The Visit to this Shri Cheluvanarayana Swami Temple at Melkote, in Karnataka, was a part of “Karnataka State, Hoysala Period Shiva and temple’s visit”- between 28th - 30th July 2023, organised by தொண்டை மண்டல வரலாற்று ஆய்வு சங்கம் "திருக்கச்சி" FB Group. Melkote is also known as “Tirunarayanapura” after the presiding deity Tirunnarayana ( Maha Vishnu), is built on a low low rocky hill anciently known as yadavagiri or yadugiri with a big temple tank.
Moolavr : Shri Cheluva Narayanan
Consort : Shri Yadugiri Nachiyar
Some of the salient features of this temple are…..
The temple is facing east with a Deepa sthambam, Garudan sannidhi and a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Dwarapalakas and elephants are at the entrance of sanctum sanctorum. Moolavar Sri Narayanar is in standing Posture, holding Shankha and Chakra in the upper hands. The lower right hand is in abhaya hastam and left hand is in kadi hastam/ on mace / thandam.
Utsava murthis, which was looted by the Muslim invaders are recovered by the saint Shri Ramanuja are in the Navarannga mandapam. The Saint Ramanuja and Alwars are also in the mandapam.
ARCHITECTURE
The Cheluvanarayana Swami Temple has on plan a main central unit consisting of a Sanctum sanctorum / garbhagriha and a small mukha mandapa all in east-west orientation. There is a large courtyard open on the south, west and north and covered on the eastern side. The sanctum sanctorum / garbhagriha and the ardha mandapa form the original core of the temple. The main deity inside the sanctum sanctorum is the beautiful image of Cheluvanarayana ( Maha Vishnu) of hoysala workmanship.
The temple with sanctum sanctorum is on a prati bandha adhishtana contains upana, jagati, tripatta kumuda, kanda and prativari. The walls are decorated with pilasters and niches. The hara / parapet has devakoshthas having beautiful stucco figures and images of Maha Vishnu. The vimana above the bhumidesam ie the superstructure rises in three diminishing tiers. Each tier is relieved with bhadrakoshthas and pilasters. The nava ranga mandapa has pillars decorated with panels depicting scenes from the epic mahabharata. Within the enclosure are shrines for Thayar Shri Yadugiri Nachiyar and alwars. The entrance doorway of the temple has a tall gopura in brick and stucco. At the main entrance are vaishnava dvarapalas and elephants. The pradhakshanam / circumambulatory path mandapa pillars are unique. Each one is with different sculptures and shape.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
The Utsava Murti, one of the treasure was looted by the Muslim invaders and the same was retrieved back by the saint Ramanujacharya. It was told that the Muslim Kings agents’ daughter image is on the foot of the Utsavar. The pillars are also has Tamil mixed with grantha character inscriptions. Below some of the pillars has the Hale kannada inscriptions which belongs the sculptors / donor names.
The inscriptions recorded from this temple records the gift of lands to this Temple. And the fort on the hill may be built during Hoysala period.Two photos may be Mysore Maharajas / Wodeyars are hung in the openings of Rajagopuras for the thirupani done to this temple. A Vairamudi / kireedam, Golden Crown / kreedam, are gifted to this temple by the Mysore king during 1578 – 1617 CE. The crown studded with precious gem stones are gifted by Mysore Krishnaraja wodeyars also known as Krishnaraja Mudi to this temple. Vairamudi sevai is one of the famous annual festival will be conducted in this temple in a grand manner during March – April.
Tamil inscription on the pillar
an inscription below the sculpture - may be the donor or sculptor
Ref:
Display board installed in front of the temple
LEGENDS
The presiding deity is called in different names like Selvapillai, Cheluva Raya and Cheluva Narayana Swamy, but the original name appears to have been Ramapriya (meaning “Rama’s Favourite”). It is believed that utsava murthy was worshipped by Lord Rama and Krishna.
HOW TO REACH
The Cheluvanarayana temple is about 1 KM from Yoga Narasimha temple Melkote, 18 KM from Thondanoor, 51 KM from Mysore and 136 KM from Bangalore.
Nearest Railway Station is Pandavapura.
LOCATION OF THIS MONUMENT : CLICK HERE
Deepa Sthambam with Garuda's sannidhi.
Arjuna shoots the fish by seeing the image in the pot water
Vyagrapadar
Darpana Sundari ..?
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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