There are many temples in India that are perched atop hills, like Devarayanadurga. The about 4000-foot-high mountain is accessible through a 1.5-hour drive from Bangalore and is a well-liked trekking location. In this way, the location allows you to seek blessings in addition to escaping city life. Take some time out for a quick but worthwhile day excursion to Devarayanadurga the next time you are staying at a hotel in Bangalore.
Here is all the information you require about this weekend escape from Bangalore, including its history, opening hours, admission cost, and architectural features:
Information about Devarayanadurga, Bangalore Location
District of Tumkur in Karnataka
Type: Site for pilgrimage and hiking
Altitude: 3,940 feet
Temple Construction Year: At least in the mid-17th century
Temple construction: Dravidian
Temple Hours : 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entrance Fee: N/A
Trek Length: 2 km
Trek Level of Difficulty: Easy-to-moderate
Ideal Season to Visit : Oct. through Feb.
How far is the Bangalore Airport? 84.8 km
Closest train station Tumkur
History of Devarayanadurga :
The three main Devarayanadurga attractions—Yoga Narsimha Temple, Bhoga Narsimha Temple, and Namada Chilume—each have their own unique legendary histories.
It is stated that the Yoga Narsimha Temple was erected where Lord Vishnu in his Narsingha incarnation and Goddess Lakshmi visited Lord Brahma after a protracted period of penance. Sage Durwasa, the most enraged of them all, visited Lord Brahma as he was performing penance and placed an idol of Narsingha where the Bhoga Narsimha had previously been.
Nearly 6 miles away from the hills, Namada Chilume has a long history that dates back to the Ramayana. According to legend, Lord Ram and Sita spent some time at the hill while they were in exile. In search of water to apply sandalwood paste on this forehead one day, Lord Ram was unable to locate any. He then used an arrow to pierce a boulder, releasing water that was claimed to be a natural spring called Namada Chilume.
Realistically, the history of the temple dates at least to the 17th century, when Kanthirava Narasaraja I, the then-king of Mysore, is reported to have built the temples. Some accounts, however, attribute the construction of the shrines to the Chola Kings, who dominated the region from the third century BC until the thirteenth century AD.
Devarayanadurga: Building
The ornately carved vimana (pyramidal tower) over each temple’s interior chamber distinguishes Devarayanadurga’s temples from other South Indian architecture. A few of the temples’ interior pillars bear inscriptions that provide a look into their past as well as details on all the patrons who have built or periodically restored them. The temples’ entrances face east in accordance with Hindu tradition.
Devaryanadurga: Right now
Devarayanadurga is an excellent destination for a day trip from Bangalore and attracts a sizable number of tourists, including both pilgrims and those who enjoy trekking. On the grounds of the lower Bhoga Narsimha Temple, there is a sizable pond where you might encounter a number of monkeys. A chariot festival is held at the adjacent Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in the months of March or April. During it, Lord Narsimha’s idol is mounted on a gold-laden chariot and driven through the streets. In a ceremony known as Giri Pradakshine, devotees travel from the surrounding area to this location and round the hill. Sri Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy Jayanthi is a different celebration.
Devinadurga: Trek
Starting with a brick and mortar building that resembles a turret tower, the hike begins at the foot of the hill. This is so that the hillock can also serve as a fort! A 100-step staircase leads to the Yoga Narsimha Temple at the summit from the Bhoga Narsimha Temple, which is situated at a little elevation. The actual hilltop is higher up, but to get there, one must traverse some dangerous ground and scale some boulders. On top of the hill is a mandap, or open pillared hall, from which one can see the temple below, the surrounding area’s vegetation, and the road that ascends to the hill’s base.
Visitor Attractions in Devarayanadurga
Temple of Bhoga Narsimha
Temple of Yoga Narsimha
Temple Cave
Mountian mandap
Temple of Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy
Activities close to Devarayanadurga
Chilume(6 km) Namada
Goravanahalli(20.6 kilometres)
Nijagal Betta(21.6 kilometres)
Temple of Kaidala Shri Chennakeshava Swamy (24.1 kilometres)
Kyamenahalli(27.2 kilometres)
