Shri Veeranarayana Swamy Temple - Gadag
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🛕 Temple Info
Located in the heart of Gadag city, Sri Veeranarayana Swamy Temple stands as a magnificent symbol of devotion and historical grandeur. Built over 900 years ago, this sacred temple enshrines Lord Narayana (Vishnu) and offers a serene spiritual retreat for devotees and lovers of heritage alike.
Blending Hoysala-era architecture with the sacred aura of daily rituals, the temple serves as a center of both religious significance and Kannada literary heritage. Peaceful mornings and vibrant evenings during festivals make this temple a must-visit for spiritual seekers.
🧘 Temple Highlights
- Over 900 years old, built in Hoysala style.
- Kumaravyasa Stambha - iconic literary and devotional marker.
- Peaceful spiritual ambiance, ideal for introspection and learning.
- Surrounded by other ancient temples such as Trikuteshwara Temple.
- Devotees and scholars alike feel inspired by the blend of history, devotion, and heritage here.
✨ “Sri Veeranarayana Swamy Temple is not just a monument—it is a living legacy where devotion, Kannada literature, and divine tradition merge into timeless grace.”
💫 Importance
- One of the five major Vishnu temples in Karnataka built by King Vishnuvardhana.
- Celebrated site where the legendary Kannada poet Kumaravyasa composed the Gadugina Bharata—a revered retelling of the Mahabharata in Kannada.
- Features the sacred Kumaravyasa Stambha (pillar) with the poet’s face and inscription, where he is believed to have meditated and written his epic.
- During Navaratri, Lord Vishnu is decorated in Mohini Avatar, a ritual also performed in Belur and Halebidu.
- The temple is renowned for its Kalyanotsava, a divine wedding celebration of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Mahalaxmi, attracting scores of devotees.
📜History
- Constructed around 1117 CE by Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana after embracing Vaishnavism.
- Later supported by King Achyuta Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire, contributing to further construction and prominence.
- The region was formerly known as Kritupura, reflecting its long spiritual lineage.
- This temple is now recognized as a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India, preserving its architectural and cultural legacy.
- The walls and shrines reflect classic Dravidian and Hoysala designs, although some original stonework has been covered in later restoration.
🪔 Pooja Timings
| S.No. Ritual / Darshan Timing Time | ||
| 1 | Morning Darshan & Pooja | 05:30 AM – 12:00 PM IST |
| 2 | Evening Darshan & Aarti | 05:00 PM – 08:00 PM IST |
Special rituals:
- Kalyanotsava during festivals.
- Mohini Alankara during one of the Navaratri days.
- Daily worship of multiple deities in the temple complex.
🚌 Transfort Options
By Air
- Nearest Airport: Hubballi (57 km)
- Alternate: Belgaum Sambre Airport (128 km)
By Train
- Well-connected via Gadag Junction, also linked to Balganur and Kangihai stations.
- Direct overnight trains from Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata.
By Road
- Regular buses operate from Hubballi, Haveri, and Bagalkot.
- Taxis and private vehicles can navigate to the temple via narrow roads, as the town has grown around the ancient shrine.
🏙️Near By Cities
Hubbali
Dharwad
Haveri
Rona
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