Chintamani Narasimha Temple Kudli

Chintamani Narasimha Temple Kudli is a unique temple of Lord Narasimha on the banks of the confluence of Tunga and Bhadra rivers in the Shimogga District of Karnataka State.

The ancient and sacred city of Kudli has been known from the Mahabharata era and prior to that as well. The Puranas and other Vedic literation revers this city as holy. This has been the tapo bhumi of sage Galava. Some say that Tunga River is the manifestation of Lord Vishnu and the Bhadra river represents Lord Shiva. The sacred union of these rivers at Kudli makes this place an important kshetra for tapasya and other religious acts as recommended by the shastras. Kudli in kannada language means sangama.

Not surprisingly, the sacred city hosts many wonderful temples credited to the Nayakas of Keladi and the Hoysala Dynasty. Sri Chintamani Narasimha Temple Kudli is one such unique temple. Unlike the other temples of Lord Narasimhadev, in this temple Lord Narasimha is in a seated posture and giving darshan to His devotees.

The origin of Sri Chintamani Narasimha Temple Kudli

After the Narasimha Avatara was concluded, Bhakta Prahlada went on a pilgrimage, touring the entire Earth, thus visiting many holy places and at the same time reclaiming the souls who were drowned in this material world. During his pilgrimage, he visited Kudli. He decided to take a holy bath in the sangam of Tunga and Bhadra Rivers. While on a pilgrimage Prahlada Maharaja was carrying a shaligrama shila which he would worship daily.

While taking bath, he kept the shaligrama shila on the banks of sangama and when he returned from the sangam, he saw that the shaligrama shila has taken the shape of a beautiful vigraha of Lord Narasimha and it continued to grow. To stop the vigraha grow further, Prahlada Maharaja kept his thumb on the forehead of the Narasimha vigraha. Even today devotees can have darshan of the imprint of the thumb of Prahlada Maharaja. Prahlada performed the prana pratishtha at the same place and got a temple constructed for Lord Narasimha.

Lord Narasimha is in the virasana posture. In His right hand, He is holding a small bowl while His left hand is resting on His thigh.

The Architecture of Chintamani Narasimha Temple Kudli

The Chintamani Narasimha Temple Kudli was built in the twelfth century. It has got a Rajagopura, a small prakara, sabha mandapa, sukanasi and the garbha-griha. The temple is almost in the dilapidated state and needs immediate renovation. Inside the sabha mandapa, there are wooden facades here and there, embellished with the intricate designs.

The walls, toranas, pillars and other elements of the temple’s architecture are beautifully decorated. The rajagopuram is three tiered.

Best time to visit Chintamani Narasimha Temple Kudli

This area of Karnataka has got a very hot climate. November to January are the best months to visit Kudli. Remaining part of the area remains hot always. Rainy season is not best time to travel.

How to reach Chintamani Narasimha Temple Kudli

To visit this temple without any hassle, travel with Tirtha Yatra on special Narasimha Tours. All the arrangements are taken care so that you can focus on worshiping Lord Narasimha without anxiety.

If you wish to venture on your own, you may opt any of the below mentioned methods.

By Air – Shivamogga Airport is the nearest airport to Kudli. From the airport you may hire a taxi to visit the temple and return.

By Rail – Shivamogga is well connected by rail network with other cities in the country especially Hyderabad, Kalburgi and Bengaluru. From the railway station, you may choose to travel by roadways to Kudli.

By Road – There are Road Transport buses plying frequently between Shivamogga and Kudli. You may take up the roadways to reach the temple. You may also take a private taxi to reach Kudli.

There is no proper luxury accommodation here. Sringeri Mutt has few rooms or a decent hall to stay which you may utilize to make yourself comfortable.