Melukote - A magical experience

Melukote houses the most powerful, well-known form of Lord Vishnu, Sri Narasimhadeva. It is located in Mandya district and is about 140 km from Bangalore, Karnataka.

To have darshan of Yoga Narasimha, pilgrims tirelessly climb several steps. One reaching the top, it's astonishing to see the scintillating, evergreen town from the sky-high abode. One gets to experience the serenity and beauty of the temple bountifully.
Once in the proximity of the deity, the anxiousness to see and be seen by the Lord is on every face. In a few minutes, the magnificent form of the Lord is seen with His huge round eyes, garlanded heavily with fragrant flowers, just after a grand Abhishekam. He is in a yogic posture which is why the name Yoga Narasimha. Once, you get a jerk, a push, it is a sign to move on and let others get the blissful experience that you just did. Having been there several times, we've managed to find a spot of permanence where we get to take darshan to our heart's content. Once you come out, on the Parikrama path, there are footprints of Sri Ramanuja Acharya which is greatly worshipped.

Another must-visit place in Melukote is the Cheluvanarayana Temple which is below the hill. The form of the Lord here is extremely captivating and graceful, especially his lotus-shaped eyes. Another deity within this temple complex is that of Sampath Kumar (Utsava Murti of the Lord Cheluvanarayana) which was worshipped by Bibi Nachiyar, a Muslim girl whose pastime is yet another mind-blowing tale.

Apart from these, a few popular places in Melukote are the Kalyani, Dhanushkoti, Raya Gopura, and Veda Pushkarini which are the epitome of beauty. This abode of Yoga Narasimha has a unique, unforgettable vibe and is a must-visit for every person eager to experience the wonders of South India!