T.Narasipura

About T.Narasipura

T. Narasipur and its surrounding areas are prehistoric sites where many Neolithic sites have been unearthed by the Department of Archeology and Museums of Karnataka. The rich and fertile areas of the taluk cultivated by the Kaveri and its tributaries, has been the source of continued uninhibited human habitation, over the centuries, as verified by the ancient archeological evidences discovered in the area. The ancient sites excavated in the late fifties and up to mid sixties (between 1959 and 1965) on the left bank of the Kaveri near the Bhiksheswara Temple, opposite to the Narasipur town, which form part of the Upper Kaveri basin, has established the Neolithic phase in the region claiming a date from the first half of second millennium B.C which saw the gradual evolution of the peasants into food producing and settled communities responsible for the growth of civilization. The systematic ground excavations comprising burial ground remnants, potteries, graffiti, stone implements, metal objects, beads and bangles, animal remains, human remains, wood remains, etc examined in depth and in great detail have revealed four cultural phases at the sites, but the most outstanding phase has been deduced as the Neolithic phase.

History

T.Narsipur – Lord Gunjanarasimha Swamy in the Sanctum SanctorumThe Someshwara and Markandeshwara Lingam in T Narsipur and the Gargeshwara Lingam at Gargeshwari village, along with the Agasthyeshwara and the Hanuman Lingam, form the panchalingas of T Narsipur, just like the five lingams at Talakad.

The legend associated with Gunja Narasimhaswamy Temple is that Lord Narasimhaswamy appeared in the dream of a washerman telling him that his idol lay beneath the stone on which he washed clothes everyday. The Lord told him to build a temple for him and asked him to look for gold coins beneath the stone which could be used for the construction of the temple. When the washerman expressed his wish to visit (Kashi) Varanasi on a pilgrimage, the Lord told him that the construction of a temple for Him had earned him (washerman) an additional punya (blessing) of about a gulaganji (seed of a twig tree) than that which accrues by visiting Kashi. Thus the name tak Gunja can me into usage with name of the God Narasimhaswamy

Interesting things to do

The Kumbha Mela of T. Narasipur,[2] of recent origin, since 1989, is an event that occurs once in three years. Organised by the Kumbha Mela Trust under the auspices of senior pontiffs and religious leaders of the State. The congregation is meant to underline the concept of unity in diversity. The Kumbha Mela of Allahabad and Nasik is replicated at T. Narasipur when lakhs of devotees assemble and take a holy dip in the confluence of three rivers. A slice of ancient India unfolds as ochre-clad sadhus join people to take a dip at the confluence of the Kaveri, the Kabini, and the celestial lake “Spatika Sarovar”.

Interesting things to Visit

Apart from the Gunja Narasimha Swamy temple, there are many other temples such as the Agasthyeshwara temple. (Sage Agasthya founded and sanctified the Agasthyeshwara temple.This temple complex contains many monuments belonging to the Ganga, Chola, Hoysala and Vijayanagara periods at Thirumakudlu, and also at the Bhiksheswara temple, the Moolasthaneshwara temple and the Anandeswara temple in the surrounding area.[2]

Nearest Visiting places

Keethinarayana temple, Talakad,Mysore district Profile of a Hoysala temple at SomanathapuraTalakad an ancient town, situated on the left bank of the river Kaveri, is 45 km South East of Mysore or 5 km from T.Narsipur. Sri Kirtinarayana, Sri Kartikeya, Sri Vaideeswara, Sri Pataleswara and Sri Maraleswara temples are located in this town. Many more monuments lie buried in the barren expanse of sand dunes in the town.

This place is also tagged to the curse called “Curse of Talakad” [4] by Alamelamma on the Wodeyar dynasty (erstwhile Maharajas) of Mysore. The curse which has survived the folklore of last four hundred years is known thus:

-May Malangi turn into an unfathomed whirlpool
-May Talakad turn into a barren expanse of sand
-May the Rajas of Mysore not have children for all time to eternity!

Sosale is another important religious centre because of the famous Vyasraja mutt of the Madhva sect established there by Vysarajathirtha. It is located about 3 km from T.Narsipur.

Tips & Suggestions

Sand extraction from the river bed is an activity which has caused increased river bank erosion, and frequent public protests are a common feature against this operation to no avail.

Location info

**Address:**T. Narasipur is the taluk headquarters in Mysore District of Karnataka state, India. It is 29 km South-East of Mysore, the district headquarters and 130 km from Bangalore, the state capital.

• **District:**Mysore

• **Nearest City:**Narasipur

• Best time to visit: Jan-Dec

Climate & weather

The climate is moderate entire year.
The best visiting time is from September to February as there will not be any rain and the various temples situated at Thalakadu can be seen clearly.

How to reach T.Narasipura

• **Nearest Railway Station:**Mysore Junction Railway Station and Nanjangud Town Railway Station are the nearest railheads

• **Nearest Airport:**Nearest airport is Bangalore International Airport.

**Road Transport:**T. Narasipur is the taluk headquarters in Mysore District of Karnataka state, India. It is 29 km South-East of Mysore, the district headquarters and 130 km from Bangalore, the state capital.National Highway 212 passes through the area.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Resorts are available in this place to stay. These are to be booked at Bangalore KSTDC centre.

Helpline & emergency contacts

• **Police Station:**Somanathapura

• **Nearest Hospital:**Somanathapura

• Society/Community Phone Number

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Karnataka’s cities offer diverse cuisine. Bangalore has a legendary food scene from iconic darshinis (stand-up eateries) to craft breweries. Mysore is known for Mysore pak and traditional meals. Temple towns (Udupi, Dharmasthala, Murudeshwar) offer excellent vegetarian fare.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Accessibility

Religious sites may have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

Karnataka has a rich collection of churches primarily in Mangalore (Mangalorean Catholic), Bangalore (colonial-era), and Mysore. St. Philomena’s Cathedral in Mysore (neo-Gothic, one of Asia’s largest) and the Rosario Cathedral in Mangalore are the most photogenic. The interiors of Mangalorean churches with their detailed altars are worth shooting.

Best time to visit T.Narasipura

October to March offers pleasant weather for temple visits. Major festivals at the temple draw large crowds — visit during non-festival periods for a quieter experience. Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal for peaceful darshan.

Timings & opening hours

Typically 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily. Pooja timings vary by temple. Special ceremonies during festivals may extend hours. Some temples have specific darshan timings.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry is generally free. Special pooja, abhisheka, or VIP darshan tickets may have charges (typically INR 10-200). Camera/phone fees may apply at some major temples.

Duration needed

30 minutes to 1 hour for a standard visit. 1-2 hours if attending special poojas or exploring the temple architecture. Half a day during major festivals.

Safety tips

Temples in Karnataka are generally safe. Remove footwear before entering (shoe-keeping counters available). Secure your belongings. Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas during festivals. Follow temple-specific dress codes.

Things to carry

Carry drinking water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, hat/cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, power bank, and personal medications. A light jacket or umbrella is recommended during monsoon season (June-September). Carry a scarf or shawl for covering shoulders. Small change for offerings and donations. Avoid leather items inside temples.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station serves the district. Nearest airport: typically Kempegowda International Airport Bangalore or Mangalore International Airport. KSRTC buses connect major towns near the temple.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What are the temple timings? A: Typically 6:00 AM-12:00 PM and 4:00-8:00 PM. Check locally for specific pooja schedules. Q: Is photography allowed? A: Exterior photography is usually allowed. Interior/sanctum photography may be restricted — check signage. Q: What is the dress code? A: Modest dress covering shoulders and knees is expected. Traditional Indian attire is preferred.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Pilgrims Destination

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.

Photo gallery of T.Narasipura

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of T.Narasipura on popular travel photography sites and social media.