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Karnataka

Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple, Melkote

Where Ramanuja lived.

Deity
Vishnu as Cheluvanarayana, and Yoga Narasimha on the hill
Where
Melkote, Mandya, Karnataka
Time to keep
Half a day
Best season
October to March; Vairamudi in March–April

Why this temple matters

Melkote is a sacred place for Sri Vaishnavas. Ramanujacharya lived here for many years, restored the temple and shaped its worship. The hilltop Yoga Narasimha temple looks over the whole village.

The story

Ramanuja is said to have recovered the festival image of the Lord, Selvapillai, from the Delhi Sultan's palace, where the princess had grown deeply attached to it. The image came back to Melkote, and the princess is remembered as Bibi Nachiyar.

What to look for

  • The Cheluvanarayana temple
  • Yoga Narasimha temple on the hill
  • Kalyani, the stepped temple tank

Festivals and when to go

  • Vairamudi Brahmotsavam (March–April), when the Lord is adorned with a diamond crown

The practical truth

  • A calm half-day from Mysuru.

Timings, rules and festival dates change. We confirm the current details for every yatra.

Have a question about Melkote?

Questions about this temple? Ask us directly.

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Combine Melkote with

KarnatakaChamundi HillsChamundeshwari Srirangam: Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam. The largest functioning Hindu temple in the world. Tamil NaduSrirangamSri Ranganatha

How we take you here

Tell us your dates, your companions and your pace. We shape the yatra and explain every cost before you confirm.

Plan my Melkote yatra

Questions yatris ask

When is the best time to visit Melkote?

October to March; Vairamudi in March–April. Festival days are the most crowded, so plan and book early for those.

How much time should we keep for Melkote?

We suggest half a day at an easy pace, more if you are travelling with elders or for a festival.

What can we combine with Melkote?

Chamundi Hills, Srirangam fit well on the same yatra. Your SahaYatri will suggest an order that suits your pace.

Can TirthaSeva plan our yatra to Melkote?

Yes. We plan the route, travel, stays and temple visits around your pace, with a multilingual SahaYatri as your single point of contact. Message us on WhatsApp at +91 74115 67001.