The grand festival of Vairamudi festival is celebrated in Melkote Cheluva Narayana Swamy Temple in Karnataka annually and is witnessed by lakhs of devotees. It is a 13-day-long festival known as Vairamudi Brahmotsav. Vairamudi means a diamond crown that is made up of invaluable diamonds, studded with gold and is kept under the safe custody of the Government Treasury.
Vairamudi Festival 2025 Date
In 2025 Vairamudi Festival will be celebrated from April 2 to April 14. The Vairamudi crown festival will be held on the night of April 7 and the early morning of April 8. The head priests place the Vaira Mudi & fit it to the statue of Cheluva Narayana Swamy. The priest must not look at the Vaira Mudi with his naked eyes, hence he covers his eyes with a silk cloth.
The Brahmotsav in the temple is observed annually from Bharani Nakshatra in Phalgun month to Hasta Nakshatra. While the Vairamudi procession is held on Pushya Nakshatra day. The procession usually takes place at night as it is believed that the divine crown must not be exposed to sunlight.
The 13-day long festival includes different events like Garudotsava, Kalyanotsavam, Nagavalli Mahotsava, Maharatotsava, Boat festival, Nagavalli Mahotsava (prayer to snake god) and Gajendra Moksha (Prayers to elephant god). Garudotsav is celebrated a day prior to Brahmotsav.
The Night of the Vairamudi Festival
The Vairamudi festival is not just about the crown. It is a celebration of faith, devotion and age-old tradition. That’s why the Vairamudi festival is one of the most important and spiritual festivals in Karnataka.
On the main night of the festival, the sacred diamond crown is placed on the idol of Lord Cheluvanarayana Swamy. After this, a beautiful night-time procession is held, where the deity is taken through the streets in a grand chariot. Thousands of devotees gather to see the Lord wearing the crown to get his blessings.
Vairamudi Festival Timings at Melukote Temple
The Vairamudi Utsav will commence at 09:00 PM and end at 03:00 AM on the night of April 7, 2025 into the early hours of April 8, 2025. The crown is removed at 3:00 AM and is returned to the Government Treasury.
Melkote Temple Timings
Events During Vairamudi Brahmotsava
- Garudotsava: This event is held a day before the main festival. It marks the beginning of the celebrations.
- Vairamudi: The main attraction of the festival is the Vairamudi, a diamond-studded crown. It is kept safely in another town throughout the year and brought to Melukote with tight security during the festival. The crown is then placed on the idol of Lord Cheluva Narayan Swamy.
- Grand Procession (Rathotsava): The Rathotsava, also known as the Car Festival, is the main event. The decorated idol of the deity is taken out in a grand chariot procession through the streets and thousands of devotees gather to witness it.
- Daily Events and Rituals: The festival lasts for 13 days. Each day includes special prayers and celebrations. Some of the main rituals are:
- Teppotsava: A boat festival in the temple tank.
- Nagavalli Mahotsava: A special prayer is offered to the snake god.
- Gajendra Moksha: A ritual that tells the story of an elephant’s devotion to Lord Vishnu.
Story of Vairamudi Festival
The Vairamudi festival is a special religious event held every year at the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple in Melukote, Karnataka. This festival is linked to an old and interesting legend.
Long ago, a demon stole a shining diamond crown that belonged to Lord Vishnu. This crown was very sacred and is called Vairamudi, which means “diamond crown” in Kannada. As a demon tried to run away, Garuda, the divine eagle who serves Lord Vishnu, chased him. Garuda defeated the demon and brought back the crown safely.
The crown was given to Lord Cheluvanarayana Swamy, a form of Lord Vishnu who is worshipped in Melukote. From that day on, the Vairamudi crown has been treated with great respect and is believed to have divine powers.
What Makes the Crown So Special?
- The Vairamudi crown is not kept in the temple all year.
- It is stored safely in the government treasury in Mandya.
- Each year, the crown is brought to Melukote under tight security.
- Even the temple priests are not allowed to look at the crown when it is being carried.
- The crown is only placed on the idol once a year, during the Vairamudi Festival.
Melukote Temple Distance
- Melukote distance from Bengaluru – 150 km
- Melukote distance from Mysore – 54.8 km
- Melukote distance from Thondanur- 95.4 km
Accommodations near Melkote Temple
A number of accommodation options are available near the Melkote temple. One of them is Melukote Ahobila Yatri Nivas, which provides great stay facilities near Melkote temple. You can also find the best accommodation ideas to stay in Mysore, including some of the best hotels in Mysore located 54.8 km from Melukote. Online booking facilities are also available for hotels in Mysore only at YatraDham.Org!
