Built during the Hoysala period, Yoga Narasimha Temple at Melukote in the Mandya district of Karnataka is a sacred shrine for the Hindus. Hoysalas were a powerful south Indian dynasty which ruled from 11th to 14th century AD.
Standing on a hill at a height of 1777 metres above the sea level, the shrine is dedicated to the Narasimha, incarnation of Vishnu. Tradition has it that the idol of Narsimha in this temple was installed by Prahalad, the pious son of the demon Hiranyakasipu.
Hiranyakasipu had obtained a boon from Brahma ensuring that he could not be killed either by day or night by god, man or beast. As Hiranyakasipu was now safeguarded he began persecuting gods and men, including Prahalad who called on Vishnu for help. Then Vishnu took the form of Narsimha (half man and half lion) and slewed the demon.
The ascent to the temple is by a flight of 300 steps. The panoramic views of surrounding landscape as well as religious activities will provide you peace of mind.
Melukote is located at a distance of 51 km from Mysore and 133 km from Bangalore.
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