Commonly known as T. Narasipura or T.N. Pura, Tirumakudalu Narasipura is a temple city in Mysore district. The first name cites to the land at the convergence of the Kaveri, Kabini and Spatika Sarovara (a mythical lake or spring, also named Gupta Gamini). This is the place in South India where Kumbhamela is held every three years and finds a mention in the Skanda Purana as one of the Trimakuta Kshetras (holy places at the convergence of three rivers). The word 'Narasipura' is the name of the city, which is derived from the famous Gunja Narasimhaswamy temple that is located on the right bank of the Kabini river and is considered as sacred as Prayag, it is also known as Dakshina Kashi. The city finds mention in tourism guides, both as a tourist place and a pilgrimage centre.
About The Temple
The temple dates
back to about the 16th rule of the Vijayanagara Empire and is built in typical
dravidian and Hoysala style with an imposing tower over the entrance gate and a
four pillared hall in front of the sanctum. The threshold of the door is carved
with images of a washer man and his wife. The later Vijaynagar Kings and
Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar expanded the temple. Another shrine has the idol of
the main goddess.
Another temple
close by, called the "Agastyeshwara" temple, is the venue of a
religious fair (Jatra) that is held annually attracting large number of people
on this auspicious day.
About The Deity
The main deity
Lord Narasimha idol is seen holding a weighing balance with a twig of Gunja
plant giving the name Gunja Narasimha Swamy. This tells the importance of
T.Narasipura compared with Kashi by a Gunja seed. Gunja is known as Gulaganji in kannada.
Festivals
Every year the temple car festival is celebrated with great pomp and show.