Yoga Narasimha Temple Melkote

The Yoga Narasimha temple stands at 1777 mtrs above sea level is a creation of the Hoyasala times with a beautiful idol of Yoga Narasimha seated with the Yogapatta.The place provides a panoramic view of the entire village at the foothills.This is believed to be one of the seven holy centres for Sri Vaishnavas.A huge drum donated by Tipu Sultan of Mysore can be seen inside the temple. 

Melkote, a religious and a pilgrim centre for Hindus, is located in Mandya district of Karnataka state in India. This place is very well known for various famous temples and a festival called Vairamudi takes place here when devotees come from all parts of India. Daily cultural activities like devotional songs, classical dances take place in the Chaluvanarayana swamy temple premesis. This place is also a well known location to film makers for shooting as the surrounding contains lot of scenic areas.There are two temples at Melkote. Yoganarasimha swami temple on the top of the hill and Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple.
History:
The 12th century was the time of great rivalries between Shaiva and Vaishnava sects in South India. Vaishnavas were persecuted by the Cholas, who were the rulers of Tamilnadu at that time. Sri Ramanujacharya, the leading preacher of Vaishvism had to escape from Chola rule. He was allowed to live in exile at Melukote by then Hoysala ruler Vishuvardhana. Influenced by Sri Ramanujacharya, Vishuvardhana who was Jain converted to Vaishnavism.During 14th century, defeat of Hoysala Kings against Muslim forces saw the destruction of Melukote. The town was plundered by the invaders. It was later restored during Vijayanagar rule.

Places to see: Yoganarasimha temple on the top of a hill is the primary attraction. Cheluvanarayanaswamy temple in the town is another well known place. Some landmarks in the town are the Kalyani below Yoganarasimha temple, Raya Gopura, Akka Thangi Kola and the Sanskrit research institute. Tondlur kere is a huge lake 15km from Melukote.

How to reach:

It is around 150Km from Bangalore. Take the road towards Mysore and just after the town of Mandya, take the right turn towards Melkote. Just after you leave Mandya, there is a Bharat Petroleum Petrol Pump on the left hand side. The turn which has to be taken is within half a kilometre from this place. Once you take the turn just follow the directions on the boards. Effectively it is just a straight road with a single turn to be made when the Pandavapura road crosses the road to Melkote.

Address:

Shri Melukote Yoganarasimha temple
Melkote , Mandya District, Karnataka
Pin: 571431

Garudasthamba of The Belur Channa Kesava Temple

Garudasthamba of The Belur Channa Kesava Temple.

One of the most brilliant pieces of architecture from the Hoysala Ages. Garudas were the elite body guards of the emperors. When the kings died, the garudas committed suicide. The Pillar is erected as a memorial. The interesting fact about this pillar is that it is balanced only on 3 points. You can pass your hanky underneath and pull it out from the other side. Notice the people bending and looking through the gap underneath the pillar.

The elite body guards are named after Garuda - The Vehicle of Lord Vishnu

Belur used to be the early capital of the glorious Hoysala Empire. The temple is regarded as one of the most magnificent pieces of Hoysala Architecture. It is estimated that it took over a 100 years to build this temple complex.It was finally completed in 1116 AD. The temple walls contain intricate sculptures of wars, great epics and the sagas of glorious kings. There are over a thousand miniature sculptures of elephants that adorn the outer (lower) walls. The interesting fact is that each of these elephants is unique in its design and posture.

How to get there?

* By Air: Bangalore airport is the nearest to Belur (222 kms)
* By Train: Hassan is just 40 kms from Belur. Banavara and Arasikere are also near Belur.
* By Road: Regular buses ply from Bangalore (222 kms), Halebid (16 kms), Hassan (40 kms),
Hospet (330 kms), Mangalore (124 kms), Mysore (149 kms) to Belur.

The Chennakesava Temple - Belur

The Chennakesava Temple - Belur

Garudasthamba of The Belur Channa Kesava Temple.

One of the most brilliant pieces of architecture from the Hoysala Ages. Garudas were the elite body guards of the emperors. When the kings died, the garudas committed suicide. The Pillar is erected as a memorial. The interesting fact about this pillar is that it is balanced only on 3 points. You can pass your hanky underneath and pull it out from the other side. Notice the people bending and looking through the gap underneath the pillar.

The elite body guards are named after Garuda - The Vehicle of Lord Vishnu

Belur used to be the early capital of the glorious Hoysala Empire. The temple is regarded as one of the most magnificent pieces of Hoysala Architecture. It is estimated that it took over a 100 years to build this temple complex.It was finally completed in 1116 AD. The temple walls contain intricate sculptures of wars, great epics and the sagas of glorious kings. There are over a thousand miniature sculptures of elephants that adorn the outer (lower) walls. The interesting fact is that each of these elephants is unique in its design and posture.

How to get there?

* By Air: Bangalore airport is the nearest to Belur (222 kms)
* By Train: Hassan is just 40 kms from Belur. Banavara and Arasikere are also near Belur.
* By Road: Regular buses ply from Bangalore (222 kms), Halebid (16 kms), Hassan (40 kms),
Hospet (330 kms), Mangalore (124 kms), Mysore (149 kms) to Belur.
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Looking at base of the garuda Sthamba. This pillar is balanced only on three points.