62-658: Melukote in Pandavapura taluk of Mandya district , Karnataka , in southern India, is one of the sacred places in Karnataka.It is built on rocky hills, known as Yadugiri, Yaadavagiri or Yadushaila, overlooking the Cauvery valley. Melukote is about 51 km (32 miles) from Mysore and 133 km (83 mi) from Bangalore . Melukote is the location of the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple , with
124-466: A literacy rate of 70.14%. 17.08% of the population lives in urban areas. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes make up 14.69% and 1.24% of the population respectively. Languages of Mandya district (2011) At the time of the 2011 census, 91.92% of the population spoke Kannada , 4.24% Urdu , 1.34% Tamil and 1.30% Telugu as their first language. Rath yatra Ratha Yatra ( / ˈ r ʌ θ ə ˈ j ɑː t r ə / ), or chariot festival ,
186-511: A population of 1,805,769, roughly equal to the nation of The Gambia or the US state of Nebraska . This gives it a ranking of 263rd in India (out of a total of 640 ). The district has a population density of 365 inhabitants per square kilometre (950/sq mi) . Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 2.55%. Mandya has a sex ratio of 989 females for every 1,000 males, and
248-513: A Buddha seated in each, and a Bodhisattva standing in attendance on him. There may be twenty cars, all grand and imposing, but each one different from the others. On the day mentioned, the monks and laity within the borders all come together; they have singers and skillful musicians; they pay their devotion with flowers and incense. The Brahmans come and invite the Buddhas to enter the city. These do so in order, and remain two nights in it. All through
310-506: A collection of crowns and jewels which are brought to the temple for the annual celebration. On the top of the hill is the temple of Yoganarasimha. Many more shrines and ponds are located in the town. Melukote is home to the academy of Sanskrit Research, which has collected thousands of Vedic and Sanskrit manuscripts. Early in the 12th century, the famous Srivaishnava saint Sri Ramanujacharya , who hailed from present day Tamil Nadu , stayed at Melukote for about 12 years. It has thus become
372-636: A few works bearing on logic, rhetoric, mathematics, astronomy, astrology, ritual, architecture, Pancharatra, Dharmashastras, Grihya and Dharmasutra. There is also a Sanskrit college here named Sri Veda Vedantha Bodhini Sanskrita Mahapatashala (Govt. Sanskrit College) which was established as early as in 1854 and which is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the state. Melkote has contributed many literary figures like Pu Ti Narasimhachar , Tirumalaraya, Komanduri Deshika Charyulu ( got Appreciation Certificate also from Mysore Maharaja ), Chikkupadhyaya and Devashikhamani Alasingachar. The academy has also published
434-401: A king-post, with poles and lances slanting from it, and is rather more than twenty cubits high, having the shape of a tope. White and silk-like cloth of hair is wrapped all round it, which is then painted in various colours. They make figures of devas, with gold, silver, and lapis lazuli grandly blended and having silken streamers and canopies hung out over them. On the four sides are niches, with
496-748: A number of commentaries on Vedic texts, in English, Kannada and Sanskrit including Sayanacharya's commentaries on the Vedas and Purusha Suktam . The Sri Yadugiri Education center (by Sri Ramanuja Srisha Seva Trust) provides cultural education to rural students. Sri Veda Vedanta Bodhini Govt. Sanskrit college is a place for traditional education. The mission of the institution is "Providing good education to rural students". Veda, Nalayira Divyaprabandha, Stotra and Grantha Kalakshepams are being taught in traditional families even today. SGS groups runs colleges and schools. SET group runs schools and polytechnics. The town
558-486: A prominent centre of the Srivaishnava sect. Melukote is a village and a historic place of the same name, situated at a distance of 36 km (22 miles) north-west of Mandya, and 51 km (32 miles) north of Mysore . According to mythological account, this place was known as Narayanadri, Vedadri, Yadavadri, Yathishaila and Tirunarayanapura. The name of the place is derived from the temple of Narayanaswamy which
620-487: A regular visitor to the temple. A gold crown set with precious jewels was presented by him to the temple. This crown is known as the Raja-mudi, after his name. From the inscriptions on some of the gold jewels and on gold and silver vessels in the temple, it is learnt that they were presents from Krishnaraja Wadiyar III (r. 1799–1831) and his queens. Krishnaraja Wodeyar III also presented a crown set with precious jewels. It
682-471: A silk cloth while fitting the crown. During the 13-day celebration, Kalyanotsava, Nagavalli Mahotsava are held in the Holy Kalyani, followed by Maharatotsava. In most years the spiritual events have been accompanied by cultural programmes, including music and dance performances, but in 2014 they were cancelled because of the upcoming election and its "model code of conduct". While Vairamudi Brahmotsava
SECTION 10
#1732781156085744-572: A special annual commemoration named after it, namely the vairamudi habba. Despite all the royal connections of the other two crowns, it is only the old vairamudi to be distinguished this way. All the three crowns are kept in the safe custody of the state government at the Mandya Treasury. They are brought to the temple to adorn the image of Cheluvanarayana Swamy only during a specific annual festival known as Vairamudi habba (literally "Diamond crown festival"). This festival commemorates, and
806-669: A stream, called the Manimuttaru, which to this day flows in Thanjavur. On his way, he saw Bala Krishna playing with his friends in the mid day sun at Brindavana. Garuda protected the Bala Krishna from the sun by placing his wings as the shade and placed the crown on his head. The local legends of Melkote claim that Krishna presented Cheluva Narayana with this crown. Preparations for the Brahmotsava start several weeks before
868-480: Is Mandya City. Mandya District has five rivers: Kaveri River and four tributaries main Hemavathi, Shimsha, Lokapavani, Veeravaishnavi. Mandya district consists of 7 taluks grouped under 2 subdivisions. The Mandya subdivision comprises Mandya , Maddur and Malavalli taluks, while the Pandavapura subdivision comprises Pandavapura , Srirangapatna , Nagamangala and Krishnarajpet Taluks. Since Mandya
930-747: Is a chariot temple, a Roth , dedicated to the Hindu God Jagannath located in Dhamrai , Bangladesh . The annual Jagannath Ratha Yatra is a famous Hindu festival attracting thousands of people. The Ratha Yatra in Dhamrai is one of the most important events for the Hindu community of Bangladesh. The original historical Roth was burnt down by the Pakistan Army in 1971. The Roth has since been rebuilt with Indian assistance. Iskcon Swamibagh
992-598: Is a month-long festival held at Mahesh in Serampore of West Bengal and a grand fair is held at that time. People throng to have a share in pulling the long ropes (Roshi) attached to the chariots of Lord Jagannath , Balarama and Subhadra on the journey from the temple to Gundicha Bari (Masir bari) and back. Subhadra is worshipped with Krishna in Jagannath Yatra. The practice of Ratha Yatra in Manipur
1054-743: Is a temple dedicated to the Hindu God Krishna located in Swamibagh, Dhaka . The annual Jagannath Ratha Yatra is a famous Hindu festival attracting thousands of people. The Ratha Yatra in Swamibagh is one of the most important events for the Hindu community of Bangladesh. The Rathayatra of Mahesh is the second oldest chariot festival in India (after the Rath Yatra at Puri) and the oldest in Bengal , having been celebrated since 1396 CE. It
1116-457: Is also an ornithologist's paradise, with around 200 species of birds indigenous to the area. Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary has been known for its once abundant Cycas circinalis species, which in the recent time has been over exploited by the flower decorators and local doctors. There is a vast forest land near this place and a wild life sanctuary was opened on 17 June 1974, to protect the species like wolves and black buck which are plenty in
1178-560: Is also home to the Academy of Sanskrit Research, an institution that was founded in 1977, by the Government of Karnataka. The academy has kept 83 employees with 25 research scholars working on Sanskrit Research. Some of the areas of research include: Vishistadhvaitha , Upanishads and Scientific research from ancient texts. There is also a library that houses 11,000 manuscripts and 35,000 books. Mandya district Mandya district
1240-467: Is an administrative district of Karnataka , India . The district is bordered on the south by Mysore and Chamarajangar districts, on the west by Hassan district , on the north by Tumkur district and on the east by Ramanagara district . The district Mandya was carved out of larger Mysore district in the year 1939. Mandya is the main town in Mandya district. As of 2011, the district population
1302-982: Is any public procession in a chariot. They are held annually during festivals in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The term also refers to the popular annual Ratha Yatra of Puri that involves a public procession with a chariot with deities Jagannath ( Vishnu avatar), Balabhadra (his brother), Subhadra (his sister) and Sudarshana Chakra (his weapon) on a ratha , a wooden deula -shaped chariot. Ratha Yatra processions have been historically common in Vishnu-related (Jagannath, Rama, Krishna) traditions in Hinduism across India, in Shiva-related traditions, saints and goddesses in Nepal, with Tirthankaras in Jainism , as well as tribal folk religions found in
SECTION 20
#17327811560851364-412: Is believed that this utsavamurthi belonged to and was worshipped by Lord Rama and the kings of the surya vamsa Dynasty for generations. Later the same deity was given to a king of Chandra vamsam (the dynasty of Lord Krishna ) and was worshipped by Lord Krishna and many generations. So CheluvaNarayana is so unique that he was worshipped by both Rama and Krishna. According to a legend, this metallic image
1426-591: Is built on the hillock, surrounded by a fort. It is built on a rocky hill-range named Yadugiri, which is 3,589 feet (1,094 m) high above sea level. The village is the only settlement in Mandya district , located above 1000 metres. In the 12th century, the Srivaishnava saint Ramanujacharya took up his residence in this location for about 14 years. As a result, it became a prominent centre of Srivaishnavism. Large numbers of Iyengar Brahmins migrated and settled in
1488-516: Is electrifying with excitement and dedication as thousands of devotees pull the chariots. There is singing, dancing, and nonstop hymn chanting during the three-kilometer trek to Gundicha Temple. The yearly pilgrimage of Lord Jagannath and his siblings to their birthplace is represented by this procession. Gundicha Temple and the Nine-Day Sojourn Upon reaching Gundicha Temple, the deities are welcomed with elaborate rituals. They stay at
1550-551: Is known after him as Krishnaraja-mudi . Yet another crown, known as the Vairamudi or Vajramukuta , which is set with diamonds and must have been the most expensive of the three, is also older than both the Raja-mudi and Krishnaraja-mudi. Who was the donor of that very valuable crown, and how it came into the possession of the temple, is unknown. However, as the oldest crown, it has a special place in ritual ceremonies, and has
1612-405: Is located on the banks of the river Cauvery, agriculture is the predominant occupation and the single largest contributor to Mandya's economy . The main crops grown are paddy sugarcane , jowar , maize , cotton , banana , ragi , coconut , pulses , and vegetables . Mandya district has an extensive road network. NH-275 , NH 948 and NH-150A pass through the district. The road network in
1674-688: Is named Nandighosa. Taladhwaja belongs to Balabhadra and Darpadalana to Subhadra. The Chariot Festival: Day One In a custom known as Pahandi, the gods are ceremoniously taken out of the Jagannath Temple on the day of the Ratha Yatra. Devotees are dancing and chanting in the streets during this colorful and joyful celebration. After that, the gods are mounted on their appropriate chariots and prepared to travel to Gundicha Temple. The Chariot Festival Ratha Yatra Day One The Journey to Gundicha Temple The Journey to Gundicha Temple The atmosphere
1736-419: Is named after, the oldest crown, of unknown origin. The Vairamudi festival, which is the chief annual celebration, is attended by more than 400,000 people. Jatra ( chariot festival , when the utsava murthy of the deity is taken in procession through the streets of the town) is held annually during March–April and more than one lakh people congregate for this occasion. A number of inscriptions and records of
1798-634: Is named for the legendary diamond studded crown, the Vaira Mudi, which the Lord only wears during this procession. For the rest of the festival the Lord wears the Rajamudi, another crown studded with precious stones. According to Hindu legends, Vairamudi, the diamond crown, was stolen from Lord Narayana , when he was asleep at his abode in the Ksheera Sagara (Milky Ocean), by Virochana. Virochana
1860-653: Is one of the most important festivals for Sri Vaishnavas, others include the Garudotsava at Kancheepuram (Tamil Nadu), Kotharotsava at Srirangam (Tamil Nadu) and the Brahmotsava at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. Melkote is house to the Academy of Sanskrit Research (ASR). Established in 1978, with further history that goes back a few centuries to the times of Ramanuja , ASR is spread over 14 acres at
1922-541: Is one of the oldest institutions here, established in 1854. An old library founded in 1935, contains large number of Sanskrit , Kannada , Tamil and Telugu books and manuscripts. In 1976, opening in 1978, a research institute, the Samskrita Academy was established, which incorporated the library. Yadugiri Yathiraja Mutt , Ahobila Matha and Parakala Matha of the Sri Vaishnava sect are located in
Melukote - Misplaced Pages Continue
1984-517: Is richly endowed, having been under the special patronage of the Vijaya nagar king Vikitapathi Raya and Mysore kings, and it has an extremely valuable collection of jewels in its custody. As early as 1614, Maharaja Raja Wodeyar I (1578–1617) of Mysore, who first acquired Srirangapatna and adopted the Srivaishnava faith, granted to the temple, and to the Brahmins at Melkote as custodians of the deity,
2046-538: Is the procession of Lord Cheluvanarayana Swamy (as represented by an idol, normally in most srivaishnava temples, the presiding deit "moolavar " is represented on procession by "utsavar "in a different name, here Cheluvaraya is called as "sampathkumara") through the streets of Melkote, which are decorated in his honour. In the procession the Lord's idol is carried on a golden garuda , along with idols representing his divine consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. The procession takes place at night and continues until dawn. The festival
2108-538: The Bahuda Yatra, a trek back to the Jagannath Temple. Devotees drag the chariots back to their original abode in this equally magnificent event. For the devotees, the trip back is a time of great joy and celebration. Suna Besha: The Golden Attire At the Ratha Yatra event, the Suna Besha, where the gods are decked out in gold jewelry and decorations, is one of the highlights. The day following the gods’ return to
2170-637: The Gundicha Temple for nine days, during which various religious ceremonies and cultural events take place. This period is known as the Gundicha Yatra, where devotees can offer prayers and seek blessings from the deities. Ratha Yatra 2024 Gundicha Temple and the Nine-Day Sojourn Bahuda Yatra The Return Journey of Ratha Yatra Bahuda Yatra: The Return Journey Nine days later, the gods set out on
2232-501: The Jagannath Temple is when this magnificent ceremony takes place. The finale of the Ratha Yatra celebrations is the stunning sight of the deities dressed in gold, drawing thousands of devotees. The Ratha Yatra festival has become a common sight in most major cities of the world since 1968 through the Hare Krishna movement. Local chapters put on the festival annually in over a hundred cities worldwide. Dhamrai Jagannath Ratha
2294-457: The area. From here visitors can also visit Thondanoor a nearby temple town, the location of the famous Nambi Narayana, Parthasarathi, Yoganarasimha and Ramanuja temples. This is approximately 20 km (12.4 miles) from Melukote. Vairamudi Brahmotsava (Vairamudi Utsav) is an annual spiritual event and festival revered throughout South India. In the past it has attracted up to 400,000 devotees of Lord Cheluva Narayana (Tirunarayana). The main event
2356-501: The deity. The temple infrastructure has a large pond called as Kalyani . The beauty of the steps leading to water and the mantapas built all around are such that it has been captured in many Indian films. One of the songs of Hindi Block-buster film Damini featuring Rishi Kapoor and Minakshi Sheshadri has been shot at here in Melukote Temple. There are other shrines of Ramanuja, images of Alvars and Yadugiriammanavaru etc., in
2418-535: The district includes 73 kilometres (45 mi) of the National Highways , 467 kilometres (290 mi) of State Highways and 2,968 kilometres (1,844 mi) of major district roads. Mandya belongs to "South Western Railways" of "Indian Railways". Mandya has many railway stations which are listed below: Religion in Mandya District (2011) According to the 2011 census , Mandya district has
2480-653: The eastern states of India. Notable Ratha Yatras in India include the Ratha Yatra of Puri , the Dhamrai Ratha Yatra in Bangladesh and the Ratha Yatra of Mahesh . Hindu communities outside India, such as in Singapore, celebrate Ratha Yatra such as those associated with Jagannath , Krishna , Shiva and Mariamman . According to Knut Jacobsen, a Ratha Yatra has religious origins and meaning, but
2542-575: The events have a major community heritage, social sharing and cultural significance to the organizers and participants. Western impressions of the Jagannath Ratha Yatra in Puri as a display of unstoppable force are the origin of the English word juggernaut . Ratha Yatra is derived from two Sanskrit words, Ratha , which means chariot or carriage, and Yatra which means journey or pilgrimage. In other Indian languages such as Odia ,
Melukote - Misplaced Pages Continue
2604-463: The festival. The actual celebrations take place over the course of thirteen days. Garudotsava is celebrated a day before the Brahmotsava at Melkote. The district administration of Mandya makes arrangements for bringing the Vairamudi crown from the Mandya treasury to the temple amidst great security measures. It is believed that the crown must not be exposed to daylight. When not in the procession
2666-465: The food and medicines which their cases require, and are made to feel at ease; and when they are better, they go away of themselves. Traditional A stunning example of Kalinga architecture is the Jagannath Temple, which was constructed in the twelfth century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva. The goddesses Subhadra, Balabhadra, and Lord Jagannath reside in this hallowed shrine. The festival of Ratha Yatra, which draws pilgrims and visitors from all over
2728-436: The form of Shaligram. The priests of this temple follow the pancharatra and vadakalai traditions. The temple tower in this temple has vadakalai markings as the court ruling was not to remove these symbols. The marking on the deity of vadakalai which was stolen, and courts ordered to replace them with a single orange line. The courts ordered against reintroducing another marking of vadakalai or tenkalai character on
2790-465: The greatest of all in the Middle Kingdom [Mathura through Deccan]. The inhabitants are rich and prosperous, and vie with one another in the practice of benevolence and righteousness. Every year on the eighth day of the second month they celebrate a procession of images. They make a four-wheeled car, and on it erect a structure of four storeys by means of bamboos tied together. This is supported by
2852-442: The image of Yoga Narasimha temple at Melkote was installed by Prahlada himself. Krishnaraja Wodeyar III presented a gold crown to Lord Yoga Narasimha. It is also believed that this is the place where Prahlad did his penance. Since his father, the demon Hiranyakashipu was killed by Nrsimha, Prahlad was advised by his elders to do penance, so that “Pitra-dosha” does not affect him. So this is the place where Prahlad worshipped Nrsimha in
2914-483: The individuals or the deities come out of a temple accompanied by the public journeying with them through the Ksetra (region, streets) to another temple or to the river or the sea. Sometimes the festivities include returning to the sacrosanctum of the temple. Traveler Fa-Hien who visited India during 400 CE notes the way temple car festivals were celebrated in India. The cities and towns of this country [Magadha] are
2976-418: The large and valuable estate (fiefdom) granted to him by Vijaynagar emperor Venkatapati Raya . On one of the pillars of the temple's nava-aranga ("new stage" or pavilion for music and dance performances), there stands a bas relief about 1.5 feet (0.46 m) high, of Raja Wodeyar, standing with folded hands, with his name inscribed on the base. He is said to have been a great devotee of the presiding deity and
3038-539: The night they keep lamps burning, have skillful music, and present offerings. This is the practice in all the other kingdoms as well. The Heads of the Vaisya families in them establish in the cities houses for dispensing charity and medicines. All the poor and destitute in the country, orphans, widowers, and childless men, maimed people and cripples, and all who are diseased, go to those houses, and are provided with every kind of help, and doctors examine their diseases. They get
3100-533: The phonetic equivalents are used, such as jatra . Ratha Yatra is a journey in a chariot accompanied by the public. It typically refers to a procession (journey) of deities, people dressed like deities, or simply religious saints and political leaders. The term appears in medieval texts of India such as the Puranas , which mention the Ratha Yatra of Surya (Sun god), of Devi (Mother goddess), and of Vishnu . These chariot journeys have elaborate celebrations where
3162-410: The place speak of other land grants and gifts to this shrine. Perhaps the fort on the hill was built during Hoysala and Vijayanagara period. The renovated temple has a beautiful gopura was built by Vijayanagar Dynasty. This temple is under the direct control of Yadu yatirajagiri matha. On the top of the hill is an attractive Melkote Narasimha temple dedicated to Lord Yoga Narasimha. It is believed that
SECTION 50
#17327811560853224-540: The place. Melukote has been known for quality handlooms especially weaving dhoties, sarees, etc. An artisans training centre, a dairy unit and a residential school are established in the place. Melkote is also the location of the Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary was created on 17 June 1974, primarily to house wolves. Other mammals found in this sanctuary include the jungle cat, leopard, bonnet macaque, langur and pangolin. It
3286-502: The priests keep the crown hidden from view in a sacred casket. On the evening of the procession, the crown is placed in front of the sanctum of Sri Acharya Ramanuja and the head priest places the Vaira Mudi and fits it to the statue of the Lord Cheluva Narayana. It is tradition that not even the head priest should look at the Vaira Mudi with naked eyes until it is fitted onto the Lord. Hence the priest covers his eyes with
3348-486: The region, forming the Mandyam Iyengar community. The principal temple is a square building of large dimensions but very plain, dedicated to Lord Cheluva-Narayana Swamy or Thirunarayana . The utsavamurthi , which is a metallic image, represents the deity who is called Shelvapillai , Cheluva Raya and Cheluvanarayana Swamy , whose original name appears to have been Ramapriya (meaning "Rama's Favourite"). It
3410-545: The southern end of Melkote, and contains schools that practice the gurukul system of Sanskrit education as well as those that teach in modern methods, libraries, halls and temples, all dedicated to the study of Sanskrit language and texts. The private library of the Yatirajaswamigalu of Melkote contains a large number of Sanskrit and Kannada works bearing on the Vishishtadvaita school of philosophy,
3472-429: The temple. On top of the hill is the impressive temple of Yoganarasimha. Krishnaraja Wodeyar III presented a gold crown to this upper shrine. There is a big pond there. Many more shrines and ponds are located in the town. Melukote has been a centre of learning. It has contributed many literary figures, such as Tirumalarya, Chikkupadhyaya, Alasingachar and Pu. Ti. Narasimhachar. Sri Vedavedantha Bodhini Sanskrit College
3534-415: The world, is closely linked to the history of the Jagannath Temple. Preparations for Ratha Yatra 2024 Preparations for Ratha Yatra 2024 Ratha Yatra 2024 is being planned months in advance, with artisans building the enormous chariots for the gods. Every year, each chariot is constructed from scratch utilizing particular wood species and customary blueprints. The largest chariot belongs to Lord Jagannath and
3596-476: Was 1,808,680 (of which 16.03% was urban). Mandya district is located between north latitude 12°13' to 13°04' N and east longitude 76°19' to 77°20' E. It is bounded by Mysore district to the west and southwest, Tumkur district to the northeast, Chamrajnagar district to the south, Hassan district to the northwest, and Ramanagar district to the east. It has an area of 4,961 square kilometres (1,915 sq mi). The administrative center of Mandya district
3658-565: Was a lively time during which tazia processions were common. This happened to fall on the same day as Ratha Yatra. Sensing possible communal violence, the Faujdar of Sylhet, Ganar Khan , requested the Hindu community to delay their festival by one day. Contrary to the Nawab's statement, a riot emerged between the two communities. As a Hindu himself, Singh managed to defend the Hindus and disperse
3720-502: Was introduced in the nineteenth century. The Khaki Ngamba chronicle mentions that on a Monday in either April or May 1829, the King of Manipur Gambhir Singh was passing through Sylhet whilst on a British expedition against the Khasis . Two processions were being prepared by Sylhet's Muslim and Hindu communities respectively. The Islamic month of Muharram in the history of Sylhet
3782-597: Was lost for many centuries and was recovered by Sri Ramanujacharya. The annual report of the Mysore Archeaelogical Department (p. 57) states, on the strength of epigraphic evidence, that the presiding deity of this temple was already a well-known object of worship before Sri Ramanujacharya worshipped at the shrine, in December 1098, and even before he came to the Mysore region. The temple
SECTION 60
#17327811560853844-467: Was the king of demons and the son of Prahlada . Garuda was asked by the lord's devotees to bring back the crown. Garuda went after Virochana to the nether world, fought with the demon king and flew back with the crown. According to the legend it is believed that Vairamudi lost its blue gem on the crest while Garuda was bringing it. The blue gem is believed to have fallen near Nachiar Koil, a temple town in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. The gem turned into
#84915