Goravanahalli Sri Mahalakshmi Temple – Karnataka
Address
Goravanahalli Sri Mahalakshmi Temple – Karnataka
Goravanahalli,
Tumkur District,
Karnataka 572129
Amman
Sri Mahalakshmi
Introduction
Location:
- Located in Goravanahalli, Tumkur District, Karnataka, the Goravanahalli Mahalakshmi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity.
- The temple also houses the deities of Goddess Marikamba and Manchala Nagappa (the snake god).
- The temple is set amidst lush greenery and is in close proximity to the Theetha Reservoir, which is built for the Suvarnamukhi River, adding to the scenic beauty of the area.
Puranic Significance:
- The main idol of Goddess Mahalakshmi in the temple is believed to be self-manifested (Swayambhu).
- According to local history, in the early 1900s, a villager named Abbayya came into possession of this idol. He worshipped it at home and experienced blessings of wealth and prosperity. His house was subsequently called Lakshmi Nivas.
- Thotadappa, Abbayya’s brother, also worshipped the Goddess. One night, Goddess Mahalakshmi appeared in Thotadappa’s dream and instructed him to build a temple. Thotadappa built the temple and started worshipping the idol there.
- After Thotadappa’s death, Chowdavya continued the poojas. However, the temple was abandoned for several years.
- In 1925, a devotee named Kamalamma found the temple in a neglected state and revived the pooja rituals. After leaving the temple for a year, she returned in 1952 and re-established the temple, making it a pilgrimage site for devotees of Goddess Mahalakshmi.
Special Features:
- The Goravanahalli Sri Mahalakshmi Temple is a beautiful example of South Indian temple architecture from the 1900s.
- The temple has a large, multicolored Gopuram (entrance tower) with smaller arches on both sides and verandahs on either side of the temple.
- The main deity, Goddess Mahalakshmi, is housed in the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum).
- Other important deities in the temple include Nag Dev (Snake God) and Goddess Marikamba.
Festivals:
- The Lakshadeepotsava is the most significant festival celebrated at this temple. It is a grand festival involving the lighting of lamps and other rituals in honor of Goddess Mahalakshmi. This festival attracts a large number of devotees and is celebrated with great devotion and fervor.
References
https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com
Century/Period
500-1000 Years Old
Nearest Bus Station
Gorvanahalli
Nearest Railway Station
Tumkur Station
Nearest Airport
Bangalore