DEVARAYANA DURGA

Devarayana Durga

Devarayanadurga:  A Natural and Spiritual Retreat

Devarayanadurga is a small hill station located in the Tumkur district of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. The hill station is known for its natural beauty, historic temples, and trekking trails.Devarayanadurga is located around 70 km from Bangalore and around 15 km from Tumkur city and is well-connected by road. Taxis and buses are available from both Bangalore and Tumkur to reach Devarayanadurga.
History:
Devarayanadurga translates to “Devaraya’s fort” in Kannada; the town got its current name after the Mysore ruler Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar captured it in one of his victories.Devarayanadurga has a rich history that dates back to the Vijayanagara Empire. The region was ruled by the Vijayanagara kings, who built several temples and monuments in the area. The hill station was named after the two temples dedicated to Lord Narasimha and Lord Yoga Narasimha, which are located on top of the hill. According to legend, the Vijayanagara king Devaraja Wodeyar discovered a sacred spring while hunting in the region. The spring was believed to have healing powers, and the king built a small shrine around it. The shrine grew in popularity over the years, and the hill station became a center of spiritual and religious activity.
Tourist Attraction:
Devarayanadurga is a popular destination for trekking enthusiasts. The hill station has several trekking trails that vary in difficulty, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The trek to the top of the hill is a challenging yet rewarding experience that offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The temples are connected by roads and tourists can take their vehicle until the top of the hill. The Yoga Narasimha temple is situated at the top of hill and is a temple dedicated to God Narasimha and Lakshmi, one can take vehicle until this temple and walk up few stairs to get Darshan. The Bhoga Narasimha Temple, located at the foothills of Devarayanadurga is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, and is believed to be more than 1000 years old.
Culture:
Devarayanadurga has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several temples and historical monuments that are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and tradition.The town celebrates several festivals
throughout the year, including Brahmotsava, which is the annual festival celebrated at the Bhoga Narasimha Temple. During this festival, the temple is decorated with lights, and cultural programs are organized, including dance, music, and drama performances.