About Venugopalaswamy Temple
Venugopalaswamy Temple is a 12th-century Hoysala-era Hindu temple dedicated to Venugopala, a form of Lord Krishna, located at Hosa Kannambadi near the Krishna Raja Sagara reservoir in Mandya District, Karnataka. Originally built at Old Kannambadi, it was submerged after the construction of the KRS Dam and was later dismantled and reconstructed at Hosa Kannambadi. It is notable for its Hoysala architecture, intricate stone carvings, and lakeside setting.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a reconstructed Hoysala stone temple complex situated on the backwaters of the Krishna Raja Sagara reservoir. The temple features a star-shaped vimana, carved pillars, and sculptures of deities. The surroundings are open and scenic with reservoir views. Visitors can explore the main shrine, mandapa, and outer courtyard, observe worship activities, and view detailed stonework relocated from the original submerged site.
Key highlights
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12th-century Hoysala architecture relocated from submerged Old Kannambadi
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Main deity Venugopala (Krishna playing flute) with intricate stone carvings
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Star-shaped vimana and carved pillars typical of Hoysala style
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Scenic location on the banks of Krishna Raja Sagara backwaters
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Example of large-scale temple relocation and reconstruction project completed in 2011
History of Venugopalaswamy Temple
The temple was originally constructed in the 12th century during the Hoysala period under King Vishnuvardhana at Old Kannambadi. When the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam was constructed across the Kaveri River under Sir M. Visvesvaraya (1909-1932), the original village and temple were submerged. The temple remained underwater for decades and was later dismantled stone-by-stone and reconstructed at Hosa Kannambadi by the Khoday Foundation under guidance of archaeologists, with relocation completed around 2011.
Culture & Context
The temple is dedicated to Venugopala, a form of Lord Vishnu as Krishna playing the flute, and is an important Vaishnavite place of worship. It represents Hoysala temple art and craftsmanship and is culturally significant as a preserved heritage structure that maintains continuity of worship after relocation from the submerged original site.