Melukote is located in the Mandya district of Karnataka. It is considered a highly sacred place in South India. Melukote lies at a distance of 51 kms from Mysore and 133 kms from Bangalore. It is in the Pandavapura taluka and famous for the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple.
Melukote Gateway. Image courtesy Theconspired
History of Melukote
It is believed that the saint Ramanuja stayed here for 12 years and it thus became a prominent location for Brahmins.
Sightseeing in and around Melukote
There are many places of interest for tourists in this town in Mandya.
Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple: It is the most important temple in Mandya. Dedicated to Lord Cheluva-Narayana Swamy, the temple is also frequented by the Kings of Mysore. The temple has an exquisite collection of the jewels. There are three crowns presented to the temple which are kept in safe custody and brought out on special occasions.
Cheluvarayaswami Temple, Melukote Image courtesy: Dineshkannambadi
It is located on the top of the Yadugiri hills and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. People belonging to the Vaishnava community consider it an important shrine. The Goddess in the temple is Yadugiri Nachiyar.
It is believed that Lord Rama visited the temple and worshiped here. Vairamudi Sevam is a famous festival celebrated at the temple during March-April. During this festival, the idol is taken for a procession after wearing a diamond crown.
Yoga Narasimha Temple: There is a famous temple located on the top of the hill. The attractive temple is dedicated to the Lord Yoga Narasimha. The King of Mysore had presented a gold crown to the Lord.
Yoga Narasimha Temple, Melukote. Image courtesy: Philanthropist 1
Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary: Melkote is famous for a wildlife sanctuary which initially only housed wolves. It now has leopard, jungle cats, langur, bonnet macaque and pangolin. There are more than 200 bird species which makes it a delight for bird watchers.
How to Reach Melkote
By Air
Melukote is only 133 kms from Bangalore, which is the nearest airport.
By Rail
Mysore is the closest railway station at a distance of 51 kms from the town
By Road
It has a road network with regular buses plying from Bangalore and Mysore.