Sri Lakshminarasimha Parabrahmanene Namaha

GREATNESS OF MAHARANYA (Mythology)

Gajaranya was situated near the confluence of Kaveri and Kapila Rivers. The place was engulfed with numerous fruit bearing trees, ponds, etc., and many Maharshis’ (great Sages) had their Ashrams (Hermitage) in the serene surroundings of Maharanya. Suyajnya, a Saint was residing on the northern part of the Gajaranya Kshetra. He performed Ugra Tapas (Penance) meditating on the Narasimha form of Lord Sriman Narayana. Pleased with the intense prayers of Suyajnya, Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha appeared, gave him the darshan (appearance) and said “I am pleased with your meditation, ask for a boon”. Suyajnya requested the almighty to grant him liberation from samsara. Lord Sri Narasimha bestowed on him the ‘moksha’.

Besides, the almighty granted him another boon for the welfare of the entire world by informing that ‘the place Maharanya being very sacred, one can fulfil all the desires and attain moksha by bathing in the “Chakra Theertha”, a pond created by the Sudarshana Chakra (Disc) and worshiping me’. Further, the Lord informed Suyajnya that those who bathe during the presence of Utthara Star when the Sun is in Vrushabha Rashi, worship me with prayers and offer alms (donations) shall be bestowed with health, wealth, riches and ultimately the Vishnu Sayujya – liberation from the bondage of samsara.

After a while, a sage named Lambakarna visited Gajaranya. He had travelled widely visiting many holy places. Saint Suyajnya extended him a warm welcome and honoured the sage befittingly. The sage was very much pleased with the hospitality. In his meditation, Lambakarna could see Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha and decided to stay permanently at the place. It is presumed that even today he is performing pooja (worshiping) to Lord Sri Narasimha along with his consort Goddess Lakshmi seated on the left lap of God.

One who performs pooja with bhakti (devotion) and shraddha (belief) at Marehalli Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple shall get rid of all the sins. Such a person receives the divine grace of Lord when alive and eventually attains (heavenly abode) the Lotus Feet.

TEMPLE HISTORY (Historical)

The Temple is very ancient and appears to be approximately 1000 years’ old. However, some say that the Temple is more than 1500 years’ old. From the edicts, it can be concluded that the Temple is roughly thousand year old. As per the inscriptions, the Temple has received contributions in the form of wealth, lands, building materials and articles from number of donors and during various periods of Rulers of Hoysala and Vijayanagar Dynasty starting from 11th century. Presently, the Temple is a protected Monument under aegis of Department of Archaeology of Government of India and Government of Karnataka. Besides, the Temple is also covered under Endowment and Muzrai Departments of Government of Karnataka.