Sri Yoga Narasimha Temple in Melkote houses a very beautiful vigraha of Sri Yoga Narasimha – one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. It is said that this Deity was installed by Bhakta Prahlada who was rescued by Lord Narasimha Himself from his demoniac father – Hiranyakashipu.
Melkote is a vital Abhimana Sthala well-regarded by Sri Vaishnavas due to its close relationship with Sri Ramanujacharya. Sri Ramanujacharya lived here for twelve years to propagate Sri Vaishnavism when he had to be at a distance from Srirangam. Melkote is also known as Thirunarayanapuram among Sri Vaishnavas and it is one of the four most holy centers of Sri Vaishnavism in South India apart from Srirangam, Thirumalai, and Kanchipuram. Here Lord Narasimha is in a seated position with the Yogapatta.
Besides the regular pujas carried out daily, the temple conducts special pujas to celebrate Narasimha Jayanthi festival every year with grandeur.
Temple Structure
The Yoga Narasimha Temple in Melkote features of an extraordinary structural design. This ancient temple over 1,000 years old was built during the Hoysala kingdom. Several rulers like Wodeyar Kings of Mysore and few more have contributed towards the temple’s paraphernalia for the Lord’s worship. The temple is located on a rocky hill known as Yadavagiri or Yadugiri rock overlooking the Cauvery valley (Melkote). The temple has about 300 steep steps accessible halfway by light motor vehicles at a height of 1777 metres above the sea level. The ancient temple fascinates devotees due to its architectural magnificence, tranquil environment and spiritual importance. There are around 300 steps that lead to the temple situated high up on the hill. The elaborate engravings on the columns and the whole structure of the temple offer a preview into the architectural elegance of the former period.
The temple gopura is noticeable from a distance due to its altitude, however the full splendor of the intricate job of the artists is visible on a closer look.
How to Reach
By Road
Melkote is nearly three hours’ drive and 133 km from Bangalore and 51 Kms from Mysore, in Pandavapura Taluk of Mandya District amid opulent green paddy pastures.
By Air
The closest international airport is Bengaluru International Airport which is about 170 kms. Devotees can board a bus from the airport to Mandya.
Content courtesy: thirustemplevisits
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Comment On Sri Yoga Narasimha Temple in Melkote
Gunalan Krishnan
Hari Bol!
I’m looking for Lord Narashima’s talisman ( kavacha) to neutralize Rahu , Kethu and Sani , do you have? Please reply as soon as possible . Thank you . Hare Krsna