Devarayanadurga Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Devarayanadurga

While exploring Devarayanadurga village, travellers must visit Yoga Narasimha Temple that is located on top of the hill. According to popular folklore, God Brahma (creator of the universe) constructed this pilgrimage site. This is the site where Lord Shiva, pleased with the 1000-year long penance of Lord Brahma, came in the form of Yoga Narasimha Swamy, who is an avatar of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu.

Upon reaching the site, tourists can see a sacred pond, Kalyani Theetham in the premises of the Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple. As per the local belief, a sacred brook runs through the idol of the presiding deity.

Travellers can also visit the vantage point in the site that was constructed to view the Sri Vidhyashankar Swamy Temple, which is 700 years old and located in Durgadahalli village.

While on a trip to Devarayanadurga village, tourists must visit the Bhoganarasimha Swamy Temple that is located at the base of the hill. This pilgrimage site was constructed during the Chola period. Upon reaching this site, travellers can see the idol of Goddess Lakshmi.

According to the local belief, the idol of 'Bhoga Narasimha' was placed by Sage Durvasa who is supposed to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva. The presiding deity of this temple is believed to be the 'Family Deity' of the Mysore Kings. Devotees from across the country visit Bhoganarasimha Swamy Temple during the popular car (jathra) festival that is organised every year.

The car festival takes place during the Phalguna Masa shuddha poornima day that falls in the month of March/April. During the car festival, a car, chariot, or ratha of Sri Bhoga Narasimhaswamy is taken to the main Ratha beedhi of the hill.

Tourists on a trip to Devarayanadurga are recommended to visit Mahalakshmi Temple that is located in Goravanahalli. According to popular folklore, the statue of the presiding deity, Goddess Mahalakshmi is self originated.

Upon reaching the temple, devotees will get a chance to see the idols of other deities such as Nag Dev (Snake God) and Marikamba. Special pooja is organised here on Fridays. Moreover, free lunch is offered to the devotees on a daily basis.

If time permits, then tourists are recommended to explore Namada Chilume (Chilume stands for spring) that lies on the base of the hill. Namada Chilume is regarded as the origin of the Jayamangali river. According to popular folklore, Lord Rama stopped at this site while on his way to Lanka.

Lord Rama needed water in order to make the 'Nama' (a paste applied by Hindus on forehead) moist. When he could not find water, Lord Rama shot an arrow on the ground that resulted in the appearance of a spring. Therefore, the site has been named Namada Chilume that stands for Rama Spring.

Tourists can also see the foot prints of Lord Rama close to the spring. An old guest house can be sighted opposite to Namada Chilume, which was built in the year 1931. The renowned ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali is believed to have resided in this guest house in 1938 during his research work.

If time allows, tourists can explore Sanjivaraya Temple that is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Upon reaching this pilgrimage site, tourists will notice that the idol of Lord Hanuman is standing with folded hands. As per the local belief, Sanjivaraya Temple was constructed prior to the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple.