Nambi Narayana Temple

Nambi Narayana Temple is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Thondanur (Tonnur) village in Pandavapura taluk of Mandya district, Karnataka. Situated near Thonnur Lake, about 25 km from Mandya and close to Melukote, the temple is noted for its Hoysala-era Dravidian architecture and black stone deity. Associated with 12th-century saint Ramanujacharya and King Vishnuvardhana, it is one of the Pancha Narayana temples in the region and attracts pilgrims and heritage visitors.

Visitors can expect a traditional South Indian temple complex set in a quiet village environment near Thonnur Lake (Moti Talab). The temple features Dravidian architecture with a gopuram, pillared mandapa, and sanctum housing a black stone idol of Nambi Narayana (Vishnu). The surroundings are rural and peaceful with stone structures, temple tank area, and views of the lake. Visitors can explore the main shrine, observe daily puja rituals, view stone carvings and inscriptions, and walk around the temple courtyard.

The temple is attributed to the Hoysala period in the 12th century during the reign of King Vishnuvardhana and is closely associated with the Vaishnava saint Ramanujacharya, who is said to have stayed in Thondanur (then called Thondanur/Tondanur) and established the temple. It exhibits Hoysala and later Vijayanagara architectural influences and is historically linked to the development of Sri Vaishnavism in the region.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Nambi Narayana and is revered as one of the Pancha Narayana temples centered around Melukote. It holds religious importance for Sri Vaishnava devotees and is a center for traditional rituals, festivals and pilgrimage, reflecting the cultural heritage of Mandya district.