Inside Mysore Palace complex on the southern side, Shweta Varahaswamy Temple stands as the most prominent among 12 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s incarnations. Built in traditional Hoysala style, this ancient temple houses the white stone idol of Lord Varaha brought from Tamil Nadu in 1809.
Quick Temple Information
Deity: Lord Varaha (3rd incarnation of Vishnu) and Goddess Lakshmi
Location: Inside Mysore Palace complex, southern entrance
Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Entry: Free with palace ticket (40 adults, 20 children)
Architecture: Hoysala style from Shimoga materials
Built: 1809 by Dewan Purnaiah
Special Days: Vaikunta Ekadashi, Varaha Jayanti
Historical Background and Royal Connection
Maharaja Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar (1672-1704) originally obtained the white stone image of Shweta Varahaswamy from Srimushnam temple in Tamil Nadu. The idol was first installed in Srirangapatna temple which was later demolished.
In 1809, Dewan Purnaiah relocated the sacred idol to current location within palace grounds, constructing new temple using materials from a dismantled Hoysala building in Shimoga district. The temple represents Mysore royal family’s devotion to Lord Vishnu.
Temple Architecture and Hoysala Features
The temple showcases authentic Hoysala architectural elements with intricate stone carvings on doorways, pillars, and towers. High scaling walls surround the structure, decorated with wonderful murals depicting various Hindu mythological scenes.
Southern wall features magnificent mural of Rama Pattabhisheka (coronation of Lord Rama). The sanctum sanctorum houses beautiful white stone idol of Lord Varaha with consort Goddess Bhudevi, crafted by skilled artisans centuries ago.
Darshan Timings and Pooja Schedule
Morning darshan: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM with major poojas at 7:00 AM (Suprabhatam), 9:00 AM (Kalyana Utsavam), and 11:00 AM (Madhyahna Pooja). Temple closes 12:00-4:00 PM for afternoon rest period.
Evening darshan: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with Sandhya Aarti at 6:30 PM and final Ratri Pooja at 7:30 PM. Friday evenings feature special abhishekam to Lord Varaha with milk, honey, and coconut water.
Accessing the Temple
Enter through Mysore Palace main gate (40 adults, 20 children 10-12 years, under 10 free). Temple is immediately visible on left side after security check. No separate entry fee required once inside palace complex.
From Mysore Railway Station, take auto for 50 or city bus 201/202 (12 fare) to palace gate. Walk through palace gardens to reach temple – approximately 200 meters from main entrance.
Religious Significance and Beliefs
Lord Varaha represents third incarnation of Vishnu who rescued Earth (Bhudevi) from demon Hiranyaksha. Devotees believe prayers here solve property-related problems including house construction, buying, selling, and land disputes.
Special significance for couples seeking fertility blessings and pregnant women praying for safe delivery. Farmers from surrounding villages visit during sowing and harvest seasons seeking agricultural prosperity.
Festival Celebrations and Special Events
Vaikunta Ekadashi (December/January) attracts thousands of devotees with special abhishekam and free prasadam. Varaha Jayanti celebrates birth of Lord Varaha with elaborate decorations and cultural programs.
During Mysore Dasara, the temple participates in palace festivities with special lighting and flower decorations. Daily aarti during Dasara features traditional music and increased devotee participation.
Other Temples in Palace Complex
Mysore Palace houses 12 temples representing Dashavatar (10 incarnations of Vishnu). Besides Shweta Varahaswamy, visit Prasanna Krishnaswamy Temple and Lakshmiramana Swamy Temple, both accessible with same palace ticket.
Each temple maintains individual pooja timings but shares common entry restrictions. Temple complex tour takes 45-60 minutes covering major shrines with brief darshan at each location.
Photography and Visitor Guidelines
Photography not allowed inside temple sanctum but permitted in outer courtyard and palace premises. Mobile phones must be in silent mode during aarti times. Remove shoes before entering temple area.
Dress modestly – avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, and mini skirts. Temple provides free cloakroom facility for storing footwear and personal belongings. Maintain queue discipline during crowded festival days.
Prasadam and Religious Offerings
Temple distributes free prasadam after morning and evening aartis – usually consists of panchamrutam, coconut pieces, and tulsi leaves. Special prasadam on Fridays includes sweet pongal and fruits.
Devotees can offer coconuts (25), flowers (15), and special poojas through temple priests. Archana with devotee names costs 51. Annual seva booking available for major festivals through palace administration.
Best Time to Visit Temple
Early morning 6:30-8:00 AM offers peaceful darshan with fewer crowds. Evening 6:00-7:00 PM provides beautiful atmosphere with temple illumination and cooler weather for comfortable visit.
Avoid visiting during afternoon closure (12:00-4:00 PM). Weekend mornings see increased local devotee traffic. Festival days require extra patience due to long queues but offer enhanced spiritual experience.
Nearby Attractions Within Palace
After temple darshan, explore Mysore Palace Durbar Hall, Private Durbar, and Royal Howdah. Palace museum displays royal artifacts, weapons, and paintings. Sunday evening illumination (7:00-8:00 PM) creates magical atmosphere.
Palace gardens provide peaceful setting for meditation after temple visit. Vintage car museum and railway museum located within walking distance from palace complex.
Accommodation and Dining Options
Stay at Hotel Mylari (3,500/night) 500 meters from palace or budget Lodging near K.R. Circle (1,200/night). Palace View Restaurant serves vegetarian meals suitable for temple visitors.
Mysore Palace area restaurants include Vinayaka Mylari for dosas (80-120), Hotel RRR for traditional meals (150), and Anima Madhva Bhavan for South Indian thali (180).
Temple Etiquette and Customs
Circumambulate temple clockwise (pradakshina) after darshan. Light oil lamps at designated areas. Participate in aarti by standing with folded hands during prayers.
Avoid pointing feet toward deity, talking loudly, or using mobile phones inside sanctum. Follow priest instructions for special poojas. Donation box accepts voluntary contributions for temple maintenance.
Inscriptions and Historical Artifacts
Temple houses several inscriptions from different periods, including 13th-century inscription on southern wall. Pictures of Srivaishnava Acharyas donated by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III in 1829 adorn temple walls.
Ancient stone carvings depict various Vishnu avatars and mythological scenes. Historical significance documented through palace records maintaining temple’s 215-year heritage within royal complex.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact timings for Shweta Varahaswamy Temple darshan?
Morning 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and evening 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily. Major aartis at 7:00 AM, 6:30 PM. Temple closed 12:00-4:00 PM for afternoon break.
Do I need separate ticket for temple or palace entry covers it?
Palace entry ticket (40 adults, 20 children) covers all temples inside complex. No additional fee for temple darshan. Audio guide 150 extra for palace and temple tour.
What is special about Shweta Varahaswamy Temple and its deity?
Houses white stone Lord Varaha idol from Tamil Nadu (1809). Believed to solve property-related problems. Hoysala architecture with royal heritage. One of few temples dedicated to Varaha incarnation.
Can non-Hindus visit the temple and what’s the dress code?
All faiths welcome. Modest dress required – full sleeves, long pants/skirts. Remove shoes before entry. Photography not allowed inside sanctum but permitted in outer areas.
What are the major festivals celebrated at this temple?
Vaikunta Ekadashi (Dec/Jan) and Varaha Jayanti are major festivals. Daily celebrations during Mysore Dasara. Special Friday abhishekams. Free prasadam distribution during festivals.
Last Updated: August 2025
Next Update: Vaikunta Ekadashi December 2025