Talakad Sri Keerthi Narayana Temple, Karnataka

Address

Talakad Sri Keerthi Narayana Temple, Talakadu, Karnataka 571122

Deity

Sri Keerthi Narayana Amman: Sundaravalli Thayar

Introduction

The Keerthi Narayana Temple in Talakad, Karnataka, is a significant shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the Pancha Narayana (Lord Vishnu) temples constructed in 1117 AD by King Vishnuvardhana.

Puranic Significance:

The Keerthi Narayana Temple was established by King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Dynasty.
Initially, the temple had a sannidhi (sanctum) dedicated to Sundaravalli Thayar, but later, it was replaced by the navaranga mandapam, which houses a statue of Keerthi Narayana.
The nine-foot-tall idol of Lord Vishnu is enshrined in the temple, standing on a Garuda Peetha (platform) and holding the Shankha (conch), Chakra (discus), and Gadha (mace).

Puranic Significance:

The temple’s historical and religious significance is attributed to its construction by King Vishnuvardhana. The temple is a remarkable example of fine craftsmanship, with statues of Keerthi Narayana and Ranganathar presiding in the temple, a project sponsored by the king.
According to legend, at the end of the Dwapara Yuga, during the Sura-Sura war, Lord Indra incurred Brahmma Hathi Dosham (the sin of killing a Brahmin). To seek liberation from this sin, Indra undertook penance and invoked the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu instructed him to install five Narayana Idols in the region to atone for his sin.

Special Features:

The Keerthi Narayana Temple is one of the earliest known temples constructed in the Hoysala architectural style.
The temple is built using Chloritic schist, commonly known as soapstone.
Unlike many later Hoysala temples, this temple does not have a jagati (raised platform).
The temple is encircled by a 7-foot-tall stone wall enclosure, and the entrance is through a porch with a roof supported by circular lathe-turned pillars.
The towers of the temple are designed in the Kadamba Nagara style. On top of the vestibule, there is its own tower, called sukanasi.
The temple’s mantapa (hall) is open and square in shape.
Within the temple complex, there is also a separate shrine dedicated to Bhairava.

Pancha Narayana Kshetrams:

Legend has it that Ramanujacharya, a revered Hindu theologian and proponent of the Sri Vaishnavism tradition, established five Vishnu temples known as Pancha Narayana Kshetrams.
The Keerthi Narayana Temple of Talakad is one of these Pancha Narayana Kshetrams.

Festivals:

Several festivals are celebrated at the Keerthi Narayana Temple, including:
- Mesha Chitrai: Theerthavari
- Mesha Uthiram: Brahmma Ratham
- Ratha Saptami
- Karthigai
These festivals are observed in a grand manner at the temple, attracting devotees and visitors from various places.