The Visit to this Shri Cheluvanarayana Swami
Temple at Melkote, in Karnataka, was a part of “Karnataka State, Hoysala Period
Shiva and temple’s visit”- between 28th - 30th July 2023, organised by தொண்டை மண்டல வரலாற்று ஆய்வு சங்கம் "திருக்கச்சி" FB
Group. Melkote is also known as “Tirunarayanapura” after the presiding
deity Tirunnarayana ( Maha Vishnu), is built on a low low rocky hill anciently
known as yadavagiri or yadugiri with a big temple tank.
Moolavr : Shri Cheluva Narayanan
Consort : Shri Yadugiri Nachiyar
Some
of the salient features of this temple are…..
The
temple is facing east with a Deepa sthambam, Garudan sannidhi and a 5 tier
Rajagopuram. Dwarapalakas and elephants are at the entrance of sanctum
sanctorum. Moolavar Sri Narayanar is in standing Posture, holding Shankha and
Chakra in the upper hands. The lower right hand is in abhaya hastam and left
hand is in kadi hastam/ on mace / thandam.
Utsava
murthis, which was looted by the Muslim invaders are recovered by the saint Shri
Ramanuja are in the Navarannga mandapam. The Saint Ramanuja and Alwars are
also in the mandapam.
ARCHITECTURE
The Cheluvanarayana Swami Temple has on plan a main central unit
consisting of a Sanctum sanctorum / garbhagriha and a small mukha mandapa all
in east-west orientation. There is a large courtyard open on the south, west
and north and covered on the eastern side. The sanctum sanctorum / garbhagriha
and the ardha mandapa form the original core of the temple. The main deity
inside the sanctum sanctorum is the beautiful image of Cheluvanarayana ( Maha
Vishnu) of hoysala workmanship.
The temple with sanctum sanctorum is on a
prati bandha adhishtana contains upana, jagati, tripatta kumuda, kanda
and prativari. The walls are decorated with pilasters and niches. The hara / parapet
has devakoshthas having beautiful stucco figures and images of Maha Vishnu. The
vimana above the bhumidesam ie the superstructure rises in three diminishing
tiers. Each tier is relieved with bhadrakoshthas and pilasters. The nava ranga mandapa
has pillars decorated with panels depicting scenes from the epic mahabharata.
Within the enclosure are shrines for Thayar Shri Yadugiri
Nachiyar and alwars. The entrance doorway of the temple has a tall
gopura in brick and stucco. At the main entrance are vaishnava dvarapalas and
elephants. The pradhakshanam / circumambulatory path mandapa
pillars are unique. Each one is with different sculptures and shape.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
The
Utsava Murti, one of the treasure was looted by the Muslim invaders and the
same was retrieved back by the saint Ramanujacharya. It was told that the Muslim
Kings agents’ daughter image is on the foot of the Utsavar. The pillars are
also has Tamil mixed with grantha character inscriptions. Below some of the
pillars has the Hale kannada inscriptions which belongs the sculptors / donor
names.
The
inscriptions recorded from this temple records the gift of lands to this Temple.
And the fort on the hill may be built during Hoysala period.Two
photos may be Mysore Maharajas / Wodeyars are hung in the openings of
Rajagopuras for the thirupani done to this temple. A Vairamudi / kireedam,
Golden Crown / kreedam, are gifted to
this temple by the Mysore king during 1578 – 1617 CE. The crown studded with
precious gem stones are gifted by Mysore Krishnaraja wodeyars also known as Krishnaraja Mudi
to this temple. Vairamudi sevai is one of the famous annual festival will be conducted in this
temple in a grand manner during March – April.
Tamil inscription on the pillar
an inscription below the sculpture - may be the donor or sculptor
Ref:
Display board installed in front of the temple
LEGENDS
The
presiding deity is called in different names like Selvapillai, Cheluva Raya and Cheluva Narayana Swamy, but
the original name appears to have been Ramapriya (meaning “Rama’s Favourite”). It
is believed that utsava murthy was worshipped by Lord Rama and Krishna.
HOW TO REACH
The
Cheluvanarayana temple is about 1 KM from Yoga Narasimha temple Melkote, 18 KM
from Thondanoor, 51 KM from Mysore and
136 KM from Bangalore.
Nearest
Railway Station is Pandavapura.
LOCATION OF THIS MONUMENT : CLICK HERE
Deepa Sthambam with Garuda's sannidhi.
Arjuna shoots the fish by seeing the image in the pot water
Vyagrapadar
Darpana Sundari ..?
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OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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