Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple

A beautiful place to experience sunsets, with the temple set on a vast open space along the banks of the Kaveri, and stunning Hoysala-style architecture that adds to the charm. Lord Krishna is worshipped here as the main deity, and there are around 50 other deity idols placed around the main gopuram along a circumambulatory pathway, allowing devotees to walk around and offer prayers. The temple complex is clean, well maintained, and was moderately crowded during the long weekend when I visited. Photography is not allowed inside the temple premises, which the management enforces strictly, but it helps maintain the sanctity of the space. One of the nicest aspects is that darshan is completely free here, with no special paid queues or ticketed lines like many other popular temples. There is ample parking for vehicles and toilets are available at compound entrance, making it convenient for families and elderly visitors. The overall atmosphere feels peaceful and unhurried, especially around sunset. History-wise, the original Venugopalaswamy Temple was built in the 12th century in classic Hoysala style and was submerged in the 1930s after the construction of the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam. It remained underwater for about 70 years until the Khoday Foundation, under the guidance of Sri Hari Khoday, took up the massive task of relocating and restoring it. Over 16,000 photographs and video references were used to document and number each stone before dismantling. More than 200 workers, including experts from Tamil Nadu, helped rebuild the temple at Hosa Kannambadi, around 1 km from its original site, with restoration work starting in 2003 and completing in 2011. Today, it stands as a remarkable example of heritage preservation and devotion.

Venugopalaswamy Temple in Mysore is a truly serene and beautiful place of worship. The architecture is impressive, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it perfect for quiet reflection. The temple grounds are well-kept and easy to explore, and the idols are beautifully adorned. The local devotees are welcoming, and it’s a lovely cultural experience whether you’re visiting for spiritual reasons or just sightseeing. Definitely a hidden gem in Mysore that’s worth visiting. It just 8km from Brindavan garden. No parking fee for your vehicle. Entry time 9am to 6.30pm

In a world where many temples revolve around donations, special fees for poojas, and priests requesting money for rituals, this temple truly stands apart. There is no entry fee to step inside, no insistence on paid aartis, and no need for any sort of contributions. Instead, you are welcomed into a serene, peaceful atmosphere where devotion feels pure and uncommercialized. The temple radiates simplicity and authenticity. It is beautifully maintained, exceptionally clean, and thoughtfully organized. The calm surroundings create a deeply spiritual experience, allowing visitors to connect with divinity without distractions. The discipline, order, and tranquil environment reflect the dedication of those who manage it.

What an amazing temple surrounded by the KRS backwaters 3 sides!!! The whole temple architecture is beautiful with so many different god idols with a theme , please visit and take darshan of Venugopalaswamy along with other gods and goddess of 6 Rivers, 7 Rishis, 8 Lakshmis, 9 Grahas, 10 Vishnu avatars:) take a pradarshina walk around the temple , it's calm and serene atmosphere!! Widespread area, so crowd is manageable and do visit as its a beautiful experience altogether:)

The Venu Gopala Swamy Temple in Mysore is a serene and spiritually uplifting destination that stands apart for its simplicity, discipline, and deep sense of devotion. The temple offers a rare combination of calm spiritual ambience and excellent infrastructure, making the visit truly fulfilling. A major highlight is the ample parking space that can accommodate nearly 1,000 cars, an exceptional feature for a temple in an urban setting. This ensures a smooth, hassle-free experience even during weekends and special days, allowing devotees to focus entirely on worship. The temple’s ambience is profoundly spiritual, marked by silence, order, and a sense of timelessness. What makes it truly unique is the strict custom of having no offerings, no hundis, and no monetary transactions anywhere inside the temple. There are no paid poojas or special privileges—every devotee stands equal before Lord Venu Gopala Swamy, reinforcing pure and selfless bhakti. Adding to its sanctity is its history. The ancient temple was unearthed and reconstructed about 70 years ago, carefully preserving its original character and spiritual essence. In a time when many temples are commercialised, this temple remains a rare sanctuary of purity, humility, and authentic devotion, making it a must-visit spiritual landmark in Mysore.

Instead of you going the temple, you can go to Sri Chenna Keshava Swamy Temple in Somanath Pura. It’s near to Mysore only. Road approach was very good. If you go there, you can see better. Carving this temple is good. But Kode Srihari has revisited this temple. He is the guy who renovate is most of the temples in Karnataka mostly Hola Dynasty temples which is ruined by Muslims. He revealed everything but this temple if you go, you can’t feel any vibe. It is the place which give vibes on the show of backwaters.

Amazed and happy about how they have tried to restructure the temple. From what it was (seen in the pic displayed at the temple) to what it is now. The placement of the temple is an absolute positive as it is right at the backwaters of KRS. We were there at noon so it was a bit hot. It was not too crowded and the authorities managed things well. It’s kept very clean and there is ample parking space

The temple is located right beside the river, offering a very calm and serene environment. There is plenty of space to sit, relax, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. One of the highlights is that the temple does not accept any offerings, which truly reflects simplicity and devotion. A must-visit place to experience peace along with your family.