Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple, Melkote

Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple in Melkote (Thirunarayanapura) is a significant Vaishnavite pilgrimage center closely associated with the great philosopher Ramanujacharya, who spent 12 years here. The temple is famous for the Vairamudi festival where the deity wears a diamond-studded crown, guarded heavily and displayed only during this annual event. Melkote is perched on a rocky hill and also houses the Yoga Narasimha Temple on the hilltop, offering panoramic views of the Mandya landscape.