Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Shurpali, Karnataka

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Shurpali, Karnataka

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Shurpali Village in Jamkhandi Taluk in Bagalkot District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is situated amidst cane fields on the banks of river Krishna. This Temple finds mention in the Skanda Purana.

Legends

Shurpali:

As per legend, a sage, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu, used to provide annadhana to the pilgrims regularly. One day, he found that he was not having any grains to prepare the annadhana. He prayed to Lord Narasimha to provide him with the supplies. He instructed him to go to the mid of the river Krishna and could get the requested supplies from Goddess Lakshmi. As instructed, he did and received a Shurpa (Mora) filled with grains from Goddess Lakshmi. Thus, the place came to be called as Shurpali.

Shurpalaya:

As per legend, river goddess Ganga came here to give Shurpa Dana to a brahmin to get relief from the sins she acquired. Hence, the place came to be called as Shurpalaya.

Ashwatha Vriksha:

It is said that Lord Parasurama shed tears out of joy on seeing the beauty of Shurpalaya. The tears when it fell on the ground gave birth to a Peepal tree (Ashwatha Vriksha).

Dakshina Kasi:

Shurpali is also referred to as Dakshina Kashi due the presence of Shiva Temples and eight Theerthas around the area. It is also said that Lord Shiva along with many Yakshas, Gandharvas and Sages are performing Tapasya at this place. Shurpali was the Tapobhumi of Shri Yadavaryaru.

The Temple

This temple is situated on the bank of river Krishna and surrounded by fort like structure. The sanctum enshrines an image of Lakshmi Narasimha. The presiding deity is considered as Kula Deivam for villagers. There is an Ashwatha Vriksham in front of the main deity. There is an Anjaneya idol in the temple premises. It is believed that the idol is one of the 732 idols consecrated by Sri Vyasaraja (1460 – 1539 CE).

Festivals

A big Jatra is observed during Narasimha Jayanti every year in this place.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 14 Kms from Savalagi, 17 Kms from Jamkhandi, 18 Kms from Jamkhandi Bus Stand, 37 Kms from Athani, 74 Kms from Mulvad Railway Station, 87 Kms from Bagalkot, 133 Kms from Kolhapur and 190 Kms from Hubli Airport. The temple is situated on Jamkhandi to Savalagi route.

Location