Sri Cheluvanarayanaswamy Temple, Melkote

In Melkote there are two important temples. The Cheluvanarayanaswamy Temple is one of the most ornate temple located in the center of the town.

The temple complex has a main unit consisting of a Garbhagraha and an Ardhamandapa, a narrow pillared corridor, a Mahamandapa and a small Mukhmandapa. There is a large courtyard surrounded by a prakara wall with a broad pillared closures on its inner and outer sides. 

In the narrow pillared corridor, the pillars are carved beautifully. The carvings on the pillar are very unique. No two pillars of the corridor are identical. The uniqueness of the each of pillars can be seen in the above snap.

The timings at the temple are, 9.00am to 1.00pm and 5.30pm to 8.00pm. During Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, the timings will be from 11.00am to 2.00pm and 5.00pm to 8.00pm.

Note Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temples but people can carry their cameras along with them.

Sri Yoganarsimhaswamy Temple, Melkote

In Melkote there are two important temples. The Yoganarsimhaswamy Temple is on a small hillock. 

People can climb the steps from the ground level which is approximately 500 steps to the top. If not they can go by their light motor vehicles till the half way almost nearer to the temple. Still from here there are approximately 250 steps to the top.

The temple is at the height of 1777m from the mean sea level and is a creation of Hoysala times with a beautiful image of seated Yoganarasimha with Yogapatta. A panoramic view of the surrounding vast area can be had from here. Thia is one of the 7 holy centers of Narsimha worship. A huge drum donated by Tipu Sultan and a bell donated by the Mysore Parakalamatha can be seen here.

The timings at the temple are, 9.00am to 1.00pm and 5.30 pm to 8.00 pm. During Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, the timings will be from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm and 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm.

Images of India - 9

A glimpse of heritage monument of India in black and white. Other posts will give you more details about this monument.

Yoganarsimha Temple on hilltop at Melkote 

Tonnur Kerre, a Picturesque Lake

Tonnur Kerre is a little known place when compared to the neighboring places like Mysore, Srirangpatana, Melkote. Never the less that does not reduce the beauty or charm of the place. This place does has historical significance.



The area is famous for the beautiful fresh water lake surrounded by hillocks. The lake occupies an area of around 2000 acres. About 1000 years ago Saint Ramanujacharya moved to this place from Srirangam. He had built the lake and then moved to nearby area Melkote. The lake is built between two rocky hills by constructing a dam. The source of water is by means of river and many streams running off the hills surrounding the lake.



Because of the crystal clear water in the lake it is also known as Moti Talab. This forms a ideal picnic spot away from the busy life of the city. People can also enjoy boating here in the local made round boats called "Theppa". In one corner of the lake there is a small beach where people can relax. It is a very calm and scenic place and words make no justice to it. It has to be only experienced to cherish.

The water from the lake is used for irrigation. Even fishing is done here for the variety of fishes. If one sits on the edge of the lake lot of small fishes come close to you in search of food.



This is not a place for sightseeing. This is more of a place where people can relax in the nature from their daily busy routines. The place is slowly getting popular and one can see steady increase in number of people coming here. I only hope that influx of tourists to this spot does not disturb the serenity of the place.

How to Reach There

This place is located interior to the Bangalore - Mysore 2 lane highway in the right side while going towards Mysore. Just after crossing Mandya one can see a road on the right and directions are available on highway for Melkote. It is approximately 35 kms from this highway and from Bangalore it is around 130kms. The roads are very good and people do drive here at good speed.

Melkote Ponds

Melkote (High or Superior Fort) is located in Mandya district of Karnataka state in India. It is famous for various temples and ponds. Some of the well known ponds of this place are:

Kalyani Pond

The large pond which is part of the Cheluvanarayanaswamy temple is called Kalyani. It is also known by the name Pushkaranani. The beauty of the pond is enhanced by its location, the steps that lead to the water and the Mandaps built around the pond.



The view of the pond from Yoganarsimhaswamy temple.



The mandapa around the pond.



There are carvings at the bottom of the pillars of mandapa. One such carving on the pillar is shown above.

Akka Tangi Kola

There are a pair of ponds behind the Cheluvanarayanaswamy temple known as Akka Tangi Kola In English it translates to sister ponds. The water of Akka kola is sour-salty and that of Tangi kola is sweet. Only the sweet water is used for the temples.

Melkote

Melkote (High or Superior Fort) is located in Mandya district of Karnataka state in India. It is in a hilly area comprising of the oldest rock formations on the earth's crust. It is a a religious and a pilgrim center for Hindus, and is home for various famous temples and ponds. The origin of the town is lost in antiquity, but it rose to cultural and religious importance in the 12th century AD when the great philosopher and teacher, Sri Ramanuja lived in the town for twelve years.

Some of the well known sites here are:

• Sri Cheluvanaryanaswamy Temple
• Sri Yogansarasimhaswamy Temple
• Melkote Ponds

Other places of interest nearby are:

• Mysore 
• Srirangapattana
• Ganjam

How to Reach There

This place is located interior to the Bangalore - Mysore 2 lane highway in the right side while going towards Mysore. Just after crossing Mandya one can see a road on the right and directions are available on highway. It is 37kms from this highway and from Bangalore it is around 130kms. The roads are very good and people do drive here at good speed.