Venugopalaswamy Temple, Devanahalli – Legends

Venugopalaswamy Temple, Devanahalli – Legends

Devana Halli:

As per legend, Ranabera Gowda from Kanchipuram settled in Avathi Village near Benthakalur (Modern day Bangalore). His settlement was destroyed completely during a cyclone. He gathered his belongings from the destroyed house and kept them under a tree. His broom stick got struck in an ant hill and it did not come out when they pulled out. Hence, he left it in the anthill and spend their night under the tree. He had a dream insisting that there were seven vessels of gold & jewelry and idols of Venugopala Swamy and Thimarayana Swami in the idol and asked him to install the idols. He dug out the treasure and idols in the next day. He installed Thimarayana Swami in Gauthama Giri Beta.

He reached along with his family. He decided to build a fort for himself and install the Venugopala Swamy in the fort. A Pallegara named Deve Gowda had a fort built in mud during this period. Ranabera Gowda requested Deve Gowda to help him in building a stone fort and build a temple for Venugopala Swamy. Deve Gowda accepted his request on one condition that the place should be named after him for his help. Ranabera Gowda accepted his condition and named the place as Devana Halli.

Hyder Ali:

Devanahalli is also famous for its association with Hyder Ali. It is said that Hyder Ali resided here and his son Tipu Sultan was born here. Hyder was working for a Landlord named Drona Raya, a Madhava Brahmin. Hyder was looking after his cows. He used to take the cows for grazing every day. One day, Hyder Ali was tiered and slept off. He did not go to the landlord house for lunch. Drona Raya came in search of him and was astonished to see a cobra raised his hood and protecting Hyder Ali from sunlight. Drona Raya predicted that Hyder Ali would rule the country one day. He treated Hyder Ali nicely with special meals. Hyder Ali asked him the reason behind the special meals. Drona Raya told Hyder Ali you are going to have a bright future. Later, Hyder Ali joined Mysore Army when it came to Devanahalli. Slowly, he climbed the ladder and became the ruler of Mysore.