Gadag Sri Mahalakshmi Sametha Sri Veeranarayana Temple- Karnataka

Address

Gadag Sri Mahalakshmi Sametha Sri Veeranarayana Temple, Hanuman Gardi, Agrahar, Gadag District, Karnataka 582101

Deity

Sri Veeranarayana Amman: Sri Mahalakshmi

Introduction

• The Veeranarayana Temple is situated in Gadag city, the administrative headquarters of Gadag district in Karnataka, India.
• Historical Background: Believed to have been built around 1117 CE by King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire.
• Deity: The primary deity of the temple is Lord Narayana (also known as Vishnu), and the consort is referred to as Sri Mahalakshmi.
• Heritage Status: The temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Puranic Significance

• Influence of Ramanujacharya: The temple’s history is closely linked to King Vishnuvardhana, originally known as Bitti Deva, who converted to Srivaishnavism after being cured of an illness by Ramanujacharya. This led to a significant religious transformation in his reign.
• Temple Construction: King Vishnuvardhana built five prominent temples dedicated to Vishnu, including:
  • Veeranarayana Temple at Gadag
  • Nambinarayana Temple at Tondanur
  • Chennakesava Temple at Belur
  • Kirtinarayana Temple at Talakad
  • Cheluvanarayana Temple at Melkote
• Inscriptions and Learning Hub: Gadag is noted for 34 medieval inscriptions, primarily found in the Veeranarayana and Trikuteshwara temples, indicating its historical significance as a center of learning (maha-agrahara), managed by 72 mahajanas (important individuals).
• Kumara Vyasa’s Epic: Legend states that Kumara Vyasa received divine inspiration at a specific pillar in the temple while composing his epic.
• Royal Donations: An inscription from 1539 during the rule of King Achyuta Deva Raya records a gift (Anandanidhi) to the temple.

Special Features

• Architectural Styles: The temple reflects a blend of architectural styles:
  • Vijayanagara Style: The entrance (mahadwara) and gopura (tower).
  • Hoysala Style: The garuda stambha (eagle pillar) and ranga mantapa (gathering hall).
  • Chalukya Style: The inner mantapa (hall adjoining the sanctum).
• Deity Representation:
  • Lord Veeranarayana is depicted in a standing posture, wielding a conch (shanka), wheel (chakra), club (gadha), and lotus (padma) in his four hands.
  • The deity’s attire (dhoti) is styled in veera kaccha (warrior style), suggesting readiness for battle.
  • He is accompanied by his consort Lakshmi and the eagle Garuda.

Festivals

• Vaikunta Ekadasi: A significant festival celebrated at the temple, drawing numerous devotees who participate in various rituals and celebrations.

Century/Period/Age

1117

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Gadag

Nearest Railway Station

Gadag junction

Nearest Airport

Hubli (HBX)

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