Yoga Narasimha Temple, Melukote

As you near Melukote tower of the Yoga Narasimha temple is visible from a distance. It took us 10 minutes drive from Cheluvaraya Temple to the base of this temple. It is better not to criticize the condition of roads here. Lot of vendors at the foothill insisted us to leave our foot wears with them saying from here onward one has to walk barefoot. Not believing in their authority we started ascending 200 and odd steps leading to the temple. On the way up one could see the famed Kalyani of Melukote on the left side. Even though the climb was steep and tiresome, doable nonetheless.

Perched upon the rocky hills this temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha. It is believed idol of deity Narasimha was put up by Prahlada, son of Hiranyakashipu. Narasimha (human torso and lion face) is one of the fiery Avatars (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu to destroy evil and restore goodness on earth.  The story of Bhakta Prahlada is known to all and sundry. In this temple idol of Narasimha is seated in a Yoga Padmasana position, hence the name Yoga Narasimha. The temple is counted one among the seven important religious places dedicated to Lord Narasimha.

Some kind of renovation work was under progress in and around the temple. The carved pillars and ceilings are of Hoysala architecture. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple as it is a common practice in all the living temples. We were unable to see the huge drum donated by Tipu Sultan or the bell donated by Mysore Parakalamatha. Because of the restoration outer part was heavily barricaded leaving us no choice but to return to the nearby view point.

We found a shaded place to lounge upon to enjoy the vista of tiny houses mostly of nearby village, green cultivated fields, small water bodies, and rolling hills. Mid afternoon heat had no effects when the cool breeze blew incessantly. We shamelessly eavesdropped to the conversation of young crowd who bunked classes to be here. And couldn't help but wonder why anything gives you happiness or pleasure is disapproved in our society. From here our conversation went uphill until someone reminded us about the must-eat Melukote food. Mere mention of the food intensified our hunger to the point we had to bid adieu to the place.

Temple Darshana Timings:
9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
5:30 PM to 8:00 PM