The Visit to this Shri Yoga Narasimhar 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. This temple is one
of the seven Narasimhar temples and an abhimana sthalam of Karnataka. The
temple is on a hill of about 1777 meters above MSL. Resting mantapas are on the
step route. In addition, a road was formed up to 3/4th of the hill,
for the Autos and Cars.
Moolavar
: Sri Yoga Narasimhar
Some
of the salient features of this temple are….
The
temple is facing east with A 5 tier Rajagopuram is at the entrance of the
temple and at the end of steps. The second level entrance is on the south side with a single tier
Gopuram.
Stucco image of Yoga Narasimhar is on the top
of the mandapam. Moolavar Sri Yoga Narasimhar is in sitting with Yogapatti
& legs crossed / swastika asana and keeping both hands are on the
knees.
A
Hanuman Sannidhi is on the top of the hill and on the foot path also.
PC - Website
ARCHITECTURE
The
temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, sukha nasi and maha mandapam. Even tough
the temple was claimed as Hoysala period construction, majority of the
structures belongs to Vijayanagara period pillars and sculptures. An Ekatala
vesara Vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum. Some of the sculptures on the
Rajagopuram entrance includes, Sanganithi, Padma Nidhi, rishaba Kunjaram,
Kalinga Narthana with Snake deities, The Vijayanagara King who built the
Rajagopuram, Maha Vishnu, Krishna, etc,.
Stucco
image of garuda in worshipping posture is at the end of steps after the second
level rajagopuram. Devotees images / bas
reliefs in worshipping in lying down posture are on the floor of the entrance.
On the side wall of the sanctum sanctorum has the bas relief image of the
Narasimhar and the Vishnu’s 10 avatars in a brass plate.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
The
temple was built during the region of Hoysala Empire during Vishnuvardhana,
who followed Vaishnavam, under the influence of the Saint Ramanuja. ( It is
believed that the Saint Ramanuja lived 12 years at melkote ). Latter the temple was destroyed and looted by
the Muslim invaders during 14th century. The temple was
reconstructed during Vijayanagara period. Some Hale kannada Inscriptions are
found on the beams of the circumambulatory mandapam.
The
temple has a huge drum that was donated by Tipu Sultan. It has a beautiful bell
that was donated by the Mysore Parakala matha. During the rule of the erstwhile
Wodeyar Kings of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wodeyar - III had donated a gold crown to
the temple deity.
Ref:
- https://www.karnataka.com/melukote/yoga-narasimha-temple-melukote/ and
- The Display board erected at the temple.
HOW TO REACH
The
Yoga Narasimha temple is about 1 KM from Cheluvanarayana 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
---
OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
No comments:
Post a Comment