Inside the western section of Mysore Palace complex stands the Lakshmiramana Swamy Temple, where 5-year-old Krishnaraja Wodeyar III was coronated as king in 1799. This 700-year-old Vishnu temple holds the distinction of being Mysore’s oldest surviving shrine, predating even the famous Chamundeshwari Temple.
Quick Information for Lakshmiramana Swamy Temple
Location: Western section, Mysore Palace complex
Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily (with palace entry)
Entry Fee: Included in palace ticket – 70 Indians, 200 foreigners
Contact: +91-821-2421051 (Mysore Palace office)
Best Time to Visit: Morning 8:30-10:00 AM
Average Time Needed: 30-45 minutes
Parking: 10 two-wheeler, 30 car at palace parking
Ancient Architecture and Sacred Features
Walk through the impressive gopuram leading to the inner compound and you’ll see a tall brass deepastambha (lamp pillar) welcoming devotees. The temple showcases classic Hoysala architectural elements with intricate stone carvings and traditional Dravidian design principles.
The main sanctum houses a 4-foot idol of Lord Lakshmiramana (Vishnu) holding the sacred discus and conch shell. The deity’s serene expression and detailed craftsmanship reflect the artistic mastery of medieval Karnataka sculptors.
Historical Significance and Royal Connections
Vijayanagara Period: Stone inscriptions mention grants received in 1499 from King Narasa Nayaka, father of famous emperor Krishnadevaraya. The temple tower was renovated and added in 1851 during Krishnaraja Wodeyar III’s reign.
Coronation History: After Tipu Sultan’s death in 1799, the British needed a suitable venue for crowning the child king. They chose this temple for its spiritual significance and royal connections.
Sacred Legends and Miracles
Two famous legends surround this ancient temple. First, when chieftain Karugahalli conspired with the temple priest to poison King Raja Wodeyar with poisoned holy water (thirtha), the priest’s hands trembled. Upon confession, the king chose to drink the poison anyway – but Lord Vishnu protected his devotee from harm.
Second miracle occurred around 1599 when a half-blind Brahmin regained complete vision after praying at this temple. Raja Wodeyar commemorated this divine intervention by installing a 2-foot statue of himself with folded hands, still visible today in the temple prakara.
Temple Complex Layout and Design
Main Entrance: Ornate gopuram with traditional South Indian temple architecture, decorated with stucco images and carvings of various deities.
Prakara (Courtyard): Spacious enclosed area with the 2-foot statue of Raja Wodeyar, multiple smaller shrines, and traditional architectural elements.
Sanctum Sanctorum: Houses the main Lakshmiramana deity with separate shrines for Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Venugopala nearby.
How to Reach and Visit
From Mysore Railway Station: 3 km distance, auto-rickshaw costs 50-80. City buses Route 1, 3, 5 stop near palace main gate (15 fare).
From KSRTC Bus Stand: 2 km distance, 10-minute walk or 30 auto-rickshaw ride. Well-connected with regular buses and shared autos.
Palace Entry Process: Buy palace ticket at main gate, temple visit included. Audio guides available in 7-8 languages for 50 extra.
Best Time to Experience the Temple
Morning Hours (8:30-10:00 AM): Peaceful atmosphere with fewer crowds, better for photography and quiet contemplation. Morning light enhances the architectural details.
Avoid Peak Times: 11 AM to 2 PM gets crowded with tour groups. Palace lighting ceremony (7-8 PM on Sundays) draws huge crowds but temple may have restricted access.
Architectural Highlights Not to Miss
The brass deepastambha stands as a magnificent example of traditional lamp pillars found in South Indian temples. Its intricate patterns and traditional design elements showcase the artistic heritage of the Wodeyar dynasty.
Stone carvings on the outer walls depict various Vishnu avatars and mythological scenes. The doorway features beautiful Ganesha images and traditional dwarapalakas (door guardians) in classical style.
Other Temples in Palace Complex
Trinesvaraswamy Temple: Dedicated to three-eyed Shiva, located in the northeast corner. Features Dravidian architecture with gopuram destroyed in 18th century but later renovated.
Shweta Varahaswamy Temple: Near south gate, dedicated to Lord Varaha. Built in Hoysala style with pure marble deity and 17th-century Ramayana paintings.
Gayatri Devi Temple: Houses Goddess Gayatri with 5 heads and 10 hands, featuring beautiful sculptures and Sabha Mantapa (meeting hall).
Festivals and Special Occasions
Vaikunta Ekadashi (December-January): Major celebration with special decorations and extended hours. Thousands of devotees visit for this important Vishnu festival.
Rama Navami (March-April): Birthday of Lord Rama celebrated with special abhisheka and cultural programs. Temple decorated with flowers and traditional rangoli.
Krishna Janmashtami (August-September): Birth celebration of Lord Krishna with night-long prayers, bhajans, and devotional music performances.
Conservation and Maintenance
The temple falls under Karnataka State Archaeological Survey protection. Regular maintenance ensures preservation of ancient stone carvings, paintings, and architectural elements for future generations.
Recent restoration work (2020-2023) included cleaning of stone sculptures, repair of traditional roof tiles, and conservation of ancient inscriptions without disturbing original craftsmanship.
Photography and Documentation
Photography Rules: Allowed in temple premises with palace ticket. No flash photography near ancient paintings and sculptures. Tripods require special permission.
Best Angles: Gopuram from prakara entrance, brass deepastambha with temple background, detailed stone carvings on outer walls, and overall temple architecture.
Visitor Guidelines and Etiquette
Dress Code: Traditional Indian attire preferred. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing clothing. Temple authorities provide cloth if needed.
Behavior: Maintain silence in sanctum areas, follow priest instructions during special occasions, remove footwear before entering temple premises.
Nearby Attractions in Palace Complex
Durbar Hall with stunning stained glass ceiling, Kalyana Mantapa with intricate paintings, Doll’s Pavilion (Gombe Thotti) with royal collection, and Portrait Gallery with Wodeyar family paintings.
Private Residential Museum showcases royal family artifacts, weapons collection, and historical documents. Allow 2-3 hours for complete palace exploration.
Research and Academic Interest
Historians consider this temple crucial for understanding Mysore’s political and religious evolution. The inscription mentioning Vijayanagara grants provides valuable insight into medieval South Indian administration.
Architecture students often study the temple’s blend of Hoysala and Vijayanagara styles, while the coronation history makes it significant for understanding British-era political transitions.
Local’s Perspective
Most Mysore locals consider this their most important Vishnu temple, more significant than tourist-focused sites. Regular devotees visit for personal prayers and family ceremonies, maintaining the temple’s living religious tradition.
The peaceful atmosphere within the busy palace complex makes it a favorite spot for quiet contemplation and spiritual practice among locals who work in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lakshmiramana Swamy Temple timings?
8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, accessible with Mysore Palace entry ticket. Temple follows palace opening hours and may have extended hours during festivals.
How much does entry cost?
Included in palace ticket – 70 for Indians, 200 for foreigners. No separate temple entry fee. Audio guide costs extra 50.
Can we attend special poojas?
Yes, regular daily poojas conducted by palace-appointed priests. Special occasions like Ekadashi and Janmashtami have extended ceremonies open to devotees.
Is the temple the oldest in Mysore?
Yes, it’s the oldest temple in Mysore city proper with inscriptions dating to 1499. Mahabaleshwara on Chamundi Hills is older (950 AD) but outside city limits.
What makes this temple architecturally significant?
Perfect example of Hoysala-Vijayanagara architectural transition, royal patronage history, and integration within palace complex unique in Karnataka.
Last Updated: April 2025
Next Update: Before Vaikunta Ekadashi 2025