Sri Aprameya Swamy Temple, Doddamallur – History, Legends, Ambegalu Krishna & Pilgrim Guide

 

Location

• Address: Mysore Road, NH‑275, Doddamallur, Channapatna, Karnataka
• Nearby City: About 60 km from Bengaluru, en route to Mysuru.
• The temple is popularly visited by pilgrims traveling along the Bangalore–Mysore highway.

Main Deities

• Presiding Deity: Sri Aprameya Swamy (Lord Vishnu, with shanku, chakra, gadha, and padma).
• Ambegalu Navaneetha Krishna: A rare idol of child Krishna in crawling posture holding butter – unique in the world.
• Sri Rama Connection: Legends say Lord Rama worshipped Aprameya here, hence the deity is also called Sri Ramapreya Swamy.
• Thayar Shrine: Dedicated to Goddess Aravindavalli Thayar (Lakshmi).

Subshrines

• Shrines for Ambegalu Krishna, Thayar, and Alwars (Vaishnava saints).
• A mandapa dedicated to Purandara Dasa, the saint-poet who composed many songs here.

Temple Significance

• Unique Vishnu Form: The only temple where Vishnu is worshipped as Aprameya.
• Rare Krishna Idol: The crawling Krishna (Ambegalu Navaneetha Krishna) is considered highly auspicious for couples seeking children.
• Historical Depth: Believed to be over 1500 years old, though local tradition claims antiquity of 3000 years.
• Spiritual Importance: Known as Dakshina Ayodhya, since Lord Rama is said to have stayed and worshipped here.
• Cultural Role: Associated with Purandara Dasa, who composed the famous kriti “Jagadodharana Adisidale Yashode” at this temple.

History

• Chola Period: The temple was built in the 11th century CE by Chola emperor Rajendra Simha, named after a Chola general Aprameya.
• Antiquity: Local traditions claim the temple is over 1500 years old, with some legends stretching back to 3000 years.
• Purandara Dasa: The saint-poet composed the famous kriti “Jagadodharana Adisidale Yashode” here, inspired by the child Krishna idol.
• Dakshina Ayodhya: The temple is called Southern Ayodhya, as Lord Rama is believed to have stayed here and performed yajnas.

Legends

• Sri Rama’s Worship: Tradition holds that Rama, during his exile, worshipped Aprameya Swamy here, sanctifying the temple as Dakshina Ayodhya.
• Ambegalu Krishna: The crawling Krishna idol is unique and believed to bless couples with children. Devotees see it as a living symbol of divine innocence and maternal love.
• City of Music: Purandara Dasa’s association makes the temple a sacred site for Carnatic music heritage.

Architecture

• Style: Built in Dravidian architecture, typical of South Indian temples.
• Main Sanctum: Houses Aprameya Swamy with shanku (conch), chakra (discus), gadha (mace), and padma (lotus).
• Ambegalu Krishna Shrine: A separate sanctum for the crawling Krishna idol, richly ornamented.
• Thayar Shrine: Dedicated to Aravindavalli Thayar (Lakshmi).
• Mandapams: Spacious pillared halls for rituals and gatherings.
• Gopuram: Tower gateway with intricate carvings, marking the temple’s grandeur.
• Cultural Layering: The temple blends Chola craftsmanship with later Vijayanagara influences, showing continuity of devotion and artistry.

Daily Rituals

• Nitya Pujas: Conducted in strict Vaishnavite tradition, including Suprabhata Seva (early morning prayers), Alankaram (decoration), Naivedyam (food offering), and Deepa Aradhana (lamp worship).
• Ambegalu Krishna Worship: Special pujas are offered to the crawling Krishna idol, with butter and milk as symbolic offerings.
• Thayar Shrine: Devotees also worship Aravindavalli Thayar (Lakshmi) for prosperity and family well-being.
• Purandara Dasa Mandapa: Musical recitations and bhajans are often performed here, honoring the saint who composed Jagadodharana at this temple.

Major Festivals

• Annual Brahmotsavam: Celebrated with grandeur, featuring processions of Aprameya Swamy on various vahanas (Garuda, Hanuman, elephant, etc.).
• Vaikunta Ekadasi: Devotees pass through the Vaikunta Dwaram, symbolizing liberation and moksha.
• Sri Rama Navami: Highlights the temple’s connection to Lord Rama, with special yajnas and recitations.
• Krishna Jayanthi (Janmashtami): Marked by devotional singing, kolams, and offerings of butter to Ambegalu Krishna.
• Other Ekadasis: Each Ekadasi day is observed with fasting, prayers, and special pujas.

Beliefs & Significance

• Blessings for Children: The Ambegalu Krishna idol is believed to grant progeny blessings to childless couples.
• Dakshina Ayodhya: Worshippers believe Lord Rama sanctified the temple, making it spiritually equal to Ayodhya.
• Musical Heritage: The temple is revered as a sacred site for Carnatic music, thanks to Purandara Dasa’s compositions.
• Guardian of Devotees: Aprameya Swamy is seen as a protector who grants health, prosperity, and liberation.

Temple Hours

• Morning: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Extended hours during major festivals like Brahmotsavam and Vaikunta Ekadasi.

Getting Here

• By Road: Located on the Bangalore–Mysore Highway (NH‑275). Frequent buses and taxis connect from Bengaluru and Mysuru.
• By Train: Nearest station is Channapatna Railway Station, about 3 km away.
• By Air: Bengaluru International Airport is the closest, about 80 km.
• Nearby Landmark: The temple arch (Sri Aprameya swamy temple arch) marks the entrance to Doddamallur village.

Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Early mornings for peaceful darshan; evenings for vibrant rituals.
• Combine Visits: Pair with nearby temples in Channapatna or Ramanagara for a circuit pilgrimage.
• Festival Crowds: Expect heavy crowds during Brahmotsavam and Vaikunta Ekadasi. Plan travel and accommodation in advance.
• Offerings: Butter, milk, and tulasi leaves are common offerings to Ambegalu Krishna.
• Dress Code: Traditional attire is recommended; modest clothing is expected.
• Local Experience: Explore Channapatna’s famous wooden toys market along with the temple visit.