The Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple located at Devarayanadurga in Tumkur, Karnataka, dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries, making it a temple of about 700 years. According to history, the temple was built by the Palegars (local chieftains). The Sri Yoga Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is located on top of the hill.
Two Temples - Sri Bhoga Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple And Yoga Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
This holy place is also known as Karigiri Kshetra and Kusumadri. Sri Yoga Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy faces north, and it is believed that Vishnu took the form of Yoga Narasimha here on Kumbi Hill to bless devotees, pleased by Brahma’s penance.
Sri Bhoga Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy faces east and was consecrated by sage Durvasa. On the pathway from the plains to Kumbi Hill, there are high-relief stone carvings of Hanuman and Garuda, each about 8–10 feet tall.
The idol here is believed to be the result of a divine
ascetic practice. The Sri Bhoga Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, also located on
the hill but in the middle of the village, is believed to have been consecrated
by the sage Durvasa. It is also believed that the deity Mahalakshmi in both
temples was consecrated by the queen of the Mysore kings. The Yoga Lakshmi
Narasimha Swamy Temple stands majestically among the rocky cliffs of the hill.
Beneath the Rajagopura (main tower) of the Bhoga Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy
Temple, there is an inscription, though it is difficult to decipher. The walls
of the temple are built of stone, and no paintings are found.
- Both temples have sacred ponds (pushkarinis/kalyanis).
- Devotees believe that taking a dip in these holy waters with devotion and resolve brings good health and the fulfillment of desires.
- On the day of the Swati star, special rituals such as Sudharshana Homa, Kalyanotsava, and other ceremonies are performed.
- Devotees believe these rituals relieve difficulties and grant their wishes.
- To fulfill vows, devotees undertake step worship (Hejje Namaskara), Hejje Mangalarati, Garuda Rathotsava, Urulu Seve (rolling prostration), and the offering of Garuda Butti (Garuda Prasada).
- Offering honey to Narasimha is believed to bless devotees with health and prosperity.
- Even the Teertha Kaayi (sacred fruit/nut) is believed to bestow divine blessings and is therefore offered before the deity with prayer.
Namada Chilume Created By Rama
On the way to the temples, near the base of the hill, lies a sacred place called Namada Chilume. During their exile, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana once stopped here in the morning. As Rama sat on a rock and needed water to apply the tilak on his forehead, he found none nearby. He shot an arrow into the rock, and water instantly gushed forth. Using this water, Rama applied the nama (tilak). Thus the place became known as Namada Chilume. Many deer are found in this region.
Ancient History Of Devarayanadurga Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
This holy region has long been renowned as a land of penance for saints and sages. According to traditional lore, sages such as Durvasa, Agastya, Devadatta, Dhananjaya, Parashara, Sri Chakra, Vrishabha, and even Sri Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana (revered as divine beings) lived in this area for some time.
From ancient times, this region has been known by different
names in different eras:
- In the Krita Yuga – Ukke Ladri
- In the Treta Yuga – Simhadri
- In the Dvapara Yuga – Siddhagiri
- In the Kali Yuga – Karigiri
The greatness of the Karigiri region is mentioned in the Brahmanda
Purana and the Narada Purana. The Jayamangali River originates here and flows
to join the Uttara Pinakini and Tungabhadra, eventually merging with the Krishna
River. The Shimsha River, also originating here, flows through the large Kadaba
lakes of Tumkur and Gubbi and later joins the Kaveri River near Shivan
Samudra.
On top of Kumbi Hill, in front of the temple, there is a small sacred pond named Narasimha Teertha. Below the temple of Narasimha lies an underground cave-like pushkarini called Padateertha, which never receives sunlight. In this sacred pond lies a Sudharshana Shila Chakra. Devotees believe that Brahma himself consecrated the Yoga Narasimha Swamy here, and they sprinkle this water upon themselves with devotion.
The ancient seven-tiered fort, with seven gateways, served
as a military base during the Vijayanagara dynasty. The remains of ruined
forts, towers, and watch posts can still be seen. During the Mysore kings’
period, the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple was built by Kanteerava
Narasaraja, and later restored by Krishnaraja Wodeyar. At the entrance to the
sacred site is a large rock, upon which the king would stand and offer arati
before proceeding, hence the name Arati Bande.
After the decline of Vijayanagara, the Wodeyars of Mysore became rulers. Devaraja, a commander-in-chief favored by the king, was sent north to expand the territory. He fought the bandit Jataka, who had taken over the fort, and killed him in 1608, bringing the fort under Mysore rule. The king later visited this fort and worshipped Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. Since Devaraja conquered it, the fort was named Devarayanadurga. This information is found in the Devarayanadurga Kshetra Parichaya and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Pancharatna Stotram.