Lakshmi Narasimha Temple - Kanakagiri

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple – Kanakagiri is the Witness the architectural grandeur of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, a stunning example of Vijayanagara art. From its towering gopuras and massive carved pillars to its exquisite lime sculptures and ceiling paintings, this temple is a visual and spiritual feast, justifying the old saying, “Those with eyes must see Kanakagiri.”

The Kanakagiri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is a renowned historical site in the Kanakagiri region. A popular proverb says, “Those with eyes must see Kanakagiri, and those with legs must visit Hampi,” highlighting the region’s significance. According to local legends, the place was named Kanakagiri after the sage Kanaka performed penance here, bringing forth a rain of gold. It is believed that the rivers Jayanti, Pushpa and Gopika once converged here and Lord Narasimha resided on their banks. The Skanda Purana refers to this place as Suvarnagiri and Lakshmi Narasimha is described as Suvarnashailadhipa, Suvarnaparindra and Suvarnadrinatha. It is also believed that the Suvarnagiri, mentioned as the southern capital during Emperor Ashoka’s reign, refers to the present-day Kanakagiri. During the Vijayanagara Empire, the kings of the Gujjala dynasty ruled the region with Kanakagiri as their center. According to legend, the idol of Lakshmi Narasimha, originally in the form of a Saligrama stone, was hidden in an anthill. It was discovered when the cows of Parasappa, the first king of the Gujjala dynasty, mysteriously began pouring milk into the anthill. Parasappa dreamed that Lord Venkatesha of Tirupati was residing there, prompting him to build a temple for the deity. When Vijayanagara emperor Praudha Devaraya learned about the discovery, he appointed Parasappanayaka (1436–1510) as the ruler and donated lands to the temple. After Parasappa, Nawab Udachappanayaka (1510–1533) constructed the fortification walls (Prakara) and the Rathabeedi (Chariot street) while building other temples in the region. Later, KelavadiUdachappanayaka (1533–1578) added a grand Ranga Mantapa, three entrance towers (Dwaragopuras), intricate lime sculptures and ceiling paintings. He also initiated the KanakachalapatiJatre (fair) and temple festivals and constructed two massive chariots. KanakappaUdachanayaka I (1578–1618) further enhanced the site by constructing the Narasimha Tirtha pond for devotees. The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is one of the most beautiful temples in the region, built in the perfect Vijayanagara architectural style. The temple complex includes the Sanctum (Garbhagriha), Antechamber (Antarala), Assembly hall (Sabhamantapa), and the grand Maha Ranga Mantapa, which features 16 massive intricately carved pillars. The temple is surrounded by a fortified wall (Prakara) with three entrance gateways, each topped by tall gopuras. Inside the compound are the Kalyana Mantapa (wedding hall) and Yajna Shala (Sacrificial hall). Some Mantapas feature sculptures of Alwars, Mahesh, Brahma and Bala Krishna. Within the temple’s inner courtyard, one can find shrines for Lakshmi Devi, Garuda and a towering Dhwaja Stambha (flagpole). Just outside the main entrance stands an impressive Sanjeeva Murti, a captivating idol of Hanuman. The temple complex also houses the Amruta Shila idol of Garuda-Vahana Lakshmi Narayana, along with shrines for Saraswati and Ganesha. On the left side of the Mantapa, there are beautiful black stone statues of Kanakagiri’s Nayaka kings and queens. Though the ceiling paintings of the Dwaramantapa have deteriorated over time, the surrounding walls still boast some of the region’s most exquisite lime sculptures, depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The underside of the Maha Ranga Mantapa ceiling showcases captivating sculptures, including Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Sita’s wedding, Girija’s wedding, Rukmini’s wedding, Sri Rama’s coronation (Pattabhisheka), Ananta Shayana (Vishnu reclining on Adishesha), Ugra Narasimha, Lakshmi Narayana and Chidananda AvadhutaKanakappanayaka. Several inscriptions within the temple complex date back to the Vijayanagara emperors, including Praudha Devaraya (1436), Narasimha Devaraya (1488), Krishnadevaraya (1512) and Achyuta Devaraya (1533). These inscriptions record the donation of 12 villages to support temple offerings (Naivedya), festivals (Angarangvaibhoga), lamps (Deeparadhane) and the grand Rathotsava (Chariot festival). The grand Lakshmi Narasimha Jatre (annual fair) takes place every year on Phalguna Panchami, celebrated with great pomp and devotion. The festivities include the Kalyanotsava (celestial wedding), Garudotsava (Garuda procession), Hanumotsava and Hamsotsava. The temple Chariot (Ratha) is one of the largest in South India, reflecting the grandeur and devotion associated with Kanakagiri’s Lakshmi Narasimha Temple.