The ancient Sri Nadi Narasimha Swami Temple is situated on the banks of the River Kanva. It is located six kilometres from Channapatna in the Ramanagara district of Karnataka. The temple is dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha and is named so because it is situated on a river bank. The word ‘Nadi’ means river in Kannada. The Lord here removes the people’s woes, particularly concerning property issues. The temple stands in the countryside amidst agricultural fields. Apart from the Bidar Narasimha Swamy temple in Karnataka, this temple too holds great significance.
Sri Nadi Narasimha Swami Temple History
The antiquity of the Sri Nadi Narasimha Swami temple dates back to more than a thousand years. As per history, the river that was once called Nirmala assumed the name Kanva River after sage Kanva performed severe penance here. Legends state that King Saraangadaara, who then ruled the region, wished to witness the worship offered by Sage Kanva to the Lord on Swati Nakshatra. Despite the sage’s refusal, the king appeared during the prayers. The infuriated sage cursed the king. His wrath destroyed the entire village, too. However, according to the direction of Lord Narasimha owing to the local people’s devotion, Sage Kanva built a temple on the river bank. So came the Sri Nadi Narasimha Swami temple. However, the river is seasonal, and the water level depends on the rainfall.
Nadi Narasimha Swami Temple Architecture
Sri Nadi Narasimha Swami temple is a small one facing east. The temple sports a single dome in the Dravidian style. Statuettes of Lord Vishnu and other goddesses adorn the temple tower or the gopuram. The Vimana, or the structure over the sanctum sanctum, features a central dome surrounded by statuettes of deities, demons, humans, animals, etc. In front of the sanctum is a pillared mantapa or a hall. The temple complex has a prakara or enclosure with a side entrance. The main entrance of the temple faces the river. According to the beliefs, the temple also has an underground tunnel, which runs from Abbur to the shrine’s main entrance. Abbur is the place where the palace of King Saraangadaara once stood. The king used to visit the temple through this underground tunnel. There are still the remains of this tunnel as per local beliefs.
The idol of the Lord in Nadi Narasimha Swamy temple is made of black stone. The Lord in the sanctum sports a moustache. He has his consort, Goddess Lakshmi, seated in his lap.
Worship in Nadi Narasimha Swami temple
People worship Lord Nadi Narasimha Swamy for good health, long life, progeny, and prosperity. They also offer prayers to Lord Narasimha here for the settlement of property-related issues. Devotees circumambulate the Nadi Narasimha Swamy temple forty-eight times, chanting the moola mantra. They then tie unhusked coconuts to two iron rods to fulfil their wishes.
Nadi Narasimha Swamy Temple Timings
The Nadi Narasimha Swamy temple timings are from 8 AM to 12.30 PM and 3 PM to 6 PM.
How to reach Nadi Narasimha Swamy temple
Nadi Narasimha Swami temple is 72 kilometres from Bangalore, off the Bangalore – Mysore highway.
By road
You can either drive down from Bangalore or take a bus to the Nadi Narasimha temple. Many KSRTC buses and private buses ply to Channapatna, from Which you can take an auto to the temple.
By train
The nearest railway station to the Nadi Narasimha Swami temple is the Channapatna Railway Station. Once you reach the station, you can take an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
To conclude, one should visit Sri Nadi Narasimha Swami temple to be free of their woes and to fulfill their wishes.