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Located on the busy and bustling streets of Krishna Rajendra Market or popularly known as KR Market, is a little piece of paradise. This little paradise is the abode of Lord Sri Venkateshwara, who lives within the magnificence of the Kote Venkataramana Temple. It was constructed by Sri Chikkadevaraja Wodeyar during the 15th century. Later, Chikkadevaraja Wodeyar’s son Kanteerava Narasaraja Wodeyar gifted four villages to the temple to fulfill the daily Pooja requirements of the temple. This temple shares its walls with the Tipu Sultan summer palace. This is representative of Hindu Muslim unity, in more ways than one. It is said that during the Mysore war in 1791, Lord Carnvalis’ men aimed bullets at Tipu Sultan. The bullets hit the temple’s Garuda Gamba (pillar), thereby missing Tipu Sultan. Following this incident, Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali have enormous respect for the temple. Moreover, many generations of the Muslim community have been visiting this temple.

This temple is representative of Dravidian and Vijayanagara architecture. The Sanctum Sanctorum comprises of Sri Venkataramana Swamy, Sri Anjaneya Swami, towards the South-west and Sri Mahalakshmi Sannidi, on the North-west. The temple’s stone walls around the sanctum represents the Girija kalyana featuring various idols namely, Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwara, saptha matrukes, saptha rishis and ashta dikpalakas. It also features four huge pillars with carvings of Navaranga sculptures. Many carvings of animals and scenes from ancient Hindu mythological stories. Each wall has detailed carvings, which displays stories from the Hindu texts. The carvings are so detailed and carefully done, that anyone can make out the stories behind these structures easily.

This amazingly, fascinating temple is representative of so many things. It epitomizes religious unity, intricate architecture and harmonious leaving, amidst futile noise. It is definitely worth a visit!