Melukote CheluvaNarayana Swamy temple - Part 1

In this article we share our visit experience of "Sri Cheluva NarayanaSwamy temple" at Melukote , a town in Mandya district which attracts with its serene beauty and historic spots - 150 kms from Bangalore.

This temple dates back to 12th century during the period of Vaishnava saint Ramanujacharya who had stayed in this region for 14 years , later developed by Hoysala and Vijayanagar kings.  The Utsava murthy of the temple is believed to be existing since period of Rama and the surya vamsa kings which was later handed over to Krishna also. So its unique that its worshiped by both Rama and Krishna.

Melukote Cheluva NarayanaSwamy Temple front view

Melukote Cheluva NarayanaSwamy Temple Side View

This temple is richly endowed with a set of ornaments and Jewels collection from ages which is used and decorated on the Idols & Utsava murthy once a year while celebrating the famous event 'Vairamudi Bramhothsava' during March-April.  Vairamudi is a crown presented by the Mysore kings for the temple's idol engulfed with gold . It is also known as Raja Mudi or KrishnaRajaMudi or VajraMukuta.  This event attracts every year 4 to 5 lakh devotees.

Melukote Cheluva NarayanaSwamy Temple Bazaar

The temple has a big square structure . The inner sanctums have pillars resembling the Hoysala structure which we may see in Somnathpura Chennakeshava temple or the Krishnarajapete Lakshmi Narayana temple. The outer varanda supported by stone pillars & Gopura structure resembles the Vijayanagar style of art. Out side the temple , street shops selling flowers , fruits , coconuts could be seen.

Melukote Cheluva NarayanaSwamy Temple Varanda Pillars

We noticed many shops selling Puliyogare , a special tamarind rice , pickles etc .  Don't miss to taste this puliyogare which is very tasty compared to other places.

Melukote Cheluva NarayanaSwamy Temple Ratha

 

 Check out our next article on this temple where we capture the beautiful scriptures and carvings inside.