Road, Mandya District,
Melukote, Karnataka – 571431
Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple Melukote Timings
Puja timings at Yoga narasimha Swamy temple 09:00 am to 10:00 am (as usual). Abhishekam from 10:00 am to 11:00 am and darshan from 11:00 am to 01:00 pm. Evening darshan timings start from 05:30 pm to 8.00 pm. On Saturdays, Sundays and public occasions, darshan is from 11:00 am to 02:00 pm and from 05:00 pm to 08:00 pm.
Visit:
Places near Melkote
Cheluvanarayana Temple
Venugopalaswamy Temple
Kalyani Pushkarini (Pond)
How to reach Melkote Temple
By Air – Bangalore International Airport is the nearest airport to Melukote which is located at just 133 km away.
By Rail – The nearest railway station is Mysore Railway Station which is 53 km away from Melukote. From there taxis, Buses, Autos are available to Melukote Temple.
By Bus – Many public and private buses are available from Bangalore and Mysore.
Distance from Bangalore is 150 kms and from Mysore is 48 kms by Road route.
Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple Photos:
