Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu located in the town of Kanakagiri, in the Gangavathi taluk of the Koppal district of Karnataka, India. Kanakagiri, also known as “Swarnagiri” (“Hill of Gold”) in ancient times, is located approximately 3 kilometres from the district headquarters of Koppal, 380 kilometres north of Bangalore, and 200 kilometres east of Belagavi.

Sri Kanakaachala Temple, Kanakgiri is a 16th-century Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu. It is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India’s Karnataka state division. The temple was constructed by the ruling vassal polyagar (Nayaka or feudal lord).

Significance of the Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

Kanakagiri is known to get its present name from Kanaka Muni, a Hindu saint who performed penance there. The combined form of Lakshmi and Narasimha worshipped in the temple is in Shaligram form.

History of Lakshmi Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

The historically significant Koppal city, known in ancient inscriptions as Kopana, is also archaeologically significant due to the discovery of two inscriptions from Emperor Ashoka’s (3rd century B.C.E.) reign in the nearby villages Palkigundu and Gavimatha. After the Maurya Empire’s rule over the region ended, Koppal passed into the hands of notable Deccan dynasties: the Satavahanas, the Western Gangas, the Hoysalas, and the Chalukyas. The earliest Kannada classic, King Nrupatunga Amoghavarsha I’s Kavirajamarga (r.814-878 A.D.), mentions Koppal in the sentence Viditha Maha Kopana Nagara.

The architecture of Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

The Kanakachalapathi temple is an example of Dravidian architecture from the Vijayanagara era. It is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India’s Karnataka state division. The ruling vassal polyagar (Nayaka or feudal lord) built the temple. The temple complex is extensive, with large halls (mantapa) and massive Yali pillars. There are three tiered gopuras (towers over entrances) over as many entrances. The temple’s sculpture includes mythological figures in wood and pilasters, as well as kings and queens in black stone.

A local proverb that states “People with eyes must see Kanakagiri and those with legs, Hampi” serves as evidence of the temple’s popularity. It states that the Kanakachalapathi temple is a visual delight, in contrast to the architectural marvels of nearby Hampi, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the royal centre of Vijayanagara, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple conducts the “Kanakachalapathi fair” (Jatra) throughout the months of February and March, which is the Phalguna season.

Facts about Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

• Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, dedicated to Lakshmi Narasimha, is located in Kanakagiri, Karnataka.
• The temple is approximately 22 kilometres from Gangavati Town. In the temple, the Narasimha form of Bhagavan Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped separately.
• Shaligram is the combined form of Lakshmi and Narasimha worshipped in the temple.
• The massive chariot in Kanakaraya Ratha temple has six wheels, each with a circumference of nine feet.
• Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India’s Karnataka state division.
• The ruling vassal polyagar (Nayaka or feudal lord) built the Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple.
• The Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple complex is extensive, with large halls (mantapa) and massive Yali pillars.
• Over as many entrances, there are three well-executed tiered gopuras (towers over entrances).
• The massive chariot in the temple known as Kanakaraya Ratha has six wheels, each with a circumference of nine feet.
• Kanakagiri Utsava is observed in the months of February and March (according to the Hindu calendar’s Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna).

Festivals Celebrated in Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

• Kanakagiri Utsava – Kanakagiri Utsava is observed in the months of February and March (according to the Hindu calendar’s Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna).
• Vaikuntha Ekadashi – Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrated during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January) is the major festival celebrated in the temple.
• Chitra Poornima is also a major occasion for celebration in the temple.

Best Time to Visit Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and you can visit it all year. The best time to visit this temple, however, is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

How to reach Kanakachala Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

By Air: The nearest airports are Jindal Vijaynagar Airport (72.3Km) and Hubli Airport (153.4Km).

By Railway: Nearest Railway Station is Koppal around 40 km from the Sri Kanakaachala Temple.

By Roadways: Gangawati and Sindhnur are two nearby towns that have road access to Kanakagiri.

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