Sri Lakshminarasimha Parabrahmanene Namaha

PRESIDING DEITY, OTHER DEITIES AND UTHSAVAMURTHY

The Presiding Deity of Marehalli Temple is Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy (Perumal Narasimha in sitting posture with Tayaar Lakshmi on his lap). The Deity is chaturbhuja – having four hands. The Lord is holding Sudarshana (Wheel) and Panchajanya (Conch) in his upper right and left hands respectively. The lower left hand is around Tayaar Lakshmi whereas the lower right hand is stretched forward with open palm (Abhaya Hasta), inspiring courage and confidence amongst the devotees (bhaktas) about the total protection from him, who take refuge at his lotus feet.
In the Prakaram, Bhoodevi (North West corner) and Neeladevi (South West corner) Temples (Sannidhis) are situated on either side of Sanctum Sanctorum - to the left or right respectively. In addition, stone statuettes (vigrahams / tirumenis) of  Azwars, Ramanujacharya and Vedanta Desikar are installed in the Prakaram. At the main entrance of the Temple, Hanuman’s (Shiriya Tiruvadi) idol is installed. The Moolavar (Perumal and Tayaar) and all other Vigrahams (sthirabimbas) are beautiful stone sculptures.

Besides, the Temple is consecrated with beautifully sculpted Uthsavamurthy (charabimba) of Presiding Deity. The name of the Uthsavamurthy is Lord Varadaraja with Consorts (Ubhaya Nacchiyars) Sreedevi (to the right) and Bhoodevi (to the left) on either side of the Lord. For reasons of safety and security, the Uthsavamurthy is generally located at Malavalli, the Taluk Head Quarters which is about 2 – 3 kilometres away from the Temple. During special occasions, festive seasons and annual Brahmarathothsava (Car Festival), the Uthsavamurthy is brought to the Temple by sripadatangigal (neerganthis) by carrying on shoulders.
 

TEMPLE TRIVIA

The ancient Temple is fairly enormous in size. Like any other traditional temple of South India, this temple also has Garbhagruha, Sukanasi, Mukhya Mantapa, Prakaram, Garudagamba and Madipalli – the Temple Kitchen. The Prakarams all-round the Sanctum Sanctorum (Sannidhi) is sufficiently wide. The Prakaram is well supported by stone (columns) pillars.

A Canal runs in front of the Temple which is provided (fed) with sacred River Kaveri water for daily use and also for irrigation. Adjacent to the Canal, there is a pond where depending on the availability of water, Theerthasnana (Avabhruthothsava) of the Supreme Being is conducted every year during Brahmothsava (Car Festival) period. In front of the Mahadwara (Main Entrance) there exists a Well. Well Water is obtained for all Pooja rituals and (Prasadam preparation) Temple Cooking. For Devotees convenience, there is also a Bore Well. A few yards away from the Mahadwara, there is a Mantap which is the first entrance to the Temple.