Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is located in Horakeredevarapura village in Holalkere Taluk of Chitradurga district, Karnataka. The temple is situated in a peaceful rural area surrounded by fields, small hills, and a lake.
The name Horakeredevarapura has a beautiful meaning — Hora means outside, Kere means lake, Deva means God, and Pura means village. It means “the village of God outside the lake.”
The temple is believed to be around 700–800 years old. The architectural style suggests that the original sanctum belongs to the late Hoysala period. Later additions were made during the Vijayanagara period and by local Palegars (Nayakas).
Though exact inscription records are not clearly available, the structure confirms that it is a medieval temple of historical importance.
The main deity of the temple is *Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy*, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
In this form, the Lord appears as half-man and half-lion. Narasimha represents divine power and protection, while Goddess Lakshmi, seated with him represents compassion and prosperity.
Devotees believe that worshipping here removes fear, protects from enemies, and blesses them with courage and success. Many families consider him their Kula Devaru (family deity).
The temple is built in the traditional Dravidian style. The Garbhagriha (sanctum) is ancient and constructed with strong granite stones. The mantapa (hall) has stone pillars and an open space for rituals and gatherings.
The temple has a spacious courtyard (prangana) and a nearby temple tank (kalyani) used for sacred rituals. Though renovations have taken place over time, the temple still preserves its old stone beauty and spiritual atmosphere.📜 History
Historically, the temple reflects the influence of Hoysala and Vijayanagara architectural styles. The central sanctum appears older, while outer halls and structural additions were made in later periods.
Local rulers and Nayakas supported and maintained the temple. Over centuries, it developed into an important spiritual and cultural center for the surrounding villages.
According to local belief, this region was once ruled by a cruel king named Nanjundaraja who troubled devotees and opposed temple worship. The people suffered and prayed to Lord Vishnu for protection.
Hearing their prayers, Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Lord Venkateshwara on a nearby hill called Krishnachala Betta.
It is believed that the Lord then took *three divine steps* in this region:
First Step – The Lord placed his foot on the hill (Krishnachala Betta), marking his divine arrival and declaring protection to the land.
Second Step – He stepped forward towards the King’s palace, symbolizing the destruction of evil and injustice.
Third Step – After killing the cruel king, he took his final step near the lake outside the village and decided to stay there permanently to protect the devotees.
Because the Lord stayed outside the lake, the place became known as *Horakeredevarapura*.
After restoring peace, the Lord remained here in the form of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy to bless and protect devotees forever.
Devotees strongly believe that the Lord here protects them from danger, injustice, and difficulties
The temple celebrates Narasimha Jayanti as the most important festival, with special abhishekas, poojas, and rituals performed with great devotion. The Annual Jatre (temple fair) is conducted in a grand manner, attracting devotees from nearby villages, along with processions and Annadana (free food distribution). Important Vaishnava festivals like Vaikunta Ekadashi are also observed with special prayers. Saturdays are considered sacred for Lord Narasimha, and many devotees visit the temple on that day to seek blessings.
