Shri Tirumala Venkataramana Swamy Temple — Attraction in Karnataka

Sri Thirumala Venkataramana Swamy Temple is located at Bantwal on the banks of river nethravathi , Karnataka, 27 kms from Mangalore.

Built in a unique architectural style by the local GSB Community is a real Marvel in its stature as well in Beauty & Divinity.The Lord Venkatramana is also popularly called as Vatapuresha and is the Ishtadevatha for the local Konkani speaking community which population is more of Baligas

Shri Tirumala Venkatramana Temple was established in the early decades of the 16th century. In the wake of the Portuguese conquest of Goa and conversions to Christianity, many families of Gowd Saraswat Brahmins migrated southward to Canara and Kerala along with their deities.

Of these, one person from Mangalore settled down at Mogarnad in the present Bantwal Taluk, bringing with him the statues of his family deities – Shri Laxminarayana, Purushottama and Kamakshi Devi.

One of his sons, Vittal Bhat, took residence in Bantwal. When he came there, in the place of the present temple complex, there was a thick forest with only the Raktheshwari Devi Gudi and the Nagabana at the rear.

Around this time, on the River bank where the present temple is, a Brahmin couple lived a god-fearing life. They had no issue and were very worried over this. Shri Venkatramana Swami appeared to the Brahmin in their dream and asked him not to worry about having no issue and told him that on the next day a couple would visit the spot whom he should welcome into his home.

True to the dream, such a couple came to his home at dawn and was welcomed and was given all the land he owned. That was Vittal Bhat and all the land the temple owns today comes from him. One day, when Vittal was doing ritual offerings, he found in an anthill beautiful images of Shridevi - Bhoodevi and Venkatramana Swami. He installed them in a Gudi along with his Kuladevatas.

More families from Goa arrived in Bantwal. Their common link was Venkatramana Swami to whom they offered various ritual services. Under his patronage, the town prospered and came to be called Patapura (Golden City). This fame attracted invaders who looted the treasures of the temple.

In view of this, the priests of the temple took some of the statues of the deities to Karkala and some were submerged in the lake at nearby Ajakkal. However, later the temple functionaries could retrieve all the images from the lake except that of Utsava Swayamvara. There was a sense of gloom in the town over this missing image.

One night Venkatesh Baliga, the temple’s trustee, had a dream in which Shri Tirupati Venkatramana told him that within a week a bull would come to the temple sporting Swayamvara on its forehead and he should acquire it. When the bull came, the trustee offered to its owner 101 souvenirs in exchange for the Swayamvara. The owner refused the offer and tried to move on with the bull. But, it would not stand up despite caning by the owner.

On the third day, the owner agreed to the offer saying that it was divinely ordained. The Swayamvara was taken in procession in the town and installed as Utsava Murti. This attracteda large number of devotees and led to renewed prosperity of the town.

Fifty years after this episode, a general from Coorg invaded Bantwal with 500 soldiers and looted the temple treasures and also carried off to Mercara the images of the temple deities. Bantwal went into mourning over the looted images.

One Yakshagana troupe went to Mercara and performed for the king of Coorg. A pleased king offered gold bangles and gold- embroidered shawls to the visitors. But, the leader of the troupe declined the presents and, instead, requested for the return of the images of the deities looted by the king’s general.

Acceding to the request, the king showed cane boxes stored in the godown and told the visitors to identify their deities and take them. At this point, one cane box started shaking violently and its lid flew off. On approaching it, the looted images were found and were brought back to Bantwal and were ceremoniously...

Shri Tirumala Venkataraman swamy temple bantwal ⸻

A Divine Abode on the Banks of River Netravati – Shri Tirumala Venkataramana Swamy Temple, Bantwal

Nestled in the serene town of Bantwal, near the sacred banks of the river Netravati, stands the majestic and spiritually rich Shri Tirumala Venkataramana Swamy Temple, a temple that is not just a place of worship but a deep reservoir of devotion, culture, and centuries-old spiritual tradition. For countless devotees, this holy temple is nothing short of a divine sanctuary where prayers find answers and the soul finds peace.

As one approaches the temple, the divine aura becomes palpable. The majestic gopuram, the chimes of the temple bell, the fragrance of jasmine and camphor, and the rhythmic chants of “Govinda! Govinda!” fill the air with sanctity and devotion. This temple is dedicated to Lord Venkataramana, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, also known here as Venkat Ramana Swamy, worshipped by generations with unwavering faith and reverence.

The temple itself is an architectural marvel, retaining the essence of South Canara temple design with its beautiful wooden carvings, sacred deepasthambha (lamp pillar), and intricately painted ceilings. The temple surroundings are always well-maintained, and the calm river nearby enhances the spiritual ambience, reminding one of the divine connection between nature and God.

The Divine Offering – Jasmine Flowers During Ratha Mahotsava

Among the many sacred offerings made to Shri Venkatramana, the annual Ratha Mahotsava (Chariot Festival) is the highlight of the temple’s calendar, drawing thousands of devotees from near and far. During this grand event, the Lord is taken on a majestic procession in a beautifully decorated wooden chariot, pulled by devotees amidst loud chants, bhajans, and the sound of traditional drums and nagaswaram.

What makes this celebration even more special is the offering of fragrant jasmine flowers to the deity. It is believed that Lord Venkatramana Swamy especially loves jasmine, and during the Ratha Mahotsava, devotees line up with large baskets full of freshly picked jasmine garlands, lovingly offering them to the Lord. The air is filled with the divine scent of jasmine, symbolizing purity, devotion, and surrender. Each flower offered is a silent prayer, a wish, a thanksgiving to the Lord who watches over his devotees with boundless mercy.

Seeing the beautifully adorned idol of the Lord with layers upon layers of jasmine garlands during the procession is a truly divine sight — one that stays etched in the memory and heart forever.

A Sacred Legacy of Devotion and Service

Shri Tirumala Venkataramana Temple has stood the test of time not only as a religious center but also as a cultural and social pillar of the Bantwal community. Generations of devotees have passed down their devotion, making the temple a family deity (kuladevata) for many Brahmin and GSB families across the region.

The temple organizes regular annadana (free meals), religious discourses, and bhajans, enriching the lives of devotees spiritually and socially. The annual Car Festival (Theru), Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrations, and special poojas during Dhanurmasa and Navaratri make the temple a year-round hub of devotional activity.

Conclusion: A Must-Visit Divine Destination

A visit to Shri Tirumala Venkataramana Swamy Temple is not just a religious trip — it is a soulful journey. Whether you are a spiritual seeker, a devotee, or someone in search of inner peace, this temple offers a divine connection unlike any other. The peaceful presence of the Lord, the holy river flowing beside the temple, the devotion of the people, and the sacred jasmine-scented air during the Ratha Mahotsava — all come together to create a truly heavenly experience.

Come, offer your prayers, bring jasmine flowers during the festival, and feel the grace of Lord Venkataramana wash over you like the sacred waters of the Netravati. For in this holy temple at Bantwal, the Lord listens, blesses, and protects —...

Sri Venkatramana Swamy Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the town of Bantwal in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkatramana, a form of Lord Vishnu, and is believed to have been built in the 16th century.

The temple has a unique architecture that combines the Dravidian and Hoysala styles of temple architecture. The temple complex is spread over a large area and consists of several halls and sanctums dedicated to various deities, including Lord Venkatramana, Goddess Padmavathi, Lord Hanuman, and Lord Ganesha.

The main sanctum of the temple houses the idol of Lord Venkatramana, which is made of Saligrama stone. The idol is decorated with gold and precious stones during special occasions and festivals.

The temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including the annual Brahmotsava, which is a 10-day long festival that attracts a large number of devotees from all over the region. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and features colorful processions, cultural programs, and other events.

Overall, the Sri Venkatramana Swamy Temple is a significant pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Venkatramana and is also an important cultural and historical landmark...