Marehalli Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Karnataka

Address

Marehalli Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Marehalli, Malavalli, Karnataka 571463

Diety

Narasimha Swamy Amman: Lakshmi

Introduction

Marehalli Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Marehalli, Malavalli, Karnataka, Located 2 Kms away from Malavallli town. This is an ancient stone carved temple of great heritage and historic importance. The Marehalli Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy Temple is one among the prominent Narasimhaswamy Temple in Mandya District. Belonging to the Sri Vaishnava tradition. The temple is 1200 years old. Built during the 10th century and renovated by Raja Raja chola 1st. The temple exists amidst thick greenery in an area of around 12 acres. It is believed that long ago two sages by name Suyagna and Lambakarna performed yagnas and tapasyas where the temple exists now. The lord Narasimhaswamy pleased with their devotion appeared in their dream and assured that he would reside there. The place was earlier known was Gajaranya Kshetra. The deity Narasimhaswamy swamy locally known as Marehalli Mudukappa is also known as sowmya Narasimhaswamy.

Puranic Significance

The temple complex consists of the “Amrutheshwara” temple at the entrance two mantapas on either side of the temple. Facing the main structure is the 40 feet long Garuda Gamba and Brundawana. An Anjuneyaswamy Temple at the left followed by Pathalankana and Ganesh temple are at the main entrance of the temple. The Bhoodevi and Neeladevi deities are also worshipped here. Surrounded by 108 pillars and ankanas. The Navaranga leads to the sanctun sanctorum. Of the temple called the Shukanasini Mantapa. Where the lord is seated with Goddess Lakshmi on his left lap. Prominent among the belief is that an “Amruthakalasha” lies beneath the lotus feet of Goddess Lakshmi. Which when invoked with devotion full fills all desires. Being an old agrahara during the time of Gangas, Marehalli was known as Rajasraya Vinnagaram during the time of Rajaraja I (985-1012 AD) of the Chola dynasty. With the victory of the Hoysalas over Cholas at Talkad, the agrahara passed to them and was subsequently ruled successively by Vijayanagara, and later by the Wodeyars of Mysore, Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan in that order. The temple built during the reign of Rajaraja Chola has on plan a garbhagriha, an antarala and a mukhamandapa in east-west orientation enclosed by a pillared prakara. In the sanctum, is enshrined an image of Lakshminarasimha. The temple subsequently was renovated and restored during the Hoysala and Vijayanagara periods. The temple has an imposing mahadvara of the typical Vijayanagara style. Another small Siva shrine is present to the north-east of the complex. Delineating Chola features, it contains an inscription on the foundation. It comprises of a garbhagriha preceded by an antarala and navaranga. Above the sanctum is a squattish Dravida vimana of brick and lime. The entrance leading from north and a pillared mandapa to the south-east are other edifices in this complex.