District: Gadag
Town: Ramenahalli
Temple: Venkateshwara Temple
Venkateshwara Temple
Venkateshwara Temple – Overview
The Lord Venkateshwara temple is located in the Ramenahalli Taluk which lies in the district of Gadag. It is believed that Lord Rama along with Lakshmana came here on his way to Sri Lanka. This is how the place got its name. About 250 years ago, a black stone statue of Shri Venkateshwara was found here. It was around this time that the Mrudagiri Maharaja built the temple.
Venkateshwara Temple– Mythology
As per mythological studies, the king of Mrudagiri built the temple and gave it to the Katti family who performed regular poojas and worshipped the lord. The family was also given some land around the village. Lord Rama and Lakshmana visited the place on their way to Sri Lanka and this is how the place got the name Ramenahalli.
Venkateshwara Temple – Architecture
The Hoysalas encouraged art and architecture. The Venkateshwara temple has beautiful stone carvings of gods and goddesses and it is a superb example of the Dravidian type of temple architecture. There have a been a number of dynasties like the Cholas of Tanjore, Pallavas of Kanchipuram, Chiefs of Vijayanagara and the Pandyas of Madurai who have encouraged the artisans. A gopuram or tower is the main centre of attraction in any South Indian temple.
Venkateshwara Temple–Religious Significance
The single stone statue faces the East direction. It is said that on the day of Ugadi, the rays of the sun fall directly on Lord Venkateshwara’s crown. The temple built of stone has three parts: The garbhagriha, a pond and a Garuda pillar. The Banyan tree which is the Ashwath Vruksha which is about 300 years old lies within the temple. The family of Katti has been worshipping Lord Venkateshwara since the last 200 years. Vijayadashmi is celebrated with great pomp and splendour. The Shami Vruksha is worshipped every evening and devotees who pray with pure mind and heart get what they desire.
How to Get to Venkateshwara Temple
There are three different routes for getting to the Ramenahalli temple. There are State Transport buses that operate between Gadag and Ramenahalli. Similarly, there are private bus operators from Hubli, Gadag, and Hassan. Passenger trains ply between Bangalore, Mangalore and Hassan. The closest airport is either Hubli or Bangalore. Hassan does not have an airport, hence you need to reach Hassan by rail or road and then hire a private van or take a bus to Gadag. September and October are good months to visit, taking the weather into account.
Also See: