Vairamudi Utsava at Melukote

Local Highlight this week: 13 March, 2014

Vairamudi Utsava at Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple, Melukote

THE HISTORIC TOWN OF MELUKOTE

Melukote in Pandavapura taluk of Mandya district, is one of the sacred places in Karnataka and a famous pilgrimage center. The place is also known as Thirunarayanapuram, Yadugiri, Yaadavagiri and Yadushailadweepa, built on rocky hills overlooking the Cauvery river valley. The town is about 51 km from Mysore and 133 km from Bangalore.

Two temples reside in this town, one on the foothills and the other on top of the hill. In the twelfth century the great Srivaishnava saint Ramanujacharya lived here for more than 14 years. These temples existed even before Sri Ramanujacharya came to this place. It has thus become a prominent centre of the Srivaishnava sect.

Melukote is the location of the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple, with a collection of crowns and jewels which are brought to the temple for the annual celebration. On the top of the hill is the temple of Yoganarasimha. Many more shrines and ponds are located in the town. Melukote is home to the Academy of Sanskrit Research, which has collected thousands of manuscripts.

THE LEGEND OF CHELUVARAYA

The presiding deity of the temple on the foothills is Lord Vishnu known as Thirunarayana or Cheluvaraya installed by Lord Krishna. The utsavamurthy (small metal statue representing the main deity that can be taken on a parade) is known as Cheluvapille Raya or Cheluvanarayana Swamy whose original name is Ramapriya. Legend narrates that Lord Rama and his son Kusha have worshipped this statue and hence the name Ramapriya. This utsavamurthy was lost when the moghuls invaded the place and it was recovered by Ramanujacharya from Bibi Nachiyaar the daughter of Mohammed Shah. Bibi Nachiyaar was given this idol as a toy to play with and instead of playing with the idol, she worshipped it and became a devotee. She was heartbroken when her dad without consulting her gave away the statue to Sri Ramanujacharya. In search of her Lord she came to Melukote from Delhi on horseback and saw the statue and collapsed in front of it. Her soul in the form of a jyothi (flame) merged into the idol. Hence in honor of her devotion, she is worshipped along with the lord and her idol can be seen at the feet of both the main deity and the utsavamurthy.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE TEMPLE

In one of the annual report of Mysore Archaeological Department, it stated that people used to worship this place even before Sri Ramanujacharya renovated this temple and offered prayer. From the records of that period, there seems to be an influence of Tamil and vaishnava worship in this area; in the name “Tirunarayanapuram”, the word “Thiru” is typically used in Tamil language. The Wodeyar kings of Mysore were special patrons of this temple and have bestowed donations and protection to this temple. Raja Wodeyar in 1614 adopted the Vaishnava religion and donated a gold crown set with precious jewels known as Raja-mudi. Krishnaraja Wodeyar III also presented one such crown known as Krishnaraja- mudi. 

There is another crown — Vairamudi or Vajramukuta, which seems to be older than the other two crowns but no one knows its exact origin. The annual festival of this temple is known as Vairamudi festival and it draws lakhs of people.

The Vairamudi festival, which is the celebration in the month of March-April, is attended by more than 400,000 people. On this day the main deity Tirunarayana is adorned with a diamond crown and taken out in a procession. It is believed that this crown is not to be seen when it is not adorned by the Lord so, the chief priest is blindfolded while taking the crown out from the treasury.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple is a square building of large dimensions but very plain, dedicated to Lord Cheluvanarayana Swamy or Tirunarayana. The utsavamurthi, which is a metallic image, represents the deity called Cheluvanarayana Swamy.

There are three ponds in the town, two on the foothills and another on top of the hill. Beautiful stone carved pillared mantaps (pandals) surround the pond.

A shrine houses Vishnu’s consort Yadugiri Taayaar. The hall in front of this shrine comprises of many ornately carved stone pillars. Each pillar is different from the other depicting scenes from various Hindu epics. The intricate latticework on the pillars is noteworthy.

The other temple is on one of the rocky hills at a height of 1,777 mtr above sea level. The majestic gopura is visible from far, which is the Yoganarasimha temple of Melukote. Legend says that the idol was installed by Prahalada, son of Hiranyakashap. This temple is referred in the holy texts of Vedic literature, which dates back to thousands of years. 400 steps lead to this temple. It is believed to be one of the seven holy centers of Narasimha worship.

SAGA OF THE VAIRAMUDI CROWN

Vairamudi, the diamond crown was stolen from Sriman Narayana by the demon Virochana, when he was asleep at his abode in the Ksheera Sagara (Milky Ocean). Garuda was asked by the lord’s devotees to bring back the crown. Garuda went after Virochana to the neither world, fought with the demon king and flew back with the crown.

According to the legend it is believed that Vairamudi lost its blue gem on the crest while Garuda was bringing it. The blue gem is believed to have fallen near Nachiar Kovil, a temple town in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. The gem turned into a stream, called the Manimuttaru, which, to this day, flows in Thanjavur. On his way, Garuda saw Bala Krishna playing with his friends in the mid-day sun at Brindavana. Garuda protected the little  Krishna from the sun by placing his wings as the shade & placed the crown on his head. The local legends of Melkote claim that Krishna presented Cheluva Narayana with this crown. 

Lord Cheluva Narayana is the son of Acharya Ramanuja, who was at Melkote for 12 years. It is believed that Cheluva Narayana, was also worshipped by Lord Rama, the King of Ayodhya.

Thirunarayan Puram now Melkote has the temple of Lord Narasimha which was consecrated by Prahlada. This has been a birth place for many Vaishanvite Acharyas. 

VAIRAMUDI BRAHMOTSAVA

Vairamudi Brahmostava is an annual festival which gathers more than 2 lakh devotees of Lord Cheluva Narayana. Thirunarayana Puram another name for Melkote adorns a festive grandeur on this day when the Lord adorns the legendary diamond studded crown, the Vaira Mudi. It is believed that Lord Krishna Himself presented this crown to Cheluva Narayana. The Lord is taken in procession on the golden Garuda with His divine consorts Sridevi & Bhudevi, around the main streets of the city.

A large number of devotees throng the Mandya district, on the previous night to witness the Procession of the Lord. The whole town of Mandya prepares for the event.

The preparation for the Brahmotsava starts well in advance - before 2 weeks. The actual celebrations take place for 13 days. Garudotsava is celebrated a day before the Brahmotsava at Melkote. The district administration of Mandya makes rigorous arrangements to bring the Vairamudi crown from the Mandya treasury to the temple amidst stringent security measures. It is believed that the crown must not be exposed to daylight. Hence it is placed in a special casket. Under vigilance of Mandya police it arrives at the boundaries of the town. It is from here taken upto the temple with full honors in a special palanquin. It reaches the temple by evening. 

The crown is then placed in front of the sanctum of Sri Acharya Ramanuja and the head priest places the Vaira Mudi on the statue of the Lord Cheluva Narayana. It is tradition that even the head priest should not look at the Vaira Mudi in naked eyes till it is fitted to the Lord. Hence the priest covers his eyes with a silk cloth while fitting the crown. 

This takes place in the night and then the Lord and his consorts are traditionally decorated and procession continues to the dawn of the next day. The quiet town of Melkote comes to life with the grandeur and majesty of the procession. Rajamudi, another crown studded with precious stones is adorned on the Lord on the next day of the Brahmotsava.

During the 13 day celebration, Kalyanotsava, Nagavalli Mahotsava is held in the Holy Kalyani, followed by Maharatotsava.

GALLERY OF VAIRAMUDI BRAHMOTSAVA

HOW TO GET THERE

Distance: Around 125 km from Bangalore and 51 km from Mysore

From Bangalore:

One can reach Melkote from Bangalore by car/taxi, by travelling on the Bangalore Mysore state highway and reaching the Mandya town. Just after Mandya, there is a right turn which goes to Melkote. Alternatively, one can take any of the numerous trains that go from Bangalore to Mandya and then take a bus/taxi from Mandya to Melkote. You can board the KSRTC bus upto Mandya and then any city or private bus. There are some buses which go directly from Bangalore to Melkote.

From Mysore:

There are buses that go from Mysore to Melkote. Alternatively, one can catch a bus that goes from Mysore to Tumkur (and onwards) and get down at a place called Jakkanahalli Cross. Melkote is around 6 km from there. Bus start from Platform No.2 of Mysore Bus Stand. Charges Rs.32/per adult. From Jakkanahalli Cross lots of share auto’s pay charge Rs.6/per person. Self Hire autos charge Rs.50 until Chelvanarayanan temple.

Temple Timings : 7:30am-1pm, 4pm-6pm and 7pm-830pm

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Note to our readers: The information presented in this blog has been collated from various sources on the internet and hence Bangalore Press does not vouch for the authenticity of the same. We request you to write to us at if you think you can help us improve this article. You'll be given due credit for any information/images you provide us.

Write to us at: bangalorepressblog@gmail.com 

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Image sources:

www.itslife.in

http://www.divinebrahmanda.com

Muralidharan Alagar @ flickr

Karinjeshwara Temple, Karinja, Bantwal

Local Highlight this week: 12 March, 2013, 

Karinjeshwara Rathotsava at Karinjeshwara Temple, Bantwal

The Karinjeshwara temple in Bantwal is one of the most famous pilgrim sites of Dakshina Kannada district. Also known as Kailasa Parvata and Bhoo Kailasa because it is situated on the top of a hill, this temple is a treat to the eyes, with the lush Kodyamale Reserve Forest surrounding the temple, making the place even more picturesque.

One has to look out for Vagga, 10 Km away from Bantwal towards Dharmastala. The stop is also identified as Karinja Cross, where a beautiful entrance welcomes you to one of the most calm and serene places of the coastal district. The alternative route leading you to Karinja through Kodyamale Forest is also enough to keep you spellbound. The trek uphill is best experienced when you walk from main entrance up to the temple.

The Karinjeshwara temple stands high on the hill amidst beautiful surroundings. The temple is split into two parts - one dedicated to the Lord Shiva, at the peak of the hill, and another dedicated to His Wife, the Goddess Parvati, and their Son, Lord Ganesha, a little lower down the hill. This is the 7th temple built by Kalkuda. He had vowed to build 7 temples overnight.

Use the links below to jump directly to the respective sections of this blog.

1. Legend

2. Theerthas
3. Parvathi temple
4. Ukkadada Bagilu

5. Karinjeshwara Temple

6. Feeding Monkeys: Karinje-Dhadda

7. Celebrations at Karinja

8. Getting There

9. Contribute to this Article

Legend

About 800 years ago, two Brahmin youth Karinjattaya and Ichlattaya brothers arrived at the Kumbla county from Uttara Kannada to publicise the Sanatana belief.  At that period, Tulunadu was ruled by Taulava King.  Bhoota worship was the ritual in practice at that time in this region. The place where Ichlattaya settled was called Ichlampady and the other by Karinjattaya was called Karinja. Somewhere in between Karinja and Ichlampady, in a scenic beautiful area, was built a Lord Shiva Temple.  It is said that these Brahmins, who had no descendants, had given away their agricultural property along with the temple to the Bunts who were helping them.

There are numerous evidences in the premises of the temple narrating several stories to the visitors about the life of the temple, as it is believed that the temple premises has been the testimony to all the 4 ‘Yugas’ mentioned in Hindu mythology.

The temple is said to have had different names in each of the yugas. According to mythological texts, the place was called ‘Roudra Giri’ during krutha yuga, ‘Gajendra Giri’ in tretha yuga, ‘Bheema Shaila’ in dwapara yuga and ‘Karinja’ in kali yuga.  Deemed as the temple located at greatest height among all the other temples of Dakshina Kannada, the shrine is situated on a monolith spreading over 25 acres. The temple is surrounded by green Kodyamale Reserved Forest adding to the serenity of the place.

Theerthas

There are mentions in various episodes of Mahabharatha about the 3 ponds namely - ‘Gadha Theertha’, ‘Angushta Theertha’ and ‘Janu Theertha’ found in the temple premises. ‘Gadha Theertha’ located in the foothills is in the shape of a Gadha (mace).  It is said that ‘Gadha Theertha’ was formed when Bhima threw his mace on the floor.  ‘Angushta Theertha’ was created by Bhima’s thumb.  Another pond ‘Janu Theertha’, which is said to have originated when Bhima knelt down on the floor, serves the water requirements of the temple throughout the year as this pond never dries up.

When you first reach the temple, you sight the Mace shaped Gadha Theertha at the bottom of the Karinja hill - 237 meter long, 55 meter wide and about  7 meter deep with crystal clear water , resembling a mirror. Ritual is that one must take a dip in pond or at least after sprinkle water over ones head before you start the climb the through main entrance.  The soil of the spot where the lake now stands is pathologically said to have spread over a distance of Seven Miles, which is known as “Kodia Malai”, now inhabited by wild animals and reptiles.

Handi Kere: A lake in the temple premises- ‘Handi Kere’ is is said to have formed when Arjuna killed a wicked boar with an arrow. The arrow marks are still visible on the rocky hill. When Arjuna reached Karinja to seek blessings from Lord Shiva, Shiva wanted to test him and came in disguise of a tribal head. When Arjuna aimed at the wild boar, the disguised Shiva also aimed at the same boar. As both of them shot the boar at the same time, they had a fight on whom to claim the boar.  After a long battle Arjuna was defeated and Shiva and Parvathi gave him darshana. That is how Goddess Parvathi blessed Arjuna  with arrows having special powers.

Parvathi temple

The Parvathi temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s consort Goddess Parvathi. This is the first temple a devotee encounters on the pilgrimage. From the main entrance at the foothill, one has to take a flight of stairs to reach the Parvathi temple. You can also catch a glimpse of  Vinayaka Gudi on the way.

The climb on the steep steps built on a huge boulder supported by of iron rods is a good experience. Be careful about the Vana Senas (monkeys) you meet on the way!  They always seem to be up to something, waiting for any bananas or fruits that you may hold.

Ukkadada Bagilu

When you climb about 150 steps from the Parvathi temple, you find a massive door frame made up of a stone called Ukkadada Bagilu. Ukkada means the limiter or the border of a town and a turn pike or a toll gate. One can notice a 0.3 cm cut mark on it, which is said to be created by the hitting of an arrow, when Arjuna tried to kill a wicked boar.

Karinjeshwara Temple

Passing through the Ukkada Baagilu, towards the end of the climb, one reaches the Karinjeshwara temple which has Shilamaya Shiva, a statue of Lord Shiva in the sanctum sanctorum. During the course of the climb, one comes across the second pond Janu Teertha, which is said to be formed when Bheema knelt down. Janu Teertha has water in plenty. The third pond is Angushta Teertha and lies above the Janu Teertha.

The “Shilamaya” Temple in such a high place has been regarded as the “Bhookailasa”. Shiva temple is situated on the top of a hill, 1500 ft high from sea level, looks like temple is standing on a huge stone. The temple is completely made out of stones.  The Shiva Sannidhi houses the  Shilamaya Shiva Garbhagudi,  Metina Gudi and a Naivedya Kallu  (granite stone). The temple from the top offers an enchanting view of the surroundings.

Feeding Monkeys: Karinje-Dhadda

Monkeys can be found in plenty in the temple premises.  According to the temple’s tradition, immediately after the maha pooja in the afternoon, mooru seru akki (about 2.5 kg of cooked rice) is placed on the Naivedhya Kallu, a granite platform where offerings are made. A troop of monkeys gather near the stone immediately after the bell rings and enjoy the meal. These monkeys don’t harm devotees and also accept food from them. Devotees offering bananas and coconuts to these monkeys are a common sight at Karinja temple.

Legend says that when Rama and Seetha returned to this place with the Vanara Sena after defeating Ravana. To mark this remembrance Rama left His Sena here at Karinja.

Celebrations at Karinja

Mahashivarathri is the principal festival held in this temple. A week-long annual fair attracts a lot of devotees who participate in a variety of events such as Tirtha Jagarane, Mitta Jagarane, Rathostava, Katte Pooje and Dhwaja Avarohana. On the first night of Shivarathri, there are elaborate poojas and homas (different types of worship rituals) at each temple into the early hours of the morning.

On the second night of the annual fair, the statue of Lord Shiva is brought down to the Parvathi temple. This is the only day when the statues of deities Shiva and Parvathi are placed together.

The next day, during the Rathotsava (Chariot Festival), the two idols are paraded around at the Parvathi temple and then at the ground level, where they are carried around in a chariot (a Ratha). Later that day, the two idols are carried back to the Parvathi temple, where Shiva bids goodbye to Parvathi and carries on alone to his temple.

The following night, the last night of the festival, Shiva is once again taken to Parvathi; they are taken for a 'stroll' at ground level before they are once again returned to their respective places.

Aati Amavasya and Shravana Amavasya are other special festivals celebrated here. Devotees, especially newlyweds, visit the temple during Aati Amavasya to take a dip in the Gadha Teertha.

Getting There

The Karinjeshwara Temple, also known as Karinja Shiva Parvathi Temple, is located at Kavalamudur village, Vagga in Bantwal. It is about 37 km from Mangalore and 12 km from Bantwal Road.

The place is located between Mangalore and Dharmasthala, on the State highway. Karnataka State bus services are easily available. One can also hire an auto-rickshaw from Vagga to reach Karinja.

 You will find that the climb of 555 steps is worth and once you reach the peak you will get a beautiful bird’s eye view of the surrounding areas. With all its historical significance and beauty of nature, Karinja is one of the best places for a pilgrim centers.

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Note to our readers: The information presented in this blog has been collated from various sources on the internet and hence Bangalore Press does not vouch for the authenticity of the same. We request you to write to us at if you think you can help us improve this article. You'll be given due credit for any information/images you provide us.

Write to us at: bangalorepressblog@gmail.com 

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Shree Lakshmivaradaraja Swamy temple at Tekal, Kolar

Local Highlight this week: 2 March 2013, Mahabhisheka to Kolar Varadarajaswamy

Reliving the golden days of Tekal

Tekal is a small town guarded by two hills on the Malur - Bangarpet Road. The northern hill is called Kurmadri and the southern hill is Hemadri. 

Located 65 kms from Bangalore, it can be reached via Hoskote on NH4. Tekal was the headquarters of a large part of the Vijayanagar Empire that extended as far as Salem, North Arcot and South Arcot. It was Goparaja, the ruler of the Saluva dynasty, who developed this town and erected a well-structured two tier-fort surrounding the whole township. It is said that during its golden days Tekal had 101 wells, 101 temples and 101 cannons. Most of them are in ruins today. The king had also built a large tank called the Gopasagara.

The town got the name from the Tamil word Tekanchi, which means southern Kanchi and this became Tekal in later years. The temple of Lakshmi Varadaraja Swamy built in Chola style is the unique attraction in this town. The temple enshrines the deity which is more powerful than the Varadaraja at Kanchi. It will be a memorable experience to explore hills, caves, and temples around the town.

Tekal is renowned for its three important temples viz, the Varadaraja, Singaperumal and the Anjaneya which are all sights to see. Several others ancient temples exist here in their ruined condition. Tekal is well known for its huge picturesque rocks. It has a huge cave, more than 150 feet deep. Formerly the place was noted for the manufacture of earth salt.

Use the links below to jump directly to the respective sections of this blog.

1. Tekal – a trekker’s delight

2. Lakshmivaradaraja Swamy temple at Tekal
3. Getting there
4. Contribute to this Article

Tekal – a trekker’s delight

Steeped in history, Tekal invites trekkers and history buffs for an enjoyable and memorable sojourn. The two hills that dominate the place are actually colossal boulders of odd shapes. 

Hemadri Hills

Hemadri, the southern hill, is smaller but not quite easy to climb. As there are no steps here, scrambling up the steep rock face is the only way to get to the top. The two circular bastions that remain at the top confirm the existence of a fort. The dhone, which is dry, opens into a tunnel which is said to lead to the temple below. However, Hemadri is known for its large cavern, called Bheemana Garadi, with an unbelievably large area of more than 900 sq.ft. This cave, formed by gigantic boulders, is believed to be the place where Bheema practised wrestling. Watch your step here as this is treacherous terrain. Remember to use the services of a local guide. 

From the Hemadri hill you can see the fort walls and the watchtower. There are no steps to climb and the rocks get very hot as the day progresses. Mid-journey, you see a small pond and a cave too. And at the hilltop you can see the ruins of the fort which was built by the Vijaynagara emperors, way back in the 14th Century. From here the entire town looks like something right out of a picture postcard. The Someswara and Anjaneya temples at the bottom of the hill are not to be missed.

Kurmadri Hills

On the other side of the town, which is about two kilometres from here, is the Kurmadri hill, full of caves. Kurmadri is the northern hill. It is the terminal point of Shathashringa range from Kolar. On the southern side of the hill, reached by a narrow mud road, stone cut steps lead to the cave temple of Bhoo-thamma. Besides the Shiva temple, a few narrow steps on the right descend to an underground cave with a perennial spring. On the left you will find another cave with an earthen image of Muneshwara and a pond. 

Avid cave explorers can do some adventurous climbing over boulders to crest of the hill where ‘Rokkada Gavi’ (a cave of treasure) lies. An easier way to reach here is from Ullerahalli, 3 kms north of Tekal. 

Also found on the crest is a rocky depression in the form of a large cauldron. A giant lamp is lit here on Ugadi day every year. The Muzrai department donates 5 tins of oil and 10 meters of black cloth for the wick. 

Watch out for wild bees and the odd panther which could be lurking in one of the many caves. Fear of panthers prevents villagers from sending their cattle to graze on the hilltop. It is said that King Goparaja used to hunt tigers here and earned the title, Pulibetegaara.

Lakshmivaradaraja Swamy temple at Tekal

Among the shrines at Tekal, the temples of Anjaneya Swamy, with a 7 ft image, and the temple of Someshwara are worth visiting. 

Certainly not to be missed is the Chola style temple of Lakshmivaradaraja Swamy. The temple of Tekal is not as big as the Varadarajaswamy shrine of Kanchipuram. A narrow lane takes you to the shrine. 

The Tekal Lakshmivaradaraja Swamy temple can be compared with the famed Varadarajaswamy temple in Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu and it was called Tenkanchi (Southern Kanchi) in ancient times. The local lore is that the deity, as a boon, fulfills the wishes of the devotees and that's why the name Varadaraja.

The unique feature here is the 4 ft high image that has a 'Gulaganji' seed on the thumb to signify that the deity here is that much more powerful than the Varadaraja at Kanchi. That is how the town got the name Tekanchi, which means southern Kanchi. This became Tekal in later years.

The temple complex is spacious with a pakashala and kalyana mantapa on the premises. There is a shrine of Lakshmi in the south west corner. The story goes that sage Bhrigu, who lived on the adjacent hill, used to reach here through a tunnel to worship the goddess in the night because every morning garlands of fresh flowers were found at the shrine. It was he who consecrated the lord here and the small stone ‘Bhrigushila’ at the foot of Varadaraja symbolises it. 

On the left side is a hall surrounded by the stone mantaps and there are some inscriptions on Tamil in front of it. On the right side are shrines of Lakshmi and the Navagrahas which are almost in ruins.

Like other temples in this area, the statues on the top of the 50-foot Gopura are either missing or the structure was incomplete. The reason is unknown. The inscriptions in old Kannada and Tamil at the entrance are the most intricate among the 25 inscriptions of the period 1310 to 1499 AD. 

The Vaishakha Shuddha Poornima car festival and Saturdays of Shravan draw a large gathering of devotees.

Getting there

Tekal is 65 km from Bangalore. To reach here, take the Bangalore Hoskote road (NH 4), and then travel to Malur (18 km from Hoskote). Tekal is situated on Malur-Bangarapet road. Malur is six kilometres from Tekal.

Whether you climb the hills, explore the caves or worship at the temples, your visit to Tekal will surely be a memorable one.

Contribute to this Article

Note to our readers: The information presented in this blog has been collated from various sources on the internet and hence Bangalore Press does not vouch for the authenticity of the same. We request you to write to us at if you think you can help us improve this article. You'll be given due credit for any information/images you provide us.

Write to us at: bangalorepressblog@gmail.com 

Thank you!

Sources:

http://archive.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/aug262004/metro13.asp

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/109515/ipl-2012.html

http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/05/27/stories/2006052701660100.htm