Episode Details

Location: Hosa Kannambadi, near Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam, Mandya district, KarnatakaDeity: Lord Venugopala (a form of Krishna with a flute)Architecture: HoysalaOriginal Construction: 12th Century CEReconstruction & Restoration: Completed in 2000 by the Khoday Foundation

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Nestled on the tranquil banks of the Krishna Raja Sagara reservoir lies the awe-inspiring Venugopalaswamy Temple, an architectural and spiritual marvel. Originally built during the reign of the Hoysalas in the 12th century, the temple has lived through centuries of devotion, displacement, and resurrection—ultimately becoming a symbol of India’s rich cultural and religious legacy.

🏛️ Origin & Historical Significance

The temple was originally located in the village of Kannambadi, which was one of the many culturally rich villages submerged during the construction of the KRS Dam by Sir M. Visvesvaraya in the early 1900s. The temple, a stunning example of Hoysala architecture, was submerged and remained underwater for most of the 20th century.

It re-emerged occasionally during drought years, piquing the curiosity of tourists and devotees alike. Recognizing its historical value, the Khoday Foundation undertook a massive effort in the 1990s to relocate and reconstruct the temple stone by stone, 2 kilometers from its original location, at Hosa Kannambadi.

The reconstruction, completed by 2000, involved cataloging over 2000 stones, each numbered, transported, and reassembled to its original grandeur—preserving its legacy for future generations.

🧘 Religious Significance & Essence

The presiding deity, Lord Venugopala, is one of the divine forms of Lord Krishna, particularly known for playing the flute (venu) and spreading love, harmony, and dharma. The temple embodies Vaishnavite traditions and draws thousands of Krishna devotees throughout the year.

It is believed that visiting this temple and offering prayers to Lord Venugopala grants peace of mind, protection from adversities, and harmony in family life.

🙏 Puja, Rituals & Aarti Timings

Though not a full-time functional temple with daily rituals like larger temples in Mathura or Udupi, several pujas and special ceremonies are conducted here regularly, especially on Krishna-related festivals.

Daily Timings:

* Morning Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:30 AM

* Evening Hours: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Aarti & Rituals:

* Mangala Aarti (Morning) – 6:30 AM

* Madhyanha Pooja (Noon) – 12:00 PM

* Deepa Aarti (Evening) – 6:30 PM

Special Pujas:

* Krishna Janmashtami – Celebrated with grandeur including bhajans, jhanki (tableaus), and night-time abhishek

* Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Gokulashtami, and Radhashtami also see special events

* Annadanam (Free Meals) is occasionally served during auspicious days

🏗️ Architectural Grandeur

The temple showcases quintessential Hoysala architectural elements:

* Star-shaped sanctum (garbhagriha)

* Intricately carved pillars and ceilings with floral and mythological motifs

* A detailed navaranga (mandapam) and pradakshina patha

* Elaborate sculptures of Krishna leelas (playful acts of Krishna)

The painstaking reconstruction preserved even the orig