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| Venugopalaswamy Temple Devanahalli Fort KA en.wikipedia.org |
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| Venugopalaswamy Temple Devanahalli Fort KA en.wikipedia.org |
Architecture and Design
Constructed in the classic Dravidian style, the temple displays the refined aesthetics that flourished after the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire. The structure is characterized by a compact but intricately carved Gopura (entrance tower) and a spacious Prakara (courtyard). Image credit:Dineshkannambadi - Own work
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| Yali pillars Venugopala Swamy temple, KA en.wikipedia.org |
Above image : Yali pillars at the entrance to closed mantapa (hall) in the Venugopala Swamy temple in the Devanahalli fort.Image credit:Dineshkannambadi - Own work
One of the most striking features of the temple is the Garuda Stambha standing tall at the entrance. The exterior walls of the Maha Mantapa (main hall) are adorned with exquisite relief sculptures depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the life of Krishna. These friezes are noted for their detail, capturing everything from battle scenes to divine processions. Inside the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha), the idol of Venugopalaswamy is depicted in a graceful standing posture, accompanied by Rukmini and Satyabhama, showcasing the delicate craftsmanship of the era.
Historical and Religious Significance
The history of the temple is inextricably linked to the Devanahalli Fort, which was originally built in 1501 by Mallabaire Gowda and later fortified with stone by Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan. While the fort is famously known as the birthplace of Tipu Sultan, the presence of the Venugopalaswamy temple highlights the religious pluralism and the enduring Hindu heritage that continued to thrive within the fortified walls.
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| Kannada inscription in the temple KA en.wikipedia.org |
Above image: Inscriptions suggest that the Venugopala swamy temple was built during the rule of the local Yelahanka Bhupala chiefs in the 17th century. They ruled the region around modern Bangalore, Karnataka state, India. Source of inscription date:Pâli, Sanskrit and Old Canarese Inscriptions: From the Bombay Presidency and Parts of the Madras Presidency and Maisûr-John Faithful Fleet, James Burgess. Image credit: Dinesh Kannambadi - Own work
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| God Vishnu with his consorts,KA mappls.com |
Religiously, the temple remains an active place of worship, drawing devotees particularly during the annual Brahmotsavam and Krishna Janmashtami. The serene atmosphere within the fort walls, combined with the temple's rhythmic stone carvings, provides a unique spiritual experience. It stands as a silent witness to the shifting powers of the Palegars, the Marathas, and the Mysore Sultanate, preserving the cultural identity of Devanapura through the centuries.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venugopalaswamy_Temple,_Devanahalli
https://www.thinkbangalore.com/2015/12/venugopalaswamy-temple-devanahalli.html
K. N . Jayaraman
