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Kanakachalapathi Temple

Famous temples · Karnataka

Kanakachalapathi Temple

Lakshmi Narasimha temple at Kanakagiri, Koppal district, Karnataka

Checked 21 Oct 2026 with 2 sources2 min read

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Getting there

  • By air

    Jindal Vijaynagar Airport is 63.7 km away, and Hubli Airport is 170 km.

  • By train

    The nearest railway stations are Gangavathi, Munirabad, Koppal and Hospet.

  • By road

    From Gangavathi town it is 21 km, about 30 minutes, via SH29. From Koppal town it is 42.6 km, about 1 hour, via NH367A and SH63.

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Why devotees come here

Kanakachalapathi Temple stands at Kanakagiri in Koppal district, Karnataka. It is dedicated to Lakshmi Narasimha and is described as a stunning example of Vijayanagara art. The Koppal district government calls it a renowned historical site, and legend links the town's name to a rain of gold.

Legend says the place took the name Kanakagiri after the sage Kanaka did penance here, and a rain of gold fell. According to legend, the idol of Lakshmi Narasimha, originally a Saligrama stone, was hidden in an anthill. The Koppal district government calls Kanakagiri a renowned historical site.

The Nayakas of Kanakagiri built the temple. Nayaka ruler Udachappanayaka (1510 to 1533) built the fortification walls and the chariot street. Kelavadi Udachappanayaka (1533 to 1578) later added a Ranga Mantapa, three entrance towers, lime sculptures and ceiling paintings.

The grand Maha Ranga Mantapa hall has 16 massive carved pillars. A fortified wall with three gateways, each topped by a tall gopuram, surrounds the temple. Its halls and pillars are a unique example of south Indian Vijayanagara architecture, and the temple chariot is said to be one of the largest in South India.

Festivals

  • Phalguna PanchamiLakshmi Narasimha Jatre

    The annual fair is held every year with great pomp and devotion.

  • PhalgunaKanakagiri Utsav

    An annual fair linked to the temple.

Tips for your visit

  • Hemagudda Fort, about 20 km from Kanakagiri, has a Durga Devi temple where Dasara is celebrated.
  • Both fairs fall in the Phalguna month, so plan the trip around those dates if you want to attend.
  • Look closely at the 16 massive carved pillars of the Maha Ranga Mantapa hall inside the temple.

Darshan at home

Not in the app yet

Kanakachalapathi Temple is not in the Divya Darshan 360 app yet. These Famous temples temples are, with darshan videos you can watch at home:

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The app is free, Android only. For darshan as if you are standing there, see the VR box (₹899, or ₹949 cash on delivery).

Questions people ask

Why is the place called Kanakagiri?

Legend says the sage Kanaka did penance here and a rain of gold fell. The place took its name from that story.

Which deity is worshipped at this temple?

The temple is dedicated to Lakshmi Narasimha. Legend says the idol was first a Saligrama stone hidden in an anthill.

When is the main fair held?

The Lakshmi Narasimha Jatre is held every year on Phalguna Panchami. The Kanakagiri Utsav is also linked to the temple in Phalguna.

Where is Kanakagiri located?

Kanakagiri is in Koppal district, about 20 km northwest of Gangavati, in Karnataka.

How far is Gangavathi from the temple?

Gangavathi town is 21 km from the temple, about 30 minutes by road via SH29. Gangavathi is also one of the nearest railway stations.

How we checked this page

On 21 Oct 2026 we checked every fact on this page against these sources, official ones first. Anything we could not confirm is left out.

  1. Kanakachalapathi (Lakshmi Narasimha) Temple, Koppal District (Government of Karnataka) koppal.nic.in
  2. Kanakagiri, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org

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