MAREHALLISHRI LAKSHMI NARASIMHA SWAMY TEMPLE, MANDYA DISTRICT-KARNATAKA STATE- COMPILED
Dear friends, The Marehalli Shri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is locatedin Malavalli taluk of Mandya district of Karnataka and is a revered religioussite with deep historical and spiritual significance. Dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, thetemple is a sacred pilgrimage centre for devotees across Karnataka and neighbouringstates. The presiding deity, Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, symbolizes protection,courage, and the triumph of good over evil, making the temple a place of solaceand strength for worshippers. Today my posting is about this temple. Hope a divine reading. Gopalakrishnan 15-09-2025. Introduction Marehalli Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is a famous Hindutemple in the Marehalli village of the Tumkur district in Karnataka, India. Thetemple is dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu,and is considered one of the region’s most important religious sites. The temple,Marehalli, Malavalli, Karnataka, Located 2 Kms away from Malavallli town. The templeis one among the prominent Narasimhaswamy Temple in Mandya District. Belongingto the Sri Vaishnavatradition. The temple is 1200 years old. Built during the 10thcentury and renovated by Raja Raja chola 1st. The temple exists amidst thickgreenery in an area ofaround 12 acres. Legend It is believed that long ago two sages by name Suyagna andLambakarna performed yagnas and tapasyas where the temple exists now. The lordNarasimhaswamy pleased with their devotion appeared in their dream and assuredthat he would reside there. The place was earlier known was Gajaranya Kshetra. History The temple has a long and fascinating history, dating backseveral centuries. It is believed to have been built during the Hoysala dynasty in the 12th centuryAD and has undergone several renovations and restorations over theyears. Architecture One of the most unique features of Marehalli LakshmiNarasimha Swamy Temple is its architecture. The temple is built in the Dravidian style,with intricate carvings and sculptures adorning its walls and pillars. Thetemple is also known for its colourful and vibrant decor, with brightly paintedceilings and walls. It is believed to be several centuries old, with inscriptionsand historical references suggesting it dates back to the times of theVijayanagara Empire. The temple complex is surrounded by lush greenery and issituated near the river Shimsha, adding to its serene and spiritual ambiance.It is not only a place of worship but also a cultural landmark that reflectsthe artistic and devotional heritage of the region. The temple faces east with a 40-foot Garuda gamba /deepasthambham, Balipeedam, and Thulasi madam. On the left is a Vijayanagara period16-pillared Mandapam and on the right is a 4-pillared mandapam. Sri Veera Anjaneyar Sannadhi immediately after the entrance mottaigopuram. In the mukha mandapam Garuda, Dwajasthambam and balipeedam.The temple might have a Raja gopuram and the Kodi pens ( Ganga and Yamuna )reliefs are kept as loose sculptures on the right side of the entrance. There is Shiva Temple on the rightside of the entrance. Sanctum The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, andMukamandapa was built during Chozha King Rajaraja-I, in the 10th Century. Thesanctum is on a virutha kumuda adhistanam with kapotam and Yazhivari. Anekathala vimana is over the sanctum. Chief deity The temple’s maindeity is Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, whom, thousands of devotees worship annually. Moolavar Lakshmi Narasimha is withLakshmi on his lap in a sitting posture. Moolavar is also calledMudukappa and Soumiya Narasimhaswamy Sub deities The temple also houses several other shrines dedicated toHindu deities, includingLord Ganesha and Goddess Saraswati. Festivals The temple is also known for its annual festival, held inhonour of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha. The festival, known as the Brahmotsava, is a grandcelebration that attracts thousands of devotees from all over Karnataka andneighbouring states. The festival features traditional music, danceperformances, elaborate processions, and rituals. Narasimha Jayanti is another grand ritual during which , traditional music,and cultural programs are organized. These events not only reinforce religious devotion but alsofoster community bonding and the preservation of ancient customs. The templeplays a vital role in the spiritual life of the local community. Tourist destination Marehalli Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is also a populartourist destination. Visitors can explore the intricate carvings and sculpturesthat adorn the temple’s walls and pillars and marvel at its ornatearchitecture. Timings 9 am–2 pm History of Marehalli Marehalli was an Agraharam during Ganga’s period and laternamed Rajasraya Vinnagaram during Rajaraja-I (985- 1012 CE), of the Chozhadynasty. With the victory of the Hoysalas over Chozhas at Talakad, the agraharawas passed on to them and was subsequently ruled successively by Vijayanagara, HyderAli, and Tippu Sultan and later by the Wodeyars of Mysore, in that order. Some of the salientfeatures of this temple are… n the 108 pillared prakarasannadhi for Bhudevi, Sri Neela Devi, Nammalvar, Vedantha Desikar.At the entrance of the main complexon the right side is aShiva Temple with two thala vimana constructed after Chozha's ruleand later maintained by Hoysalas. The sanctum sanctorum consists of a sanctum,antarala, and an ardha/Navranga mandapa. The temple’s pond with neerazhimandapa is on the roadside. Administration The temple is maintained by the ArchaeologicalSurvey of India. How to reach: The temple is 43 km from Mandya and 34 km from Kollegal. Nearest Bus Station-Marehalli Nearest Railway Station-Madikeri Nearest Airport=Mysore Address Marehalli Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Marehalli,Malavalli, Karnataka 571463 Contact details: The landline numbers 089718 06449 and 08231 242277 may be contacted for furtherdetails. e-mail address: [email protected] -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/13986490.2335322.1757916071128%40mail.yahoo.com.
