Sri Timalapura Timmappa Temple is one of the ancient and sacred temples near Harapanahalli in the Vijayanagara District of Karnataka. The temple is surrounded by serene natural beauty and peace, drawing devotees from far and near. Dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara this temple holds a unique place in the history and devotion of the region.
The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Sri Venkateshwara Swamy, affectionately called Sri Timmappa or Sri Timmalapura Devaru.
The idol is a black stone (Shilamaya) Vigraha, believed to be self-manifested (Swayambhu).
Devotees believe that worshipping the Lord here helps in recovery from illness, brings peace, and fulfills heartfelt wishes.
The temple’s origin dates back to around 1566 CE, during the rule of Sri Dadanna Nayaka, the ruler of Harapanahalli kingdom.
Later inscriptions from 1715 AD (Basappa Nayaka) and 1800 AD (Dyavanna Nayaka) confirm that successive rulers of this region continued to offer patronage to this sacred temple.
Scholars also believe that the idol itself is from the ancient Janamejaya period, making it a timeless and divine icon.
The temple is built in the Dravidian architectural style and constructed entirely with stone. It consists of a Garbhagriha (sanctum) where the main deity is enshrined, a Vishranti Mandapa (resting hall), and a beautiful Nine-pillared Mantapa (Navankana Mantapa). The structure displays fine stone workmanship typical of the Vijayanagara period, simple yet majestic, symbolizing both strength and devotion.
Around 1566 CE, Sri Dadanna Nayaka and his brother Ranganna Nayaka established their rule at Harapanahalli and celebrated a grand coronation.
During this period, both brothers received a divine vision of Lord Venkateshwara, who wished to manifest in their kingdom.
This divine experience became the foundation for the establishment of the Timmalapura Timmappa Temple.
According to the Sthalapurana, after establishing their capital and performing a grand coronation, Sri Dadanna Nayaka and his brother Ranganna Nayaka experienced a divine vision. In that vision, they understood that Lord Venkateshwara desired to come and reside in their kingdom. The message directed them to visit a place called Maiduru, where the Lord’s presence was hidden in the wall of a Gowda family’s house.
Following this divine instruction, the brothers, accompanied by scholars and devotees, went to Maiduru. There, they discovered a stone idol embedded in the wall of the Gowdas’ house, lying sideways with the face turned inward. Realizing the sacred nature of this idol, they carefully removed it and placed it in a vessel filled with cotton for protection. They then began a holy journey, carrying the sacred vessel toward their capital, with great devotion and discipline.
During this divine procession, everyone was advised not to look back until they reached the destined spot. The air was filled with chanting and reverence. Suddenly, the gentle sound of anklets (gejje) was heard, like a small child dancing nearby. Out of curiosity, one of the attendants turned back, and at that very moment, the vessel stopped moving. The idol would not move further. This was taken as a divine sign that the Lord had chosen this very place as his abode.
A few days after the Lord’s manifestation, at the same sacred site, a smaller idol of Goddess Lakshmi Devi was miraculously discovered.
Recognizing the presence of the divine consort, the priests and devotees understood that Mahalakshmi had manifested to accompany Lord Venkatesha. The Nayaka rulers, filled with devotion and reverence, arranged for both deities to be consecrated (Pratishta) together on the same auspicious day.
From that moment onward, Lord Venkatesha and Goddess Lakshmi Devi have been worshipped together in the sanctum, representing prosperity, divine grace, and eternal union. The temple has since been known as Sri Lakshmi Venkateshwara Temple or Timmalapura Timmappa Temple.
