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 Nestled
in the sylvan surroundings of Sahya mountain range of Mandya
district of Karnataka Melkote is the abode of Lord TiruNarayana who
is the presiding deity. Let us peep into its puranic lore
Presiding deity-ThiruNarayana
Thayar-Yadugiri ammal.
The sahya mountain range appears like Adi sesha
and Melkote attracts devotees from far off places for several
reasons.This hallowed spot is called Yadavadri,, Narayanadri,
Vedadri and Yathishaila.
There is an interesting story of how the icon of
Lord Thirunarayana was installed here. Brahma did penance for to
secure an icon of the lord for daily worship. A celestial vimana
with the icon of Thirunarayana appeared before him . Thus Brahma
secured the idol and started propitiating the lord. Sanath kumara
son of Brahma wanted to an idol of the lord to worship on earth.
Brahma promptly handed the icon of Thirunarayana to him. At this
juncture Brahma desired to have an idol of the lord to worship and
Thrunarayana brought out from his heart and gave him a mesmerizing
icon of the lord accompanied by sreedevi and Bhoodevi. Hence he came
to be called Cheluvaraya swami and he is the utsava murti
–processional deity in the temple now.
 Mahavishnu
disguised as Narayamaharishi preached the ashtakshara mantra at
Badrinath in north India. This mantra propitiates Thirunarayana at
Melkote. He also preached Dvaya mantra to Lakshmi sated on his lap.
Therefore Melkote is also called SouthernBadrinath.
There is a temple dedicated to Badrinarayana
opposite to Thirunarayana temple and a Badari decorates the façade
of the temple. Since the holy spot is associated with narayana this
place was called Narayanadri in krita yuga.
 Dattatreya
preached Vedas to his disciples here and thus it is called Vedadri
in Treta yuga.
It was called Yadavdri in dwapara yuga , yadavas
came and worshipped the lord.
Since Ramanuja renovated and rebuilt the temple
it is called Yatishaila. In kali yuga Moolavar Thirunarayana was
brought to Melkote by Brahma s son Sanath kumara and the utsavar
murthi cheluvaraya reached Melkote before being in the possession of
Lords Rama and Krishna. There is a glittering festival which is
synonymous with this temple .
To be contd.
Usha Raja
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