Sri Keerthi Narayana Temple / ஸ்ரீ கீர்த்திநாராயண பெருமாள் கோயில், at Talakadu / தலகாடு, Karnataka State.

Talakadu near Mysuru / Mysore is known as Dalavanapura and Gajaranya in Sanskrit was the capital of Gangas from 4^th to 10^th century. Gangas were succeeded by Chozhas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara and Mysore Wodeyars. This temple was once completely covered with sand dunes and excavated during 1911 CE.  The Temple is presently under the control of Archaeological Survey of India ( ASI). There is an interesting legend ( Alamelamma's Curse ) behind this, which is given at the end of this article.  

Moolavar : Sri Keerthi Narayana

Thayar    : Sri Sundaravalli

Some of the important details are...

The temple is facing east  with Dwara mandapam and a Palipedam. Thayar Sundaravalli is in Dwara mandapam, may be a base of Rajagopuram without the super structure. The moolavar is about 8 feet high,  holding conch and disc in the upper hands, stands in samabhanga posture on a lotus pedestal. Urchavar or the procession deity Vishnu with Bhudevi and Sridevi are in front.

ARCHITECTURE

The main sanctum was built out of granite in Hoysala – Dravida style. The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum and a mandapam with three entrances built over a large plinth with jagati has on plan a stellate garbhagriha. The mandapa  or the navranga is spacious, has lathe turned  pillars and ceiling adorned by creeper scrolls, lotuses and other floral designs. The mandapa pillars has the reliefs of Ramanuja, Nammazhwar, Vedantha Desikar and Ugra Narasimha are in the artha mandapam pillars.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

As per the inscriptions ( Epigrapia Carnatica ) this temple was built and consecrated on the 7^th December 1117 CE, the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana to commemorate the Victory over Chozhas. The title of “Talakadugonda”  was assumed after this victory. It was told that the Sri Ramanuja was behind the victory. The place also renamed as Talakadu from Rajarajapuram, which was changed during Chozha's rule. From the Kannada inscriptions Talakad was guarded by the chieftains Adhiyaman, Narasimhavarman and Thikulathaman of Chozha Kings. In the battle Adhiyaman was asked to surrender by the Vishnuvardhana's chieftain Veeragangan. In turn Adhiyaman replied that he can take Talakad after their victory. In the battle Chozhas were defeated and Adhiyaman was Killed. Through the Victory Veeragangan assumed the title of "Veeragangan who conquered thikula ( Chozhas in Kannada )". As per the inscriptions this place was called as Talaikadu. 

To Commemorate the Victory, Vishnuvardhana constructed the kesava temple at his capital Velapur / Belur, which was then known as Vijaya Narayana Temple.  

Chozha period Tamil  inscriptions are also found on the pedestal and lathe turned pillars.  The Tamil inscription on the back side of the temple adhistanam records the endowment of burning a  lamps and the donations given to this Kirthinarayana Temple. 

The sanctum vimana was collapsed due to rain in 2002 and the total sanctum sanctorum was dismantled and rebuilt by A S I.

 Tamil inscriptions

Tamil inscriptions

LEGENDS

As per the local legend, during 17^th century, the Mysore king  Raja wodeyar made Tirumalaraja also known as Ranga Raya as a care taker of Srirangapatna. His second wife Alamelamma took over when her husband left for Talakadu. She had a lot of jewelleries. When her husband was infected with a incurable decease, She headed towards Talakadu. When she was Travelling to talakadu, the Mysore king send his army people to rob the Jewelleries of Alamelamma. Fearing from the Raja Wodeyars army, She threw all the jewelleries in to the River Kaveri and ends her life by jumping in to the river. Before jumping she gave a curse…

 

"Talakadu Maralaagi (Talakadu become sandy – தலக்காடு மணல்மேடாகட்டும்).

Malingi Maduvaagi (Malingi become whirlpool – மலிங்கி மடுவாகட்டும் ).

Mysore dhorege makkalagade hogali (Mysore kings never have children – மைசூர் மன்னனுக்கு வாரிசு இல்லாமல் போகட்டும்)."

To prove Alamelamma’s curse, the complete Talakadu was submerged under sand dunes and the same was excavated during 1911 by ASI. ( The actual reason may be due to the flood in the river and might have changed its course ).  The Mysore Kings don’t have Children till 20^th Century. It was learnt that the present King had a Child during recent years. 

TEMPLE TIMINGS:

The temple will be kept opened between 08.00 hrs to 18.30 Hrs.

HOW TO REACH:

Talakadu is about 29 KM from T Narasipura, 45 KM from Mysore and 130 KM from Bangalore.

KSRTC buses are available from T Narasipura and Mysore.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :    CLICK HERE

I extend my sincere thanks to Mr John Peter, Former archaeologist & Teacher to take us to all the temples and explained us the details. And also extend my thanks to the participants Mr Srinivasan, Mrs Sakthi Prakash, Mr Sadasivam and Mr Raghu.

Visited 2nd time during “Karnataka State, Hoysala Period Shiva and temple’s visit”- on 30^th July 2023 organised by the FB Group தொண்டை மண்டல வரலாற்று ஆய்வு சங்கம் "திருக்கச்சி".  

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---