The spiritual preceptor who spent 12 years in Melkote is Ramanuja an exponent of Visishtadwaitam. He revived the temple rituals and prescribed a format to be followed. This place is also called Vijayasthanam or place of victory. His stay will be remembered by the devotees and people of Melkote forever. His followers could not bear to be separated from him. Thus he gifted them an icon of himself so that they will not feel his absence. He also advised his devotees to build a small hut at Melkote because staying here foe sometime will wash off ones sins. Such is the efficacy of residing here.

Ramanuja is called Bashyakara because he wrote commentaries on Brahmasutra while staying here.

Melkote is a famous centre for Sanskrit studies .Though it is in Karnataka yet it nurtures rich Tamil literature. Melkote amalgamates Tamil and Kannada culture with focus on Sanskrit.

The temple calendar is packed with festivals and holy events. Rathasapthami is celebrated with fervor and piety. The God Cheluvaraya is taken out in a procession in a Sun Chariot drawn by 7 horses to symbolize the Sun and his seven horses. The festival is a beautiful blend of spirituality and folk arts. This art form is showcased by dancers who lend color to the pagentary.

On Shukla punarvasu day Ramanuja arrived at Melkote and unearthed Thirunarayana from an anthill. Ramanuja was always attired in saffron robes but when he moved out of Tamil nadu he wore a normal white dress. For some security reasons. To commemorate this event the icon of Ramanuja is attired in white dress on punarvasu day.

Melkote Is known as Gnana Mantap -a pavilion of knowledge.

Melkote can be reached from Bangalaore.

Contact for Local service
Narayana Bhattar- 9448412656

Concluded

An Earnest Appeal

UshaRaja