Channapatna

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 (it opens in a new window):

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 (with credit). The temples we were blessed to visit are in sequence indicated above in the list:

Sri Aprameya Swamy Temple (Ambegal Krishna)

History has it that the temple of Aprameya was built by the Ganga Dynasty of Talakadu and later renovated and restored in the 11th century by Chola Emperor Rajendra Simha. The temple is named after the Chola general Aprameya. The temple situated on the banks of River Kanva (it gets its name after Maharshi Kanva) is in Dodda Mallur, a village on the National Highway 275 (Bengaluru – Mysore) about 60 km from Bengaluru on the left as we drive towards Mysuru. The river bed constitutes almost th entire village and hence the name Mallur (a general usage form of Maralu Ooru = Village of Sand). Another legend has it that Aprameya as dismembered by enemies and thrown into River Kanva, he floats in the river and lands up in front of the Deity and prays. To his utter shock he finds the limb growing back and thus the village is called Molacha Ooru (place where it grew) which over a period of time became Malluru.

The imposing 5-Tiered Rajagopura (Entrance Tower) cannot be missed from the highway. Unique feature and the Architectural wonder of the entire temple is that it is built on the Sand, without any strong reinforced foundation (Brihadeeswarar Temple of Tanjavur is also believed to have been constructed in this manner). It is a protected ancient monument by Archeological Survey of India

Lord Aprameya finds a mention in the 12 chapters of Kshetram Mahatmya Kanda of Brahmanda Purana

Temple

The main Deities of this temple are Shri Ramaprameya Swamy, Shri Aravindavalli (His Consort) and Ambegalu Navaneeta Krishna (crawling Krishna). It is also called Dakshina Ayodhya since it is believed that Bhagawan Rama stayed and worshipped Shri Aprameya during his search for Maate Sita and hence the Deity is also called Shri Ramaprameya.

Shri Aprameya Murti is made of Saligrama and is immeasurable (a-prameya) by any material means . The Murti of Chaturbhuja Narayana in standing posture has the trademark symbols of Shanka (conch), Chakra (discus) in the two hands above and Padma (lotus) & Gadha (mace) in the lower ones.

**Sri Ramaprameya**
Picture Courtesy: WanderingHeritage Blog Page

Shri Aravindavalli (Mahalakshmi is known by this name here), named so because She appeared to Vishnu seated on the Lotus in the Pushkarni (Vishnu Tirtha) to the North-West of the Temple. She is also in Chaturbhuja form, with upper hands holding Lotus and the bottom ones in Varada and Abhaya Mudras. There are upadevalayas for Andal and Saint Vedanta Desikar in the same sanctum sanctorum

**Shri Anandavalli Thayar**
Picture Courtesy: Divya Desam

The idol of Ambegalu (crawling on Knees pose) Navaneetha Krishna with butter in His Right hand and crawling with support of His Left hand, is supposed to be the only one of Krishna in this posture and He is glorious crawling on Garuda Peetha. The Murti is so attractive, with an innocent face, sparklig eyes and alankara by the Archaka was just like how we do to a human child. The Baby also had Vyagra Nakha (Tiger Nail) to ward of evil eyes. The Murti was installed by Sage Vyasateertharu, Guru of Krishna Devaraya and Dwaita Philosopher.

**Ambegalu Navaneeta Krishna** (with Alankara)
Picture Courtesy: Facebook Page of Templepurohit.com

Purandaradasa was enchanted with the beauty of this Murti and instantly composed and sangt the famous Kriti “Jagadodharana Adisidalu Yashode” was composed by most prominent composer of Carnatic music Purandaradasa in appreciation of the beauty of this idol.

Childless couple will be blessed with progeny whatever complications they have, when they undertake a vow here and upon birth of a child they return to offer Cradle made of Wood/Silver/Gold as per the vow, evident by the number of cradles hanging in the precincts. Many experienced astrologers recommend this place as the first choice to pray for conception.

**Exquitiste carved Pillars is a features in the whole temple**

**View of the Rajagopura from Inside of the Temple**

Click here for driving directions and Google map Location to the temple

Hare Krishna!
Gopika Jeevana Samaranam – Govinda Govinda

Sri Kengal Anjaneya Swamy Temple

**Ratanalankrita Shri Kengal Anjaneya Swami**
PC: Someshu, Bengaluru (sourced from WWW)

This Hoysala era temple is located on the National Highway-275, and just before Channapatna while driving from Bengaluru, about 5 kms after Ramanagara.

The name Kengal Anjaneya Swamy comes from use of red-rock stone to carve the Murti (Kempu = Red, Kallu = Stone). The murti is 5.5 tall since it is made of natural red stone appears as if it is smeared with Sindhoora. It is believed that Hanuman after liberating Jatayu Pakshi, was tired and had consumed Rakta Chandana and decides to stay here. Another unique feature of this Murti is that Anjaneya has a moustache. The tail of Anjaneya has a Bell and on the left side is Sougandika Flower. Sri Vyasa Thirtha, Guru of Krishna Devaraya, consecrated this Swayambhu Murti in 16th century. A Hoysala era Temple which was subsequently renovated and improved by former CM of Karnataka, late Shri Kengal Hanumanthaiah, the Main Deity Anjaneya here is in standing posture and it is believed that the Murti is growing every year and His direction is changing rightwards (from the North towards East). On the first day of Uttarayana i.e. Makara Sankaranti day, sun rays directly falls on Anjaneya. It is believed that offering 12 Pradakshine to Anjaneya will result in all wishes getting fulfilled