Thursday, January 11, 2024

Venugopala Swamy Temple – A 12th Century Marvel in Mysore District Karnataka - Our Visit in Jan 2024

 The Venugopala Swamy temple, bearing the Hoysala style of architecture was built in the 12th century CE at a place called Kannambadi Village near Mysuru.

It was built around the same time as the Chennakesava Temple at Somanathapura was built, in the Mysuru district. 

The huge temple complex was submerged while building a dam – Krishnaraja Sagara dam in 1930, along with Kannambadi village. 

The dam was built at the new kannambadi village, which stores the Kaveri river and helps in irrigating millions of agricultural land. 

How to reach there?

The Venugopala Swamy temple is a must-see place for all, and it is located at Hosakannambadi Village – 9 km by road from Brindavan Gardens and 30 km from Mysuru city. One has to spend at least couple of hours to observe and relishing the beauty of the temple. Taxis can be hired to visit the place from Mysuru city.

About the Temple Main Shrines circled by smaller shrines

Venugopala Swamy Temple is a beautiful and serene spot which is not known to many. Venugopala Swamy Temple was originally a 12th-century temple built by the Hoysalas.

However, it was submerged when the KRS Dam was built. It used to resurface whenever the water level in the dam used to drop.

Mesmerizing beauty with the deities touched my soul.  The main deity of Sri Venugopala Swamy has a divine pull that you can feel inside the temple.  

The main sanctum is circled by smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha,  followed by Goddess Andal, Rukmini and Satyabama and smaller shrines for rivers like Godavari, Thungabadra, Kaveri, Bhramaputra, and others,  followed by Astha Lakshmies,  Sri Adi Lakshmi, Gaja Lakshmi, Santana Lakshmi, Danya Lakshmi, Dana Lakshmi, Dyraya Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi, Vidya Lakshmi.    

The smaller shines also include Nava Grahas’ including sun (Surya), moon (Chandra), Mars (Mangala), Mercury (Budha), Jupiter (Brihaspati), Venus (Shukra), Saturn (Shani), Rahu (north node of the moon), and Ketu (south node of the moon)

Further to this, there are shrines for Dasavatharams  that include Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parasurama, Rama, Krishna, Budha and Kalki.

The temple also has photographs of the originally built temple that was submerged in the river and later on with the help of local artisans and public, the now standing beautiful temple is in place

Outside the main temple, you will find a beautiful Ratha (Chariot) on the banks of River Cauveri.   The backwaters of River Cauveri and Krishnaraja Sagar Dam is a sight of beauty and picturesque.   You will find many tourists enjoying the breeze and the beauty of this place.

Must visit if you are visiting Brindavan Gardens in Mysuru.  We loved being there and I hope you will also find this place interesting and enjoyable. 

Important Information

·       Open for Devotees/Tourists between 9AM to 6 PM

·       Videography / Photography / Drone cameras are strictly prohibited. You can use mobile phone outside the temple (Inside temple premises strictly prohibited)

·       Devotees/Tourists are suggested to maintain cleanliness, sanctity and serenity of the temple

·       Though there are a few shops selling bottled mineral water and light snacks nearby, it is better to carry water and other light snacks/ drinks for consumption outside the temple premises.

·       Consumption of any kind of food and beverages are strictly prohibited in and around the temple premises

·       Tourists/Devotees are strictly advised not to litter the place

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venugopala_Swamy_Temple


Few pictures from our trip:









 

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