On a personal visit for a Upanayana Function in Mysuru, we decided to explore some Devalayas enroute and what we discovered was far more than what we had bargained for. This 5 part piece has common introduction including this paragraph and you can access details of those temples here by clicking the appropriate links:
- Kengal Anjaneya Swami Temple, Kengal
- Sri Aprameya Swamy Temple (Ambegal Krishna), Malur, Channapatna
- Sri Hole Anjaneya Swamy Temple & Sri Varaprasada Srinivasa Madhwacharya Temple, Maddur (this article)
- Sri Ugra Narasimha Swamy Temple, Maddur
- Sri Vaidyanatheshwara Gudi, Maddur
It was a virtual rewind to different Era, each temple belonging to different reigns and the Architectural marvels of Hoysalas, Gangas, Cholas and Vijayanagara Empires in its resplendent best was on display (mention of the sequence of Kingdoms are not chronological but geographical as we drove from Bengaluru). Based on my discussions with the locals and also with the Temple Authorities and Archakas, I have tried to indicate the significance of each temple in brief. As always, open to feedback, suggestions and corrections
Shri Hole Anjaneya Swami Temple
Prathamo Hanuman Nama
Dwitheeyo Bheema eva cha
Poornapragna Treetiyasthu
Bhagavat Karya Saadakaha
Situated on the banks of River Shimsa in Maddur, Mandya District, Shri Hole Anjaneya Swami Temple is one of the important Punyasthala in the region. There is a school of thought that Maddur is derived from the fact that Maddu (Gun Powder) for Cannons of the Kings were stored here. However, the palm leaf containing the sthala-purana had been examined by Archaeological Department. Maddur is referred to as Arjunapuri and also Kadambakshetra There are two inscriptions in the Narasimha temple and one is dated in 1150 A D. Another at the outer entrance has been set down to the 10th century. In the inscriptions, Maddur is called Marudur and also Narashimha-chaturvedimangala. Thus it goes on to prove that Maddur is derived either from Marudur or Madduramma.
Set in a quiet and green environs, Shri Anjaneya was consecrated by Shri Shripadarajaru & Shri Vyasaraja about 600 years ago.
The temple was built by Vijayanagara Dynasty rule under the guidance of Shri Vyasateetharu who is believed to have consecrated 732 Anjaneya Murties out of which this is an important one. It is said that Anjaneya is in Jagrutavasta (state of wakefulness) in this temple. Another and the specialty of the Murti in this temple is that it is Avathaarathraya Hanuman, representative of Hanuman Avataras in 3 Yugas-in Treta Yuga as Hanuman, servant of Bhagwan Shri Rama, in Dwapara Yuga as Bhima, servant of Bhagwan Shri Krishna and in Kaliyuga as Shri Madhwacharya. Anjaneya here has a bell in the tail and a hair knot, one hand has Sougandika Flower representing Bhima and has two fingers extended, signifying Dvaita Siddhanta of Shri Madhwacharya, a bell in the tail and a knot (tuft) in His hair (this is a signature representation of Shri Vyasaraja’s Anjaneya).
The locals here (a shopkeeper, an old timer of the villages) says it is a legend that the Murti of Anjaneyas has increased about half inch in the past 10-12 years or so. Another unique phenomenon that the locals experienced was during Shri Rama Navami in the year 2004 when after the temple doors were shut after in the night, sounds of bells, Shankha, Jagante and Nagare (drums) were heard. This phenomenon repeated again during the Lunar Eclipse of 2011 when Temple Doors were closed.
Taking a sankalpa with Rs 1.25 (25 paise coin kept in a plate in the temple) along with your Kanike (whatever we want to add), and doing a 6 rounds of Pradakshina, makes your wish come true. Many cases of success despite severe obstacles for marriage, court cases, jobs, conception etc have been seen here after taking a vow and making a wish is done. Once the wish is fulfilled, it is expected to go back to the temple and make an offering as decided during the vow as a mark of Gratitude.
Shri Varaprasada Srinivasa Temple
New addition in the complex, is Varaprada Shri Srinivasa Temple dedicated to Shri Venkateshwara. While we were visiting some construction activities were underway.
An unique part of the temple complex is an Sannidhi for exquisite Murties of Dasas Sampradaya saints – Shri Vijayadasaru, Shri Kanakadasaru, Shri Purandaradasaru, Shri Prasanna Venkatadasaru and Shri Gopaladasaru.
Navagarahas in sitting posture is another unique feature in the Varaprasada Srinivasa Temple
Click here for driving directions and Google map Location to the temple
Jai Bajrang Bali | Namo Anjaneya
Venkataramana Govinda Govinda
