Melukote is a famous piligrimage center situated in Mandya district, Karnataka. This place is also known as Thirunarayanapuram, Yadavagiri or Yadugiri nestled in the Cauvery river valley. From Mysore it is a 55 kilometers drive. As we drive from Mysuru to the temple town, the scenery changes from lush green paddy fields to flat lands with rocky hills looming from either sides. A turn on a winding road up the hill into the town will surprise you with a beautiful clear lake glistening in the sun. It is an ideal spot for a picnic.
Two temples reside in this town, one on the foothills and the other on top of the hill:
- The one on the foothill is dedicated to Lord Thirunarayana or Cheluvanarayana.
- The temple on top of the hill is dedicated to Lord Yoga Narasimha.
In the twelfth century the great Srivaishnava saint Ramanujacharya lived here for more than 14 years. These temples existed even before Sri Ramanujacharya came to this place.
There are three ponds in the town, two on the foothills and another on top of the hill.
- Akka kola
- Tangi kola
- Pancha Kalyani kola
The Pancha Kalyani kola has beautiful stone carved pillared mantaps (pendals) surrounding the pond.
Melkote is home to the famous Academy of Sanskrit research center, which was established in 1853. The residents of this town are mainly Mandyam Iyengars (followers of Ramanujacharya) and hence the famous Puliyogare (a sweet, sour and spicy Rice preparation with crispy groundnuts) gojju (concoction) is available in the small hotels/mess, which is run by Iyengars. This can be stored for more than a month and when mixed with plain white cooked rice, Puliyogare will be ready to eat.
Place Statistics:
Type of place: Pilgrimage center
Situated: Mandya District, Pandavpura Taluk
Distance: 55 Kms from Mysuru
Type of Transport: Well connected by Bus, private taxis
Facilities: Many small hotels serve tasty food, Choultries/Community centers serve free food every day, cheap, safe and clean staying options are available with minimum facilities. Pay and use rest room is provided
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Can I be informed if any contact tel nos of the temple would be available? This is to know the temple timings and also to know, when would be the first bus to Bangalore?
Hello Bhagwan,
I am sorry I do not have this information. I will make sure I jot down the timings the next time I visit Melkote.
Regards,
Shantha