Sri Lakshmi Janardana Swamy Temple – Karnataka
Address
Sri Lakshmi Janardana Swamy Temple – Karnataka
Chikmagalur,
Sringeri Rd, Basarikatte,
Karnataka 577114
Moolavar
Sri Janardhana
Amman
Sridevi and bhudevi
Introduction
- The Sri Lakshmikantha Janardhana Swamy Temple is a Vishnu temple located at Basarikatte, on the Sringeri Road in Karnataka.
- The temple is situated 1 km from the Sringeri Bus Stand, within the Sharada Peetham Complex, and is located to the left of the Vidya Shankara Temple.
- It is believed to be 1500 years old and holds historical significance as part of the Sri Matha Gururparamapara.
Puranic Significance:
- The temple was established by Sri Jnanaghanacharya in the 14th century, during the Vijayanagara period.
- The main deity is Janardhana, an incarnation of Vishnu, who is said to destroy the cycle of janma (birth) brought about by avidya (ignorance) and bestows the awareness of identity with the Lord.
- The temple houses an ancient Sudarshana Chakra, which plays a significant role in the temple’s rituals.
- Janardhana is depicted with four arms holding a chakra, abhaya mudra, varada mudra, and gadha, flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi on either side. The idol is intricately carved in granite and adorned with a prabhavali.
- Abhishekam is performed annually on Krishna Ashtami day, with daily pavamana abhishekam performed for the Vishnu saligrama.
Beliefs:
- The temple is believed to offer relief to devotees from incurable diseases, sorcery, enemies, and other misfortunes. Worshipping the temple’s yantras is said to ward off potential dangers and accidents.
Special Features:
- Sudarshana Chakra: A large circular copper yantra (approximately 3 feet in diameter) is placed in the anantarala (a small hall before the sanctum). The Sudarshana Chakra is a powerful divine weapon of Lord Vishnu, used to annihilate evil forces and restore righteousness. It is also a symbol of protection, tranquility, and the dispelling of enmity and psychological issues.
- The temple also houses several other shrines:
- A shrine dedicated to Adi Shankaracharya.
- A shrine dedicated to Sri Sureshwaracharya, located to the right of the Sarada Temple.
- A shrine to Sri Bala Subrahmanya near the bathing Ghat.
Sudarshana Chakra (Yantra):
- Sudarshana Chakra represents a powerful protective force, constructed from the pure flame of the sun. It is a dynamic yantra that shields the worshipper from negative energies, illness, misfortune, and danger.
- The Maha Sudarshan Yantra is considered a highly protective talisman. Devotees who worship the Sudarshana Chakra visualize themselves within a sacred circle of sun-fire, providing safety and protection from harm.
- One of the key functions of the Sudarshana Chakra is to cleanse and uplift human consciousness, dispelling evil and fostering spiritual growth.
Festivals:
- Every Pournami: Sri Satyanarayana Puja is performed.
- Chatra (March-April): Shukla Dasami Hanumanutsava is celebrated with special rituals, including pavamana abhishekam, alankara, and offerings of a betel leaves garland to Lord Hanuman.
- The name Janardhana is one of the 1,000 names of Vishnu found in the Vishnu Sahasranama and is significant in the temple’s worship.
Century/Period
14th century
Nearest Bus Station
Chikkamagaluru
Nearest Railway Station
Chikkamagaluru
Nearest Airport
Mangalore