Srimathe Ramanujaya Nama:

Sri Venugopala Krishnaswamy Temple

Paschimavahini | Srirangapatna | Karnataka

krsnaya vasudevaya devaki nandanaya ca |
nandagopa kumaraya govindaya namo namaha ||

Origin Story of the Ancient Temple

According to the available sthala purana from 1810 C.E., a devotee named Kodugu Sreenivasa Iyengar experienced a compelling vision after bathing in the river. While resting under an Aswatha tree, he fell asleep and dreamt that he would discover an idol of Sri Venugopala Krishnaswamy buried at the foot of the tree! In his dream, he was instructed to retrieve the idol and establish a temple in its honour. Additionally, Sreenivasa Iyengar was directed to arrange for the feeding of pilgrims (Yatrikas) who came to bathe in the river during the month of Tulamasa, when the river flows abundantly. This act of hospitality was said to bestow grace upon the Yatrikas and those involved, ultimately leading to Moksha, a revered goal in Hindu belief.

Following the guidance of his dream, Sreenivasa Iyengar carefully excavated the area at the base of the Aswatha tree, and to his immense joy, he unearthed a beautiful idol of Lord Venugopala Swamy! He proceeded to construct a temple dedicated to the deity. Subsequently, a chatram was established adjacent to the temple to provide rest and nourishment for the devotees. In his generosity, Sri Sreenivasa Iyengar also donated agricultural land, the proceeds of which were designated to support the feeding of the Yatrikas.

The archa murthy of Lord Venugopalaswamy is beautiful and rare. It depicts Lord Krishna in his Vishnuroopa with chaturbhuja, holding shanka and chakra while playing the flute. Another lovely detail is of the cow affectionately licking the Lord’s right foot.

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Renovation and Restoration

Under the guidance of H.H. Sri Yadugiri Yathiraja Narayana Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamy, the current and 41st Pontiff of Sri Yadugiri Yathiraja Mutt, a sacred initiative to renovate and restore the ancient temple is being undertaken.

Highlights

Tulamasa 2024

Highlights include Tula Sankarma Snana and Astha Teertha Puja on 26 October 2024. H.H. Sri Yadugiri Yathraja Narayana Ramanuja Jeevar Swamy graced the occasion with his prescence. Also included are some pictures from the last day celebrations where the deity was decorated with butter and lamps were lit along the river.

Location