Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is in the Koppal District of Karnataka. The sacred hill was earlier called Suvarnagiri. It is a home to Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha who is worshiped in the linga form.

Kanakagiri is an ancient town in Karnataka which is not very far from Koppal. In the past it had been the headquarters of the southern reign of Mauryas. Even the Naiks rulers left their mark on this little town, building many beautiful temples.

Of all the beautiful temples dotting the landscape of this sacred town, the temple constructed for the glorification of Lord Narasimha in the Vijayanagara style excels all. Lord Narasimha is also known as Kanakachalapathi. The temple is the quintessence of the Vijayanagar Architecture. It is said that if one has legs one has to see Hampi and if one has eyes, one must see Kanakagiri.

The origin of Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

The former name of Kanakagiri was Suvarnagiri, which literally translates to the hill of gold. Devotees believe that Kanakagiri translates to Hill of God. The Sthala Purana of this temple mentions that one Kanaka Muni had performed the tapasya here and hence Lord Narasimha manifested for his sake.

When Kanaka Muni had performed tapasya, there was a rain of gold atop the hill and hence the hill came to known as Suvarnagiri. Skanda Purana speaks about the greatness of this kshetra. Great devotee poets like Kanakadasa, Purandara Dasa and Jagannatha Dasa have sung the glories of Lord Kanakachalapathi.

In the year 1436-1510, Dore Parasappa Nayaka, the first of the Gujjara dynasty had a dream that Lord Srinivasa of Tirumala has manifested as Lord Narasimha atop the Kanakagiri in the form of a shaligrama shila to bless devotees. The Nayaka informed the same to Prouda Devaraya who then gave grants to the temple.

The temple was constructed around 1000 years before by the ruling Nayaka of the dynasty. This 12th century temple has beautiful and spacious mantapas, huge pillars adorned with Yalis, three beautiful multi storey gopuras and many entrances. A prakara runs through the external wall of the temple. There are numerous sculptures of Indian classics which are made of wood, plaster and black granite stone.

Archaeologists have found two inscription stones dating to Ashoka’s period in the nearby villages thus proving the antiquity of Kanakagiri to the glorious ancient times of Bharat. The temple is so beautifully decorated that there is a local saying here – those who have legs must visit Hampi and those who have eyes must visit Kanakagiri.

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the crest jewel of architectural wonders in the holy land of Bharat. There are so many temples in Hampi that one must walk a lot to view them, and it takes so many days. And the sculptures in Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple are so beautiful that two eyes are not sufficient to view them at all.

The form of Lord Narasimha in Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

In this temple both Lakshmi Devi and Lord Narasimha are present in the separate Garbha grihas. Lord Narasimha is worshiped in the form of shaligrama shila and somehow the worship is in the combined form of Lord Narasimha and Mahalakshmi. Lord Narasimha is considered very powerful in this temple. Early world famous Kanakagiri Jatre takes place around this temple.

Temple Timings of Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

The temple remains open between 6 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 8 pm. Weekends experience a little bit of rush.

How to visit Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is in the Gangavathi Taluk of Koppal District. To explore the temple in its totality without having been worried about the other arrangements, you may travel on the Narasimha Tours by Tirtha Yatra.

If you wish to explore Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple on your own, you may use the following ways to reach the temple.

By Air – Bengaluru Airport is the nearest Airport. From Bengaluru you may either hire a taxi to reach the temple or take other means of transport like state road transport or railways.

By Rail – the nearest Railway Station is Koppal Railway station which has trains from Bengaluru. From Koppal hire a private taxi or take state transport buses.

By Road – Kanakagiri is situated next to the National Highway. You may take up the State Road Transport Services from Bengaluru, Ballari or even Koppal to reach this place.