Melukote is more than a temple town—it is a spiritual adventure set amidst heritage, faith, and age-old beauty.
Melukote Cheluvanarayan Swamy Temple
Located in the Mandya district of Karnataka, Melukote is a peaceful hill town famous for the ancient Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple. Vaishnavites from all over the country revere it is the one of the most sacred sites in South India. The temple is steeped in history, distinctive in architecture, and potent in spiritual power.
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Melukote Temple History
- The Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple, is deeply rooted in the association of Sri Ramanujacharya, the Vaishnavite saint of the 11th century.
He spent more than 12 years in this place propounding the philosophy of Vishishtadvaita.- God of the temple, Cheluvanarayana Swamy (Avatar of Lord Vishnu), is revered with enormous devotion.
- Utsava murti or procession idol as Sampath Kumara.
Architecture
The temple exhibits the Dravidian style of architecture. Situated on a hilltop, it has
Gigantic stone pillars
Exquisite carvings on doorways
Large courtyard with serene surroundings
Sacred Pushkarini (temple tank)
Exquisitely carved gopuram (tower)
Distance from Bangalore
This is approximately 150 km from Bangalore.
It will takes around 3.5 to 4 hours by road.
Easiest Way to Reach From Bangalore:
By Car/Taxi:
Route: Bangalore → Mandya → Chaluvnarayan Temple-Melukote
Smooth and scenic State Highway drive.
By Train:
Take a train from Bangalore to Mandya.
From Mandya, you can take a cab or local bus (about 35 km).
By Bus:
KSRTC buses to Mandya.
Local buses or autos from Mandya to Melukote.
Near By Attractions
Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple – Sited on a hill close to Cheluvanarayana Temple. A brief climb is rewarded with spiritual atmosphere and a good view.
Pushkarini (Kalyani Tank) – A holy water tank with steps surrounding it, employed in temple rituals.
Melukote Raya Gopura – An incomplete yet grand gopura building; good for photography.
Thondanur – Only 15 km, famous for ancient Jain and Vishnu temples.
Srirangapatna – Approximately 50 km away, famous for Tipu Sultan’s fort and Ranganathaswamy Temple.
