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Chengannur Mahadeva Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is one of the oldest temples in Kerala. Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are two main Shrines in this temple. Lord Shiva facing East and Devi facing West. The main shrine is a conical copper plated one. Devi’s main Idol is made with an alloy of five metals.

Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is a ‘Maha Kshetram’ (temple having great importance) from olden days itself. The other sub-investitures of the temple are Ganapathi, Shasta (Lord Ayyappan), Chandikeswaran, Neelagrivan, Ganga, and Naagar. There is also a shrine of Sree Krishna nearby. Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is also referred to as Chengannur Bhagavati Temple, as the temple is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas dedicated to Goddess Parvathi.

Chengannur is also known as the Gateway to Sabarimala Temple. The temple was built according to the architectural design developed by Perumthachan. Chengannur Mahadeva Temple complex sprawls over an area of six acres, with a circular sanctum. The Shivalingam is said to have emerged on its own (Swayambu) and bears a gold planted image of Ardhanaareeswara. There are also shrines dedicated to other deities as well.

Chengannur Mahadeva Temple

History and Legend of Chengannur Mahadeva Temple

  • Lord Vishnu, Brahma, Saints, Devas, Gandharvas, Yakshas and all other heavenly ones went to Himalaya in order to attend the auspicious marriage of Shiva & Parvati. The Trimurthis requested sage Agastya to go and sit on shronadri, to prevent the Earth from sinking to the northern side due to the weight of all the invitees who came for the ceremony. Though Sage Agasthya conceded the request he expressed his concern about losing the chance of viewing the marriage.
  • After the marriage, Lord Shiva and Devi went to meet Agasthya muni at shronadri. There Devi became ‘rithu’ (menstruate) and she could not go back. Devi remained there till the period of menstruation was over. The place where sage Agastya meditated, is known as shronadri in Sanskrit and in Malayalam, it is Chenkunnu (Red hill). Later it is called as Chen Kunnu Urru (Ooru refers to a place) and hence the place is known as Chengannur.
  • According to another legend Lord Vishnu severed the body of Sati (Goddess Parvati) into pieces which scattered over different places. These places are called Shakti Peethas. Accordingly, it is believed that the reproductive organ of Goddess Sati’s body fell at the place where the temple is located. The Kamakhya Temple in Assam is also related to the same legend.
  • There is an interesting story related to a custom of oath at the western entrance of the temple. There was a Brahmin family who were great devotees of Chengannur Devi and who were very famous. Once an Alwar came to Chengannur to challenge the Muringoor family at a time when a boy of twelve years. He was the only male in the Muringoor family.
  • He prayed to the Goddess and moved by the prayer the goddess appeared to the boy in a dream. Goddess instructed the boy to make use of the brass pipe in the ‘Araa’ which had a snake in it and which will be under the control of the boy. The next day the boy challenged his opponent to release the snake with his magical powers.
  • The Alwar’s efforts failed and the snake, in turn, tried to bite the intruder. On the pleading of the Alwar, the boy controlled the snake with his prayers and sealed it into the pipe. He then made a hole in the wall of the Western Gopuram and put the snake into it. He informed the people around that if anybody utters a lie by putting his hand inside the hole will be bitten by the snake.
  • This is the place where Yuddhishtra offered prayers to Vishnu, seeking pardon for his actions on the battlefield. He uttered the words `Ashwattaama hatahkunjaraha` in an attempt to deceive Drona and lead him into a defenceless state and his life was brought to an end by Arjuna.
  • Kannaki was the incarnation of Devi Sati. After killing the king of Madurai Pandya raja she went to Chengannur at the top of a hill. While Devi was meditating her husband Kovalan appeared before her and they together went to Heaven. The people who were living in the valley and constructed a temple there with the financial assistance of their king Cheran Senkuttuvan.

Significance of Chengannur Mahadeva Temple

  • The most important and unique feature of the temple is the Thriputharattu which is marked as a symbol of fertility. It is believed that the temple is also associated with the great epic Mahabharata. Chengannur has been derived from the word ‘Tiruchenkunroor.’
  • Balithara is an altar is used for making ritualistic offering to demi-gods and the festive deities. The central shrine called Sreekovil houses the image of the presiding deity. It is on an elevated platform with a single door reached through a flight of five steps.
  • Either side of the doors have images of guardian deities called Dwarapalakas. The roof of the temple and some of the pillars have lavish wood and stucco carvings depicting various stories of ancient epics, Ramayana and Mahabharatha.

Chengannur Mahadeva Temple Timings

Chengannur Mahadeva Temple opens daily at 3:50 AM. Worship timings are from 04:30 AM to 11:30 AM in the morning and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening. The temple timings are subjected to change during festivals and special events.

Festivals celebrated at Chengannur Mahadeva Temple

Varshikotsavam: The annual temple festival is observed for 28 days starting from Thiruvathira Nakshatram in Dhanu Masam to Thiruvathira Nakshatra in Makaram month. Special pujas are held on all days. The shrine is traditionally decorated with plantain, coconut leaves, flowers, leaves, traditional lamps and lights. Traditional performing arts, music and dance are staged during the period. The utsava murti of the deity is taken out of the shrine for ritual bathing on the final day. Hundreds of people arrive on the day to witness various rituals and festivities.

Thripputhu: Thripputhu is one of the main festivals celebrated in the temple. The festival is associated with the menstruation ceremony and is observed periodically in the temple. During this time the temple is kept closed for three days and worships will be offered to another image of the goddess in a different spot of the temple. On the fourth day, the idol of the Devi is taken to a nearby river on the fourth day and Arattu (holy bath) is conducted. This ceremony is called Thripputhu. Later the Devi rides an elephant and is taken back to the temple. During the festival, the idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are taken in procession around the temple three times. Then the Lord enters the shrine through the eastern side and the goddess enters through the western side.

Thulasamkrama Neyyattu: This is the Ghee Abhishekam festival of the Chengannur Temple. This ceremony is conducted on every 1st day of Thulam (mid-October to mid-November). On this day 36 paras of ghee is showered on the ‘Shivalingam’. ‘Paras’ is a measurement in Malayalam.

Shivaratri: Maha Shivaratri is the night of the worship of Lord Shiva. It occurs on the 14th night of the new moon during the dark half of the month of Phalguna. It falls on a moonless February night when Hindus offer special prayer to the lord of destruction. Shivaratri is considered especially auspicious for women. Married women pray for the well being of their husbands and sons, while unmarried women pray for an ideal husband like Shiva. Devotees visit the temple in large numbers during Shivaratri.

Poojas and Rituals at Chengannur Mahadeva Temple

At 3:50 AM the first pooja that is conducted is the Ravile Palli Unarthal. It is nothing but the awakening of the presiding deity. It is followed by the Nadathurakkal which means the opening of the sanctum sanctorum to enable the devotees to venerate the holy portrait of the deity and to seek their blessings.

Shiva Abhishekam is usually performed to a Lingam representing his manifestation as a creator of good (by destroying evil). The first worship of the day is Usha pooja or pooja at dawn. Though generally, the time of Usha pooja is thirty minutes after the sunrise.

Panthiradi Pooja is done only in major temples. This is done 2 hours after sunrise. It denotes the time of pooja based on human shadow measuring 12 feet in the morning. Here abhisheka is done with the pure water taken in nine pots after detailed pooja.

Deeparadhana is the worship with lamp with lamps, performed at dawn and dusk. Pyramidal lamps with seven tiers, lamps with five wicks and plain lamps with a single wick are lightened and waved several times in front of the Lord, from head to foot. Similar waving is then done with lighted camphor.It is considered to be an auspicious act to pray during deeparadhana time. This is the last pooja conducted in a temple on a day.  This is done between one and two hours after sunset.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air: Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery is the nearest airport to reach Chengannur. Trivandrum International Airport is about 119 km

By Road: Chengannur is situated between Thiruvalla and Pandalam in Main Central Road. Chengannur Bus Stand is a major KSTRC bus station in Alappuzha District. It is one kilometre from Chengannur Mahadeva Temple. Regular bus services are available from Aranmula, Thiruvalla (10 km), Pandalam, Pathanamthitta, and Trivandrum.

By Train: The nearby railway stations are Chengannur, which is about 2 km, Thiruvalla about 10 km and Changanassery about 18 km. Some of the major trains passing through the station include Kerala Express, Hyderabad Express, Kanyakumari Express, Chennai Mail, Amritha Express, and Malabar Express.

Where to stay

There are many hotels nearby which offer deluxe rooms. They are equipped with modern amenities to make the guests stay comfortable and enjoyable.

  • Spice Haven Annexe Contact: Vandanmedu Junction. Kumily Thekkady, Kerala
  • Hotel Santhi Palace Contact: M.C.Road, Railway Junction, Chengannur, Kerala
  • Hotel Raj International Contact: MC Road, Opp, KSRTC Bus Station, Main Central Rd, Chengannur, Kerala
  • Hotel Navaratna Contact: Main Central Road, Near Railway Station, Chengannur
  • Hotel Wyte Portico Contact: High School Jn, Karuvatta, Pathanamthitta, Adoor, Kerala 691523
  • Hotel Breeze Land Contact: By-pass Junction, Vazhappally, MC Road, Changanacherry, Kottayam, Kerala 686103

Where to eat

There are many restaurants that offer some great food. One should really visit Oven Fresh Family Restaurant, Bafia Bakers, Food Palace Restaurant, Crupe Cafe, Joyces baker to taste some mouth-watering and tasty food.

Nearby Temples

Aranmula Sreekrishna Temple: Aranmula Parthasarathy temple is an ancient temple situated in district Pathanamthitta district. Near to the cultural village of Aranmula. Temple is situated near the river Pamba. This temple is believed to be one among the five temples built by the Pandava brothers. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, is one of the most ancient and famous temples in Aranmula. The Aranmula Parthasarathi temple is a simple structure in Kerala style of architecture and the idol of Parthasarathy is six feet high. It is believed that in the war of Mahabharata Lord Krishna was Arjuna’s charioteer. This form of Lord Krishna was worshipped in the temple Aranmula. So the temple is named as Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple.

Chakkulathukavu Devi Temple: Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagavathy Temple is one of the most famous Devi Temples in Kerala situated at Neerattupuram. The presiding deity of this temple is Durga Devi, who answers the call of her devotees. Chakkulathukavu Devi Temple is believed to be more than 3000 years old. There is an idol of Vana Durga with eight hands, installed near the original idol. Thousands of devotees visit the temple of every Fridays and during the annual Chakkulathukavu Pongala Festival in November – December the temple is visited by lakhs of devotees from all over the state.

Thiruvalla Sreevallabhaswami Temple: Sree Vallabha Temple is located at Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. It is a 400-year-old temple on the banks of the River Manimala. This ancient majestic temple devoted to Lord Mahavishnu is one among the 108 abodes of Lord Vishnu. There is a big pillar made out of a single piece of stone at the western side of the temple and an idol of Lord Garuda Bird is placed on its top. The building structure there is called as ‘Garuda Madathara’ and it has a Nepal style. There is Garuda Bird as sub deity in this temple. The deity of Sree Vallabha Swamy is facing east and in the same ‘Sudarshana Chakra'(Sudarshana Discus) is consecrated facing west and is known as ‘Chakrathazhvar’.There is an offering in this temple known as ‘Paala Namaskaram’ which will help to get blessings from Lord to fulfil the devotee’s wishes. The offering of ‘Kathakali’ to be performed in the temple is another special ritual here.

Sapta Badri Temples – List, History, Map, Best Time to Visit

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Sapta Badri are the seven holy Shrine temples of Char Dham Yatra are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Badrinath, Adi Badri, Vriddha Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Yogadhyan Badri, Dhyan Badri, and Ardha Badri are seven Sapta Badri.

These temples are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.

Deity Seven holy Shrine temples of Lord Vishnu
Location Uttarakhand
Best Time to Visit May to June and September to October
Darshan Timings 5 AM to 12 PM
2 PM to 9 PM
Entry Fees Free
Dress Code Traditional Wear

Trek to these holy Hindu Temples lies in Badri Van (means forest of Berries), from Satopanth Glacier above Badrinath temple to Badri-Kshetra village near Karnprayag in Uttarakhand.

Route of Sapta Badri

List of Seven Badri –

1. Badri Vishal (Badrinath)

Badri Vishal or Badrinath is the main Badri and temple of Lord Vishnu that is located on the bank of the Alaknanda River in Mana Village of Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. Read More..

Badrinath Temple

2. Adi Badri

Adi Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It is the second temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples. Devotees worship Lord Vishnu in Adi Badri temple whenever Badrinath temple remains closed due to extremities in the weather. Read more..

Adi Badri Intro

3. Vriddha Badri

Vriddha Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Joshimath, Uttarakhand. It is the third temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples. Sage Narada performed penance in this region to appease Lord Vishnu. Read more..

Vriddha Badri

4. Bhavishya Badri

Bhavishya Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Subhai, Uttarakhand. It is the fourth temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples.Devotees believe it to be the future abode of Badrinath at the end of the Kali Yuga when there will be the destruction of the present world and the creation of a new world. Read more..

Bhavishya Badri

5. Yogadhyan Badri

Yogadhyan Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Pandukeshwar village near Govind Ghat in the district of Chamoli, Uttarakhand. It is the fifth temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples. According to the religious texts, the king Pandu worshipped here to get rid of him from the sin of killing of two mating deer; the two deer were ascetics in their previous lives. The Pandavas were also born here. Read more..

Yogadhyan Badri

6. Dhyan Badri

Dhyan Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Urgam Valley near Kalpeshwar,  in the Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. It is the sixth temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples. Urvarishi, son of King Puranjaya of the Pandavas lineage meditated in Urgam valley and established a temple of Lord Vishnu here. Read more..

Dhyan Badri

7. Ardha Badri

Ardha Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Joshimath, Uttarakhand. It is the seventh temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples. Ardha Badri in comparison to other temples, the idol of Lord Vishnu here is smaller. Hence, the name of the temple roughly means ‘the little Badri‘. Read more..

Ardha Badri

Trayambakeshwar Temple Rishikesh – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Trayambakeshwar Temple Rishikesh is a Hindu temple in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. It is one of the main holy shrines of Rishikesh. The temple is present near the famous Lakshman Jhula of Rishikesh. The temple is also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is also a part of the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand.

Trayambakeshwar Temple Rishikesh Timings: 6 AM to 7 PM

The temple is a 13-storeyed high building. Hence, it is also popularly called as ‘Terah Manzil Temple‘. The temple is having various idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. However, the shrine is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva. The name ‘Trayambakeshwar’ meaning ‘the House of the three-eyed‘ suggesting it as the abode of Lord Shiva.

Trayambakeshwar Temple – All you need to know

Temple Timings6 AM to 12 PM (Morning)
2 PM to 7 PM (Evening)
Opening and Closing Dates Open 365 days of the year
Time Required for Darshan 30 Minutes
Entry FeeFree
Festivals 2019Maha Shivratri
Best Time to VisitSeptember to April
Also called asTerah Manzil Temple
Nearest AirportDehradun
Location Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh
People walking on Laxman Jhula to reach the temple
People walking on Laxman Jhula to reach the temple

What are the timings of Trayambakeshwar Temple Rishikesh?

TimingsFromTo
Morning6 AM 12 PM
Evening2 PM 7 PM

What is the history of Trayambakeshwar Temple Rishikesh?

Trayambakeshwar temple of Rishikesh is one of the ancient temples. It is considered to be more than 800 years old. Shri Adi Shankaracharya established it in the 12th century AD.

Some devotees also believe that it is one of the Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva which is self-manifested. The statue is Swayambhu in nature. There are many sections in the temple which comprise of Vedic and religious texts. One can also see the intricate designs and architectural excellence on the walls and idols.

What is the significance of Trayambakeshwar Temple?

The significance of Trayambakeshwar temple is that it is the biggest temple in Rishikesh. The main attraction is the height of the temple with 13 floors. It is famous for the beautiful idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses as well as scriptures.

Trayambakeshwar temple is the place where one can worship all the deities at a single place. The temple is having various idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Unlike the other temples which are dedicated to one single God. It is located at a religiously important place near Laksham Jhula at the banks of Ganga river. A number of devotees visit this temple who come to visit Laxman Jhula- the hanging bridge.

Trayambakeshwar Temple Is Visible From Laxman Jhula
Trayambakeshwar Temple Is Visible From Laxman Jhula

What is inside the Trayambakeshwar Temple?

Trayambakeshwar Temple is shaped like a pyramid. Trayambakeshwar (Lord Shiva) is housed at 13th floor (top most floor) of the building. There are dozens of small temples and some shops on the other 12 floors. The priests of those temples offer certain religious services for health & prosperity in return of a fee. You can skip all of these and can go straight to the top main temple of Trayambakeshwar.

The temple is designed in such a way that you have to cross the blessings of all small temples for darshan of one main temple. A staircase leads all the way to 13 floors of the temple.

There are no elevators or wheelchair ramps.

What are the major festivals of 2019?

The major festival celebrated at Trayambakeshwar Temple is Maha Shivaratri.

Maha Shivaratri – This festival usually occurs in the month of February/April. It marks the day of the marriage of Shiva and Parvati. Maha Shivaratri means “the Great Night of Shiva“. Devotees celebrate it by remembering Shiva, chanting prayers, fasting, and meditating. Devotees keep awake all night. Some people visit Shiva temples. Some also go on pilgrimage to Maharashtra Pancha Jyotirlingas.

What is the main attraction of Trayambakeshwar Temple?

Trayambakeshwar is not only visited to seek blessings of Lord Shiva. But, people also come here to enjoy the scenic surrounding and Himalayan ranges. From the top floor of the temple, one can see a beautiful view of the Ganga river. The view is so calming and relaxing when watched from a height.

This temple looks really beautiful in the evening. The whole temple is brightened with golden light rays of the sun. Also, in the evening a “Ganga Aarti” is performed in the premises of the temple. This adds extra beauty and significance to the temple.

One can also go to Parmarth Niketan nearby around sunset for the must seen Ganga aarti.

Ganga Aarti At Parmarth Niketan
Ganga Aarti At Parmarth Niketan

How to reach Trayambakeshwar Temple Rishikesh?

Here’s how to reach Trayambakeshwar Temple Rishikesh:

  • Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest (23 km away from the temple).
  • Train: The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh (6 km away from the temple).
  • Road: Many buses are available for Rishikesh from ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi. By car, it will be a 6-hour drive from Delhi.

The temple can be reached after crossing the Laxman Jhula. People can cross Laxman Jhula on foot. Another way to go to the temple is to catch an auto rickshaw.

White River Rafting Near Trayambakeshwar Temple
White River Rafting Near Trayambakeshwar Temple

Where to stay near Trayambakeshwar Temple Rishikesh?

Some of the places where one can stay near Trayambakeshwar Temple Rishikesh while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

  • Ganga Kinare:  The rooms are spacious and airy giving comfort for guests. Room amenities include WiFi, TV, AC, coffee maker, and hairdryer. The Ayur Ganga Spa at the hotel offers a diverse range to rejuvenate the body and soul.
  • The V Resort:  The resort offers a 24-hour front desk, travel desk, and doctor-on-call. Conference facilities are also there for corporate travelers. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool or can have a relaxing massage in the spa. The hotel also provides car rentals, luggage assistance, and daily housekeeping.
  • Green Hills Cottage: This cottage has the most beautiful architecture and luxurious interiors. It provides various modern facilities like parking, laundry, currency exchange, and front desk. The staff also ensures the timely fulfillment of all needs of the guests.

What are some temples near Trayambakeshwar Temple Rishikesh?

Some of the temples near Trayambakeshwar Temple Rishikesh are:

  1. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: The temple is 20 km away from Trayambakeshwar Temple. It is the most famous temple when compared to the other temples of Rishikesh. The main deity is ‘Neelkanth‘, a form of Shiva. He has a blue throat because of consuming poison. Visiting the temple is much more fun since it is located inside a dense forest. Several natural springs and waterfalls also surround the temple.
  2. Lakshman Temple: This temple is 8 km away from Trayambakeshwar Temple. This temple is constructed as a dedication to Lord Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Ram. People can not only worship inside the temple but can also relax and practice yoga within the temple’s premises.
  3. Shri Bharat Mandir: This temple is 5 km away from Trayambakeshwar Temple. It ranks 10th among the many places to visit in Rishikesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The idol present here is carved out of a single piece of Saligram. Various ancient pots, coins, and statues were also found at the base of the temple.
Some Famous Temples Near Trayambakeshwar Temple
Some Famous Temples Near Trayambakeshwar Temple

Frequently asked questions about Trayambakeshwar Temple:

What is the best time to visit Trayambakeshwar temple?

The best time to visit Trayambakeshwar temple is 06:00 am – 06:00 pm. It is open all days of the week.

When is Trayambakeshwar temple most crowded?

Mahashivratri festival and Mondays of the month of Sawan are the busiest days of the year.

What is the temperature in Trayambakeshwar temple?

The maximum temperature in summer can reach till 46°C. The minimum temperature that can fall down is 7°C in winter.

How much time is required to visit the temple?

The time required to visit Trayambakeshwar temple is 30 Minutes. It may vary on festival days.

Who founded Trayambakeshwar temple?

Trayambakeshwar temple of Rishikesh is one of the ancient temples. Shri Adi Shankaracharya established it in the 12th century AD.

What is the nearest airport to Trayambakeshwar temple?

Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest (23 km away from the temple).

What is the nearest railway station to Trayambakeshwar temple?

The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh (6 km away from the temple).

Is there any security check for the temple?

None, you can carry your bags/purses to the temple.

Is photography permitted?

Yes, photography is permitted.

What is the entry fees?

Entry is totally free at Trayambakeshwar temple.

Karnaprayag

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Karnaprayag is among the five confluences of river Alaknanda (Panch Prayag). It is present at the point where both rivers namely, Alaknanda with Pindar unify. The meeting point of the two rivers is in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. A string of peaks like Trisul, Drona Giri, Narad Ghunti, Mrigathuni and Maiktoli wrap around the place.

Devotees believe Karnaprayag to be the place where Karna of Mahabharata rigorously worshipped the Sun God. Moreover, it is a famous pilgrimage destination that falls in the holy pilgrimage of Char Dham Yatra.

Karnaprayag is third among the five holy confluences of Alaknanda river starting from Vishnuprayag. Also, other confluences of river Alaknanda surpassing it are Rudraprayag and Devprayag.

Making donations after taking bath at the Holy confluence is considered meritorious.

Chronicles of Karnaprayag

There are a few mythological tales that relate to Karnaprayag like:

The first tale highlights the confluence as the place where Karna worshipped the Sun god. Hence, the Sun god granted him an impregnable armour.

Chronicles of Karna Prayag
Sun God Giving Karna the impregnable armor

However, the second story foretells that after the use of Anjalika Astra on Karna. Krishna found that Arjuna had wounded him, however, Karna was still alive. Hence, Krishna told Arjuna that Dharma Devta or the Goddess of Righteousness protected Karna for the charities he did in his lifetime.

So to break through the protective shield, Krishna put up the disguise of a brahmin and went to Karna. Further, he asked Karna for all his abilities as a warrior in charity. Hence, being how he was Karna respected the Brahmin’s wishes and donated his blood to him along with all his skills.

Hereafter, Karna requested Krishna to cremate him in a land that was still virgin. Hence, beliefs are that in honour of Karna’s wish Krishna cremated him at Karnaprayag. Also, we have a temple on that land dedicated to the great warrior, Karna.

Essence of the Confluence

Karnaprayag has a holy essence to it. The place has a mythological attachment to the epic occurrence of Mahabharata. Hence, we have a temple dedicated to Karna by the banks of Karnaprayag. Moreover, the place also flaunts a famous Uma temple, dedicated to Goddess Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva. Furthermore, Sati’s reincarnation as Goddess Parvati is quite popular.

Essence of Karnaprayag
Temple dedicated to Karna at Karnaprayag.

Swami Vivekananda is believed to have meditated here along with Guru Turianand Ji and Akharanand Ji for eighteen days in a row. Moreover, Karnaprayag lies on the pathway of the major shrines of the Charm Dham Yatra namely, Badrinath and Kedarnath.

Apart from religious strings, Karnaprayag stands out for its lush green scenic beauty that captures every eye-crossing the Prayag. So, it affirms its positions as a major stop on the tour of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.

Ways to Reach Karnaprayag

Different modes to reach Karnaprayag:

  • Air: Nearest airport, Jolly Grant is at a distance of 192 km.
  • Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh. It is 172 km away from the place.
  • Bus: Buses to Rishikesh are available from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Hereafter, one can avail state as well as private transport for commuting to Karnaprayag.

Stays nearby Karnaprayag

Stays near Karnaprayag that devotees can hail during the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand are:

  • The Kedar Dev’s: The hotel offers a blend of all the modern facilities. Hotel rooms are given unique designs and have cozy interiors. Moreover, the rooms offer exclusive facilities and services.
  • Shri Krishna Palace Hotel and Restaurant: The hotel is set amidst beautiful natural surroundings. Moreover, it offers a comfortable and hygienic stay to its guests.
  • Hotel Riverview: Hotel River view offers comfortable accommodation with spic and span rooms. Also, the view from the rooms opens up to the soulful confluence.

Other Panch Prayags

The other Panch Prayag destinations are:

  • Vishnuprayag: Vishnuprayag is present 1372 metres above sea level and is the first Prayag falling on the route of river Alaknanda. It is 91 km away from Karnaprayag.
  • Nandaprayag: It is the second Prayag among the Panch Prayag. It is present at the confluence of the rivers Alaknanda and Nandakini. It is 20.9 km away from the Alaknanda-Pindar confluence.
  • Rudraprayag: It observes the confluence of river Alaknanda and Mandakini, in Uttarakhand. This place is at a height of 895 metres above sea level. Rudraprayag is the holy confluence number four starting from Vishnuprayag. It is 33.2 km away from Karnaprayag.
  • Devprayag: It maps the confluence of river Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, in Uttarakhand. Hereafter, the rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi unify and flow under the name Ganga or Ganges. It is 98.9 km away from Karnaprayag.

The Panch Prayag are a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Karnaprayag

Which rivers collide and merge at Karnaprayag?

It is the place of merging of river Alaknanda and Pindar.

How much budget is required to visit the place?

The place can be visited easily in around a budget of 4k-5k.

What is the temperatures in this Prayag?

The temperatures in summer vary from 15°C-40°C, however, in winter temperature can fall down to 2°C.

Read about the whole five Prayag in Panch Prayag – Five Sacred Confluences in Uttarakhand.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati is located in the industrial town of Bhadravati. This small town is a part of the Shimoga district of Karnataka. Located at the banks of River Bhadra, Bhadravathi is a 13th-century city of the Hoysala kingdom. 

Several architectural gems of Hoysala architecture are present in this city. The city is famous for its couple of tourist destinations, besides the paper mills and iron and steel plant; one is the Bhadra wildlife sanctuary and the other is the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple.

The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is a Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The presiding deity of Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is Lord Narasimha, known as the protector of humankind and destroyer of demons and evil spirits.

Lakshmi Narasimha

History and Legend of Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is the bearer of the rich culture and traditions that existed at this ancient town.

  • There is a popular myth related to the formation of the small town of Bhadravathi. It is believed that here, Lord Vishnu in the avatar of Varaha, that is, wild boar, rescued Bhudevi, that is, Goddess Earth. She was held captive under the sea by demon Hirayankasha. As per Holy Scriptures, when Varaha lifted earth with his two tusks, River Tunga and Bhadra were formed. The place was previously known as Benkipura.
  • The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple consists of other images of Hindu gods, namely, Sri Krishna, Lord Purushottama, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Sharadamba.
  • The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is an 800 years old temple. The sculptures of the temple also exhibit the daily lifestyle of the 13th century, along with the images of musicians and dancers.
  • The temple was constructed by Sir M Vishweshwaraiah, the grandson of an eminent Hoysala monarch, Vishnuvardhana.

Significance of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati

The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is another example of a magnificent Hoysala form of architecture. Some of the basic characteristics of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi are:

  • The statue of Lord Narasimha is in a relaxed position, protecting his devotee Parhlada.
  • Lakshmi Narasimha  Temple comes in a triple form, known as Vimana. While one of the shrines is south facing, the other two are north and west facing.
  • Soapstone has been used to construct the temple. If you touch the walls there is a soapy feeling and the stone is really tender.
  • There is a flagpole, known as dwajasthambam just in front of the temple.
  • The temple stands on a raised platform, known as jagati. About a metre high, this platform was used by devotees to circumvent (pradakshin) the temple. In the Hoysala form of architecture there is no specified path to paradakshin temple.
  • The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi also has special pillars, known as lathe pillars along with parapets. This type of shiny black pillars defines the architectural style of 11th and 13th century Hoysala architecture. The lathe pillars not only enhance the beauty of the temple but also provide support to the ceiling of the large temple.
  • The inner wall of the temple has been kept plain and simple while the exterior wall is star shaped, nakshatra shaped, providing enough space and scope for decoration.
  • The external wall has two eves. The first eve consists of small towers which exhibit miniature decorations on pilasters, known as aedicule.
  • The second set of eves is followed by a panel engraved with the images of deities and by a set of mouldings.
  • The stellate tower is another special form of Hoysala architecture. The tower has been adorned with processes and recesses throughout the tower. It looks more like a flute from a distance. The tiers of the tower step by step diminish in height to form an umbrella.
  • Some of the important sculptures of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi are Lord Krishna playing flute and a man with serpent.
  • The central hall of the temple is unique with now windows and is connected with the other sanctums.
  • There is a slab in Kannada inscription at the temple which exhibits the construction details.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati Timings

The temple is open throughout the year. There are no holidays and no such best time to visit.

  • The temple opens early in the morning at 6.00 am to the visitors. The temple is closed at the afternoon.
  • The temple again opens at 6.30 pm at evening and closes at 9 pm.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati Food Timings

Though there is no process of serving food or lunch at the temple, prasada is served after worship.

Guidelines

  • There is no entry fee in the temple. From parking to use of camera, everything is free of cost.
  • As a general guideline at any Indian temple, devotees need to keep their footwear outside the temple.
  • The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is safeguarded by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Festivals celebrated at Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati

Besides the regular rituals, there are annual festivals celebrated here.

  • Dussera: During this festival, the iconic deity of Lord Narasimha is taken round the city in a grand procession. This festival takes place at the Hindu month of Ashvin, which is anytime between September and October.
  • Navaratri Festival: This festival is celebrated with great pomp and glamour at the temple complex. This festival generally takes place a couple of times a year. Once anytime between March and April and another time between September and October.
  • Vaikunta Ekadesi: This is the 11th day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Magh and an auspicious day for the Vaishnavaite cult. Worship attains a different dimension here, on this day. This festival generally takes place anytime between December and January.

Poojas and Rituals at Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati

The temple is still functional and hence is visited by numerous devotees throughout the year. There is an important guideline even for the priests to worship at this temple; only celibates are permitted to perform worship at the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi.

  • Some of the sculptures of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi are worshipped till date. Devotees apply vermilion, turmeric, pour oil and burn camphor for worship.
  • There are different types of prayers that can be performed to pay tribute to Lord Narasimha here, like the Narasimha Pranama, Narasimha Mahamantra and Dasavatara Stotra. Sometimes on the special requests of the devotees, the priests may also perform Divya Prabandham prayer.
  • After the completion of worship, the priest sits at the raised platform of the temple, reading Holy Scriptures.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air: The Hubli airport is the nearest domestic airport to the temple, while the Bangalore airport is the nearest international airport. The Hubli airport is approximately 170 km from Bhadravathi. Another optional airport for the tourists is the Mangalore airport.

By Train: The nearest railway station to the temple is the Birur- Bhadravathi railway station. The trains that ply between Bangalore and Shimoga have stoppage at the Bhadravathi railway station. Tourists can also opt for train to Birur and then another train or bus from Birur to Bhadravathi. There is also an option to board a train from Mysore to reach Bhadravathi.

By Road: Bhadravathi is located approximately at 255 km from the state capital of Bangalore. It is 20 km from the district headquarters of Shimoga. Tourists can opt for NH-206 to reach Bhadravathi. This highway passes through Tumkur, Tiptur, Arasikere, Kadur, Birur and Tarikere to reach Bhadravathi. There are several public and private buses that regularly ply from Bangalore and Shimoga to Bhadravathi; these buses take almost 6 hours to reach the site. There is another route from Mysore to Bhadravathi. The route of Mysore passes from Channarayapattana, Arasikere, Kadur to reach Bhadravathi. The temple is located at one and half kilometre from the main road. It takes almost an hour to reach Bhadravathi from Birur. You can get round the town in auto rickshaws.

Hotels in Bhadravati: Where to stay

There are some decent hotels located at Bhadravathi. Enjoy a comfortable stay near the temple within your budget. Some of the popular hotels of the city are Pavana Lodge, Chinnappa Hotel, Guruprasad Hotel, Hotel Attigunda, Hotel Basaveshwara, Hotel De Tej, Hotel Ganesh, Hotel Heritage and Hotel Kanchana.

Where to eat

There are no eateries near the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi. Hygienic and vegetarian food is available at the hotels like Pavana Lodge and Hotel Kanchana. Paani poori is one of the popular street food at Bhadravathi.

Nearby Temples

Here are a number of ancient temples located around the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi.

  • Sri Amrutheshwara Temple: This temple is located at the quaint village of Amruthapura, in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. It is almost 30 km from the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi. This temple was also constructed during the Hoysala rule. The walls and pillars of the shrine are sculpted with incidents from the great Indian epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
  • Sri Chintamani Narasimha Temple: This sacred temple is also located at the banks of River Tunga and Bhadra, in an avatar of Lord Vishnu, Sri. Chintamani Narasimha Temple. This temple is a blend of Shaivaites and Vaishnavaites culture and exhibits Chola style of architecture. This temple houses one of the rarest idols of Lord Chintamani Narasimha, who is seated with his left knee bent and with Chintamani in his palm. The exquisite sculptures opposite the temple also attract multiple historians and tourists. The temple is legendary as it is believed that the deity was installed and worshipped by Prahlada, the ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu.
  • Sri Rameshwara Temple: Located at the confluence of River Tunga and Bhadra at the Koodli village of Shimoga district, the Sri Rameshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built by the Hoysala and the Ikkeri kings. This spectacular temple is located amidst sprawling green gardens. Another important factor about this temple is that the snake gods are worshipped here.

Hence if you are passionate to know about the temple architecture of South India, a visit to the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is a must.

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