Koppal Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple / Kanakachalapathi Temple

Address

Koppal Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple / Kanakachalapathi Temple – Kanakagiri Main Road, Kanakagiri, Koppal District, Karnataka, India, Pincode – 583283.

Diety

Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha/ Kanakachalapathi Amman: Lakshmi

Introduction

Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple also known as Kanakachalapathi temple is a 16th-century temple dedicated to the God Vishnu. It is located in the town of Kanakagiri, in the Gangavathi taluk of Koppal district in the Karnataka state, India. Kanakagiri, known in ancient times as “Swarnagiri” (lit, “Hill of Gold”) is about 3 km from the district headquarters Koppal city, 380 km north of Bangalore city and 200 km east of Belagavi city.

Puranic Significance

Kanakagiri is known to get its present name from Kanaka Muni, a saint who performed penance there. The historically important Koppal city, known in ancient inscriptions as Kopana is also of archeological significance due to the discovery of two inscriptions from the rule of Emperor Ashoka at the nearby villages Palkigundu and Gavimatha. The Kanakachalapathi temple is an example of Dravidian architecture of the Vijayanagara era. It is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India. The temple was built by the ruling vassal polyagar (Nayaka or feudal lord). And is believed to be 1000 years old. The temple complex is a large one with spacious halls (mantapa) and massive Yali pillars. There a three well executed, tiered gopuras (tower over entrance) over as many entrances. Sculpture in the temple includes those of mythological figures in wood and pilaster, and that of kings and queens in black stone. The popularity of the temple is supported by a local saying: “people with eyes must see Kanakagiri and those with legs, Hampi”, an affirmation that the Kanakachalapathi temple is a delight to the eyes where as one needs to tread tirelessly to enjoy the architectural wonders of nearby Hampi (UNESCO World heritage site), the royal centre of Vijayanagara, the capital of the Vijayanagara empire. In the months of February and March, during the Phalguna season, the temple hosts a popular fair called the “Kanakachalapathi fair” (Jatra).

Beliefs

Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:- • Peace of mind

Special Features

Narasimha form of Bhagvan Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are separately worshipped in the temple. The combined form of Lakshmi and Narasimha worshipped in the temple is in Shaligram form.