Koodli Chintamani Narasimha Swamy Temple - Karnataka

Address

Koodli Chintamani Narasimha Swamy Temple – Karnataka

Koodli (Kudli), Shivamogga Taluk,

Shivamogga District,

Karnataka 577227

Moolavar

Chintamani Narasimha Swamy

Introduction

The Chintamani Narasimha Swamy Temple in Koodli Village, Karnataka, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, holds historical and religious significance.

Historical Significance:

The temple was constructed in the 12th century CE by the Hoysalas.
It is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Geographical and Puranic Significance:

Koodli Village is known as the birthplace of the Tungabhadra River, and it’s often referred to as the “Varanasi of the south” due to its spiritual importance.
The temple holds a belief that the image of Chintamani Narasimha Swamy was originally installed and worshiped by Prahlada, a significant figure in Hindu mythology.

Architectural Features:

The Chintamani Narasimha Swamy Temple faces east and is adorned with a three-tiered rajagopuram (main entrance tower).
In front of the rajagopuram, there’s a Deepa Sthamba (lamp post), a Dhwaja Sthambam (flagstaff), and a Balipeedam (sacrificial platform).
The temple complex includes a sanctum, vestibule, and sabha mandapa (assembly hall).
The sabha mandapa has three entrance porches, located on the northern, southern, and eastern sides. Each porch is adorned with intricate architectural details.
Inside the sanctum, the presiding deity, Chintamani Narasimha Swamy, is represented in the form of a saligrama image of Lord Vishnu.
The sanctum is crowned with a vesara-style superstructure (shikara), reflecting the unique architectural style of the region.

The Chintamani Narasimha Swamy Temple in Koodli not only serves as a place of worship but also stands as a testament to the rich cultural, religious, and geographical heritage of the area. It is a site of historical and spiritual significance.