Shri Lakshmi Janardhana Swami Temple, Bylahalli...

Iyengar community rule those small villages Bylahalli, Kyathanahalli and more in Hassan district of Karnataka. Heard of those Bangalore Iyengar Bakeries all over Mumbai, which are better known as Hassan Iyengar Bakeries in Karnataka, most of them are owned by this Iyengar community who share their base from these villages. Makar Sankranthi was just around the corner and I remembered our visit to Bylahalli last year, along with other Hoysala Temples around Hassan. Shri Lakshmi Janardhan Swami Temple at Bylahalli have their annual Brahmarathotsava(chariot procession) during Makar Sankranthi. 

The story of Iyengar community's settlement in Karnataka dates back to 12th century, during the rule of Chola rulers. Chola rulers who ruled present day Tamil Nadu, Kerala and parts of Andhra Pradesh, followed Shaivism(followers of Lord Shiva). Shrivaishnavas, the followers of Lord Vishu, faced prosecution by the rulers and that was when Shri Ramanujacharya, one of the acharyas(teacher) of Shrivaishnavism left the chola territory and settled in Melukote of Karnataka(then the Mysore state). Along with him moved many of his followers and many local communities converted to Shrivaishnavism during this period too.

A scene of Brahma's birth from of Vishnu's navel, at the entrance of the temple

Yaksha at the entrance of the temple.

The temple has a five floored Gopura with five metal kalasha on the top. The main idol of Sri Lakshmi Janardhana swami adores the sanctum with other idols through out the temple.

Didn't click the main idol of the sanctum, but this idol from the temple.

Bylahalli is around 18km from Hassan. There are KSRTC buses playing from Hassan, best way to reach is by taxi or even you can hire auto-rickshaw from Hassan.