Sri Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple

Karnataka, Mandya, Bangalore

Situated at Melukote town, Mandya district in Karnataka, Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu is worshipped here as Thirunarayana or Cheluvanarayana Swamy. The processional idol, Sampath Kumara is also known as Ramapriya because it is believed that Lord Rama and his son Kusha worshipped Lord Narayana here. The temple also houses the shrine of Devi known as Yadugiri Nachiyar. Melukote is praised as Badarinath of South India. The temple has been revered and worshipped by the Mysore Maharaja's. They have all made contributions to the temple in terms of grants, jewels, funds for temple maintenance.

Legend

According to the legends, Lord Rama and his son Kusha worshipped Lord Narayana here. Therefore, the processional idol, Sampath Kumara is also known as Ramapriya. Sri Ramanuja, the great Vaishnava Acharya, stayed in Melkote for 12 years. During this time, the processional idol was lost for sometime and upon knowing that the idol is in the possession of the Muslim emperor, Muhammed Shah, Sri Ramanuja decided to go there. Impressed by Sri Ramanuja, Muhammed Shah granted permission to take the idol back to Melkote. The daughter of Muhammed Shah followed Sri Ramanuja as she was attached to the idol because she used to play with idol as a toy. When she reached the temple and saw the idol installed there, she collapsed in front of it and breathed her last. Moved by her death and being so involved with the idol of Nayarana, Sri Ramanuja had an idol of her installed at the temple. Even today she is worshipped along with the main deities as Bibi Nachiyar. The idol of Bibi Nachiyar can be seen at the foot of the main idol and also beside the processional idol, Sampath Kumara.

Architecture

The temple is a square building of large dimensions but is very plain and only sparsely ornamented with carvings or sculptures. Behind this temple, the sisters ponds (elder and younger sisters, Akka-Tangi kola) are located.

Darsan Info

Sri Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple Darshana Timings -

7:30 AM to 1:00 PM
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Special Days [Saturday, Sunday & Govt Holidays] -

7:30 AM to 1:30 PM
3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Wear neat and modest clothes and avoid fashion wear

Famous Festival

Sri Vairamudi Brahmotsavam, Sri Rajamudi Brahmotsavam, Sri Krishnarajamudi Brahmotsavam, Tirunakshtram of Sri Ramanujacharya (Jayanthi)

Culture

Melkote, a religious and a pilgrim centre for Hindus, is located in Mandya district of Karnataka state in India. This place is very well known for various famous temples and a festival called Vairamudi takes place here when devotees come from all parts of India. Daily cultural activities like devotional songs, classical dances take place in the Chaluvanarayana swamy temple premesis. This place is also a well known location to film makers for shooting as the surrounding contains lot of scenic areas.