Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is located at the banks of River Bhadra in the industrial town of Bhadravati, Shimoga district, Karnataka. The presiding deity is Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy avatar of Sri Vishnu, known as the protector of humankind and destroyer of demons and evil spirits. Other deities installed are Sri Krishna, Lord Purushottama, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Sharadamba deity.
Bhadravathi is a 13th-century city of the Hoysala kingdom. Bhadravati is famous for its tourist destinations like Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhadra Dam, Gondi, Kenchammanna Gudda and Gangur.
Paper mills and iron and steel factories are in industrial city or Steel Town in Shivamogga District of Karnataka. Bhadravati got its name from the river Bhadra that runs through the city. It was previously known as Benkipura or Venkipura, which in English means city of fire and before Benki Pattana.
Bhadravati Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Timings:
Morning: 6.00 AM to 12.30 PM
Evening: 6.30 pm to 9.00 pm
Bhadravati Narasimha Swamy Temple History:
Bhadravathi Narasimha Temple is an 800 year old temple. The temple’s carvings also feature the 13th-century daily lifestyle, as well as images of musicians and dancers. The temple was built by Sir M Vishweshwaraiah, grandson of a prominent Hoysala monarch, Vishnuvardhana.
There is a popular myth related to the formation of the small town of Bhadravathi. It is believed that here Sri Vishnu in the avatar of Varaha, ie. the boar, saved Bhudevi the Goddess of Earth. She was held captive under the sea by the demon king Hirayankasha. According to the Holy Scriptures, when Varaha lifted the earth with his two fangs, the Tunga and Bhadra River were formed.
Bhadravati Narasimha Temple Significance:
- The statue of Lord Narasimha is in a relaxed position, protecting his devotee Parhlada.
- Lakshmi Narasimha temple comes in a threefold form, known as Vimana. While one of the shrines faces south, the other two face north and west.
- Soapstone was used to build the temple. If you touch the walls there is a soap sensation and the stone is very soft.
- There is a flag pole, known as a dwajasthambam, right in front of the temple.
- The temple stands on an elevated platform, known as a jagati. About a meter high, this platform was used by devotees to pradakshin the temple. In the form of Hoysala architecture, there is no specific path to Parakshin temple.
- The temple also has special pillars, called lathe pillars, as well as parapets. This type of shiny black pillar defines the architectural style of 11th and 13th century Hoysala architecture. The pillars of the tower not only enhance the beauty of the temple but also support the roof of the great temple.
- The interior wall of the temple has been kept plain and simple, while the exterior wall is star-shaped or nakshatra-shaped, providing enough space and room for decoration.
- The outer wall has two viscera. The first eve consists of small towers displaying miniature decorations on pilasters, called aedicule.
- The second series of vespers is followed by a panel engraved with images of deities and a set of moldings.
- The Star Tower is another special form of Hoysala architecture. The tower was adorned with processes and recesses throughout the tower. It looks more like a flute from a distance. The levels of the tower gradually decrease in height to form an umbrella.
- Lord Krishna playing the flute and a man with a serpent.
- The temple’s central hall is unique with no windows and is connected to the other shrines.
- There is a slab inscribed in Kannada in the temple which shows the details of the construction.
Bhadravati Narasimha Temple Festivals:
Annual festivals are celebrated Twice a year during Uttarayana and Dakshinayana.
Buddha Purnima celebrated for seven days.
Durgashtami, Vijayadashami, Dussera, Navaratri and Vaikunta Ekadasi.
How to Reach Bhadravati Narasimha Temple:
By Air: Hubli domestic airport is the nearest airport (229 km), Mangalore is 194 km,
Bangalore is 303 km and Belgaum is 321 km.
By Road:
All KSRTC buses from Bangalore to Shimoga stop here at Bhadravati. The trip will take about six hours. From Shimoga one can book a taxi or take a KSRTC bus to reach the temple.
By Rail:
The Birur-Bangalore railway line crosses this city. Apart from this, many trains from Bangalore to Shimoga also stop at Bhadravati. Another option would be to take a train to Birur and change to a bus/train heading to Bhadravati.
Bhadravati Narasimha Temple Address:
Kanaka Nagar,
Bhadravathi,
Karnataka – 577301.
