Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple, Melkote

Melkote, Karnataka

Also Known As:

Sri Cheluvarayaswamy Temple

Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple in Melkote is a revered and time-honoured place of worship that continues to inspire deep devotion among countless devotees. Surrounded by a serene atmosphere and enriched with cultural charm, the temple stands as a symbol of faith, tradition, and community bonding. Its sacred premises have witnessed generations of prayers, festivals, and rituals that reflect the spiritual heartbeat of the region. Visitors are often drawn not only by the temple’s divine presence but also by its beautiful surroundings, intricate craftsmanship, and the sense of peace it offers. Whether you are a pilgrim seeking blessings or a traveller exploring heritage sites, Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple remains an unmissable spiritual landmark that speaks of the region’s enduring cultural and religious legacy. As part of the broader heritage of Famous temples in Karnataka, it continues to attract devotees and travellers alike.

Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple History and Significance

The Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple, located in Melkote, Karnataka, is a significant site in the Vaishnavite tradition. It is one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethram. The temple was established after Ramanujacharya, a revered philosopher, was guided by a divine vision to find holy earth in Melkote. He discovered a deity's vigraha and installed it as Tirunarayana in 1099 CE. The temple's construction was completed in 1104 CE with support from King Vishnuvardhana.

Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple Opening Time
Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple Pooja Timing
Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple Information Facilities and Accommodation
Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple Transportation and Accessibility
Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple Interesting Facts
Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple Nearby Temples
Famous Temples from around

Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple Timing

Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple Pooja Timing

Pooja Name	Timings
Suprabhata Seva	6:00 AM
Abhisheka	7:30 AM
Alankara Pooja	10:00 AM
Mangala Aarti	7:00 PM

Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple Location Details

Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple is located in Melkote, Mandya District, Karnataka. The temple is well connected by road, rail, and air, making it easily accessible for devotees and tourists. Below are the location details.

Address

RAJA STREET, 571431

08236299839

How to Reach Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple

By Road:

Melkote is well-connected by road to major towns in Karnataka. State Transport Buses and private taxis operate regularly from cities like Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Mandya.

By Train:

Nearest railway stations: Mandya Railway Station (approximately 40 km) and Mysuru Junction (approximately 50 km). From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Melkote.

By Air:

Nearest airport: Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (approximately 150 km away). From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Mandya or Mysuru and then proceed to Melkote.

Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple Nearby Temples

Read Full Story

Ranganathaswamy Temple

16.4 Kms Away

Best time to visit (season/months):

The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rainfall that may disrupt travel plans.

Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple Information Facilities and Accommodation

Temple Speciality

Historical:

MYTHOLOGICAL. Brahma requested Lords Narayana (Vishnu) to provide him ian idol, to perform daily prayers. Vishnu in turn gifted an idol to Brahma, which was d from his Atma Kalasha. Brahma who was using it for regular prayers, presented it to his son (Manasika Putra ) Sanathkumara, for his daily prayers when he came down to earth. Sanathkumara brought this idol of Narayana to south India and installed it in the present day Melkote. Hence this place gained the name ‘’Narayanadri’’. Now, in the absence of a Vishnu’s idol for offering prayers, Brahma once again approached Vishnu with the request. Vishnu gifted him another small idol along with the idols of both his consorts, ‘’Bhudevi’’ (Earth) and ‘’Sridevi’’(Lakshmi). In thretha Yuga, Rama required an idol for his prayers because he himself was the human incarnation of Vishnu. Thus Lord Rama looked towards Brahma for an idol of Vishnu. Brahma gifted these precious idols to Lord Rama. Lord Rama was greatly attached and deeply devoted to these idols. In view of Rama’s deepest love and reverence to this Thirunarayana’s idol, it gained the name``Ramapriya’’. Kusha, Lord Rama’s son inherited Ramapriya’s idol which he gifted to his daughter Kanakamalini during her wedding to a Yadava King. Sri Krishna and Balarama of the Yadava family, inherited this idol in Dwapara Yuga. Balarama during his travel, observed the exact similarities of the main deity of Cheluvanarayana in Narayanadri, with the Ramapriya’s idol in his procession. Balarama and Sri Krishna brought Ramapriya’s idol to Narayanadri, installed it in the temple as the ‘’Utsavamurthy’’ and offered their prayers. Thus the place gained the name ‘’Yadugiri’’. DEITIES The presiding deity here (moolavar) is known by the Tiru Narayana, while the processional image of Vishnu goes by the name Selva Pillai or Sampath Kumara. Vishnu’s consort is known by the name Yadugiri Taayar. The image of Selvapillai is housed in the Rangamandapa. There are shrines to Yadugiri Taayaar and Kalyani Nachiyaar. The temple tank is known by the Kalyani theertham. Legend has it this image of Vishnu was held in worship by Brahma. It is believed that the festival image Sampathkumara was worshipped by Rama and his son Kusha hence the name Ramapriya. Legend has it that Krishna installed this image here at Melkote.

Historical Information

Aagama:

- Pancharattira

Song Accepted:

- Alvararu

Location:

- YADAVAGIRI

Vimana Type:

- chatusta

Sanctorum Shape:

- Square Shape

Century belongs to:

- 11th Century

King`s Period:

- Late Cholaru, Late Vijayanagaram, Mysore Raja Odeyar

Heritage Temple:

- Yes

Verses:

- KANNADA DASA KEERTHANE AND TIRUVAIMOLI (TAMIL)

Legends Beliefs

According to legend, Ramanujacharya retrieved the utsava-murti from Delhi after it was stolen. The idol was found with the Sultan's daughter, who played with it as a doll. When Ramanuja called out to the idol, it came to him. The princess, devoted to the idol, followed Ramanuja to Melkote and became one with the idol, honoured as 'Bibi Nachiyar'.
Deities and Sub Deities

The temple's main deity is Cheluvanarayana Swamy, also known as Tirunarayana or Cheluvapille Raya, a form of Lord Vishnu. The utsavamurthi, a metal idol used in processions, represents Cheluvanarayana Swamy. Inscriptions reveal that the deity was also known as Ramapriya, indicating its historical significance even before Ramanujacharya's time.
Offerings

Offerings at the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple include traditional rituals and prayers. Devotees present various items to the deity, seeking blessings and fulfilment of their wishes. The temple's annual festival is a significant occasion for offerings, where devotees participate in large numbers.
Architecture

The temple features intricate carvings and a dome-like top adorned with detailed sculptures. The complex is lined with carved pillars, showcasing the architectural brilliance of the period. The temple's design reflects the rich cultural heritage and artistic skills of the artisans involved in its construction.
Festivals

The temple hosts several festivals, attracting devotees from various regions. The annual festival is a major event, where the deity is adorned with special crowns brought from government custody. These festivals are marked by vibrant celebrations, processions, and religious rituals, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the temple.
Religious Practices

Religious practices at the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple include daily rituals, prayers, and recitations of sacred texts. The temple follows the Pancharatra Agama, a traditional Hindu scripture guiding worship practices. Devotees engage in these practices to seek divine blessings and spiritual growth.

FAQ's

Where is the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple located?

The Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple is located in Melkote, Karnataka, India. Specifically, it is situated in the Mandya District.

Which God is Sri Narayanaswamy Temple?

Sri Narayanaswamy Temple is a major Hindu deity.

What is the best time to visit Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple?

The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rainfall that may disrupt travel plans.

Why is Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple famous among tourists and devotees?

How to reach Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple from near City or Town?

Nearest railway stations: Mandya Railway Station (approximately 40 km) and Mysuru Junction (approximately 50 km). From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Melkote. Nearest airport: Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (approximately 150 km away). From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Mandya or Mysuru and then proceed to Melkote.