Sri Venkataramana Swamy Temple (also known as Venkateshwara temple) is located in Sampige village, Dandinashivara Hobli, Tumakuru (Tumkur) District, Karnataka.
The Sacred Story of
Bhaskara's Quest for Spiritual Wisdom
According to temple tradition, a Brahmin named Bhaskara,
born in the lineage of Sage Gautama, desired to obtain the darshan (vision) of
Sage Vyasa. He set out towards the Himalayas, bathing in numerous sacred rivers
and pilgrimage sites, thereby cleansing himself of all sins.
While deeply meditating on Vyasa and resting in profound
sleep, Bhaskara received a divine vision. Sage Vyasa appeared in his dream and
explained that in the Kali Yuga he was not ordinarily visible to human eyes.
Bhaskara then asked where he should reside and whom he should worship to attain
spiritual welfare.
In response, Vyasa narrated the story of a pious Brahmin named Madhava.
Madhava's Pilgrimage
Madhava, a learned scholar of the Vedas and Vedangas
belonging to the Yayavara lineage, had no wife or children. He embarked on a
sacred pilgrimage, visiting holy places such as Kashi, the Ganges and other
sacred rivers, the mountains of Srisaila, the divine shrines of Sri
Venkataramana Swamy, and many renowned pilgrimage centers between Rameswaram
and the Himalayas.
After worshipping Lord Ranganatha on the banks of the River
Kaveri, Madhava continued northward. Two days later, at sunset, he reached a
forest pavilion. Nearby was a clean pond where he bathed and performed his
evening prayers.
As he sat on sacred darbha grass and observed the surroundings, he noticed an anthill shining brilliantly like fire near the edge of the pond.
Narada Reveals the Secret
Standing east of the anthill was Sage Narada, playing the
veena and singing the divine names of Lord Hari. Enchanted by the sacred music,
Madhava approached Narada, bowed respectfully, and stood before him.
Narada introduced himself and explained that he had come to
worship Lord Hari, who was enshrined within the anthill.
Curious, Madhava asked:
- What
is this anthill?
- Which
deity resides within it?
- What
form does the deity possess?
- What
blessings does the deity grant?
- Who
worshipped this deity in ancient times?
- When
will the deity become visible to devotees?
Narada then revealed the hidden history of the sacred image.
The Ancient Idol of Sri Venkataramana
In ancient times, Sudhanva, the son of King Hamsadhvaja,
installed a beautiful and radiant idol of Sri Venkataramana (Srinivasa). On
either side of the deity stood the images of the Divine Consorts. The idol was
mounted upon a pedestal supported by Garuda.
The deity was worshipped daily with grand rituals and
festivals in the prosperous city of Champakanagara, which once stood in this
region.
Over time, the city declined and disappeared, eventually
becoming a forest. The sacred idol remained protected beneath a large anthill
formed by insects and natural growth, preserving it from destruction.
After narrating this history, Narada instructed Madhava in the proper methods of worship and then disappeared.
Discovery of the Hidden Deity
Inspired by Narada's teachings, Madhava and other devotees
prayed fervently. The anthill was carefully removed, revealing the idol of Sri
Venkataramana Swamy.
At that moment:
- Divine
drums resounded in the heavens.
- Flowers
showered from the sky.
- Devotees
rejoiced in wonder and gratitude.
A shrine and pavilion were immediately constructed to house
the deity.
While expanding the nearby pond, Madhava discovered metal
festival idols of Srinivasa and His divine consorts. Recognizing them as Utsava
Murthis (processional deities), he installed them within the shrine.
According to tradition, this consecration took place around the 4th century CE under the guidance of Madhava.
Temple Traditions and Worship
The temple was established according to the sacred
principles of the Sri Pancharatra Agama and Vedic traditions. These rituals
continue to be followed even today.
Daily worship, offerings, and religious services are conducted according to these ancient customs, preserving the temple's spiritual heritage.
The Sacred Bilva Tree
Another important legend concerns a Brahmin named Bhargava.
After visiting Kashi and worshipping Goddess Parvati, he
carried a sapling of the sacred Bilva tree back with him. While passing through
Sampige village, he witnessed the grand chariot festival of Srinivasa and
stayed to observe the celebrations.
He secretly planted the Bilva sapling within the temple
enclosure and later departed without retrieving it. The sapling took root and
grew into a magnificent tree.
Temple tradition holds that Goddess Lakshmi resides within this sacred Bilva tree, blessing devotees who worship there.
The Lord of Fulfilled Vows
Over the centuries, Sri Venkataramana Swamy of Sampige
became renowned as "Sampige Harakeya Srinivasa" — the
Srinivasa who fulfills vows and prayers.
Devotees believe that sincere prayers and vows made before the Lord are fulfilled. After receiving divine blessings, many devotees return to perform thanksgiving rituals and sponsor temple ceremonies.
Major Festivals
The temple is famous for its annual celebrations and
religious observances.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi
One of the most important festivals celebrated every year
with great devotion and large gatherings of devotees.
Vaishakha Rathotsava
The grand annual chariot festival held during the month of
Vaishakha attracts thousands of pilgrims.
Other Important Festivals
The temple also celebrates:
- Gokulashtami
- Ratha
Saptami
- Brahma
Rathotsava
- Vijayadashami
- Monthly
special festivals and pujas
- Kalyanotsava (Divine Wedding Ceremony)
Blessings Sought by Devotees
Devotees visit the temple seeking blessings for:
Marriage
Those facing delays in marriage often take a vow to sponsor
the Lord's Kalyanotsava. It is believed that their marriage obstacles are
removed through the Lord's grace.
Children and Family Welfare
Couples seeking children perform special prayers and
circumambulations (pradakshina) around the temple. Devotees believe that their
heartfelt wishes are fulfilled.
General Well-being
Many worshippers pray for health, prosperity, success, and spiritual growth.
Historical Importance of Sampige
The village of Sampige is believed to be the ancient city of
Champakanagara.
The noted historian and author of the Mysore Gazetteer,
Benjamin Lewis Rice, wrote:
"The place claiming the highest antiquity in the
district is the village of Sampige in Gubbi Taluk; it is said to be the site of
Champakanagara, the capital of Sudhanva, son of King Hamsadhvaja."
Temple records further state that this history is preserved in ancient palm-leaf manuscripts written in Sanskrit verses by a disciple of Bhaskara.
Architectural and Cultural Significance
During the Hoysala period, rulers and devotees inspired by
the Lord are said to have renovated and restored the temple.
Notable features include:
- Traditional
sanctum architecture.
- Ancient
ritual practices.
- Paintings
depicting the Ten Avatars (Dashavatara) of Lord Mahavishnu.
- Artistic
pillars adorned with rare religious artwork.
- Preservation
of the Sri Vaishnava tradition.
- Worship
according to the philosophy of Vishishtadvaita and the Sri Pancharatra
Agama.