​
Tirumakudlu Narsipura - where mythical river meets earthly rivers
Brimming with history- the humble town of T Narsipura is considered one of the holiest places equivalent to Kashi. At 35 kilometres from Mysore, the place is a treasure trove of mythical and legendary stories. The main temple in the township is Gunja Narasimha Swamy Temple. I have seen the temple from the bridge many times while travelling on this route. It looks breathtakingly beautiful from this viewpoint and has been on my list to visit ever since we moved to Mysore.
Sangama is the confluence of rivers, and what makes this place distinct is the third river, Spatika Sarovara - a mythical lake - that joins Kaveri and Kabini. Tirumakuta in Sanskrit means confluence of three rivers, hence the name of the town Tirumakudalu. Three lovely temples are erected on the banks of Kaveri and Kabini, which can be reached by crossing the river in a coracle or by road.
There is no better time than early morning to visit this place. With soft sunrays shining on the waterbody, it is peaceful to sit on the river bank at this time of the day.. There were hardly any devotees or tourists visiting the temple sans the locals, some vendors and others going about their daily chores. A cute little puppy accompanied me in adoring the scenery. The setting - The tranquil water and the moving reflection of the temples (whenever a bird made ripples in the water)- is remarkable and words do no justice in expressing it.
AgasthyeshwaraTemple
Narsimha Swamy Temple as seen from river bank of AgasthyeshwaraTemple
There are 3 temples nearby - including the Narasimha Swamy Temple - namely Agasthyeshwara and Biksheshwara. The Agasthyeshwara Temple predates the Narasimha Swamy, which opens at 9. The story about the linga at Agasthyeshwara Temple is that Sage Agasthya, captivated by the confluence of rivers, wished to have a linga ordained there and requested Hanuman to get a linga from Kashi. As Hanuman couldn't bring the linga within the prescribed auspicious time, the sage made a linga out of sand. Hanuman linga is enshrined a little distance away. Other than these 2, Someshwara and Markandeshwara lingams, along with the one at Gargeshwari village form the Pancha lings of Narsipura.
The river bank of Agasthyeshwara temple was empty, thanks to construction right behind the temple. The view of Narasimha Swamy temple from here is stunning. The bank on Biksheshwara Temple seemed to be deserted, excluding the ones going about their laundry business. It was disheartening to see the clothes hanging on the fencing around the temple. After a detailed reading about the history and other interests of these temples, I learnt that there are a few more temples in the area, and worth another ride to visit these enchanting old temples.
Narasimha Swamy and Agasteyshwara Temple as seen on the way to Biksheshwara Temple
Gunja Narasimha Swamy Temple
