Sri CheluvaNarayana Swamy and Sri Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple – Melukote

About Yoga Narasimha Temple

This Sri CheluvaNarayana Swamy & Sri Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple was built during the Hoysala kingdom. It has a huge drum that was donated by Tipu Sultan. It has a beautiful bell that was donated by the Mysore Parakalamatha. During the rule of the erstwhile Wodeyar Kings of Mysore, Krishnaraja Wodeyar III had donated a gold crown to the Sri CheluvaNarayana Swamy & Sri Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple deity.

Architecture, There are around 300 steps that lead to the Sri CheluvaNarayana Swamy & Sri Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple situated high up on the hill. The intricate carvings on the pillars and the overall structure of the temple offer a glimpse into the architectural style of the bygone era. The top of the Sri CheluvaNarayana Swamy & Sri Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple is visible from afar due to its height but the full glory of the detailed work of the craftsmen is visible only when one reaches near the entrance.

It has numerous legends associated with it. One of the most famous beliefs about the Sri CheluvaNarayana Swamy & Sri Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple is that the idol of the deity Narasimha was installed by Prahalada, son of Hiranyakashapu himself. It is also believed that the temple finds reference in the Vedic literature that dates back to thousands of years.

About Sri Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple

The main presiding deity SRI CHELUVNARAYANA SWAMY was worshipped by lord DATTATREYA in kritayuga, and acquired the name VEDADRI. In TRETAYGA it was Known to NARAYANADRI followed by the name YADAVADRI since the Deity was worshipped by SRI KRISANA & BALARAMA. Again in KALIYUGA the Deity was worshiped by the great Srivaishnava Saint Sri Ramanujacharya well known as Yathiraja Sarvabhowma (king of Yathis ) who renovated the temple after the deity and hence the city became famous by the name of Ramanujacharya as Yathishaila (mountain of yathi). Melukote is praised as Badarinath of South India.