Just a short drive from Bengaluru lies a hidden gem that seems to defy time and water. The Venugopalaswamy Temple, perched near the KRS backwaters in Mandya, is not only a 12th-century Hoysala marvel but also a story of survival, restoration, and breathtaking architecture. Submerged for decades under the Krishna Raja Sagara reservoir, this temple literally rose from the waters, now standing tall with intricate carvings and a serene view of shimmering backwaters—proof that heritage, patience, and passion can truly bring history back to life.
A Bengaluru aerial content creator, Srihari Karanath, shared that the Venugopalaswamy Temple near the KRS backwaters in Mandya is a 12th-century Hoysala-style temple originally located in the submerged village of Kannambadi. He shared that when the KRS dam was constructed, the temple went underwater for decades and occasionally resurfaced during droughts. In the early 2000s, the Khoday Foundation carefully relocated it stone by stone. Around 16,000 stones were numbered and rebuilt at a higher site near Hosa Kannambadi, preserving the temple’s original architecture.
He further added that today, the temple stands as a remarkable example of heritage restoration, featuring intricate carvings, 46 sub-shrines, and the deity Lord Venugopala (Krishna) facing the shimmering KRS backwaters, making it one of Karnataka’s most unique temples that literally rose from the waters.
Bengaluru-based cardiologist Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy described it as a beautiful temple and shared his admiration for the structure.
Internet reacts
Internet users reacted with amazement, with one expressing surprise at never having heard of the temple despite visiting Mysore multiple times. The location near the KRS dam and backwaters was clarified by another. Several visitors praised the restoration work done by the Khoday group, noting the unique rule of not offering money and the limited daily pooja, usually only in the morning. Many were curious about how the temple was maintained without public donations. Others from Bangalore appreciated the spotlight on the temple, and longtime visitors applauded the incredible restoration effort.
About the Venugopalaswamy temple
The temple was originally built in the 12th century in the erstwhile village of Kannambadi, around the same time as the iconic Chennakesava Temple at Somanathapura. When the KRS dam was constructed, the entire village—including the temple—went underwater. For more than 70 years, it remained submerged, occasionally peeking out during droughts, haunting the imagination of locals and history lovers alike.
In the early 2000s, the Khoday Foundation, led by philanthropist Srihari Khoday, undertook the colossal task of relocating the temple stone by stone. Over 16,000 stones were meticulously numbered, photographed, and rebuilt at a safer site in Hosa Kannambadi. Artisans and masons from Tamil Nadu helped restore damaged or missing idols, carefully preserving the Hoysala-style architecture while keeping the temple’s spiritual essence intact.
Today, the Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple is a visual spectacle with 46 sub-shrines and Lord Krishna as the main deity, facing the shimmering KRS backwaters. Visitors are captivated not just by its carvings and design but also by the serene vibe, the absence of routine poojas, and the fact that it’s maintained without soliciting donations. Locals and travellers alike marvel at the temple, proving that heritage, when restored with love and precision, can inspire awe across generations.
A Bengaluru aerial content creator, Srihari Karanath, shared that the Venugopalaswamy Temple near the KRS backwaters in Mandya is a 12th-century Hoysala-style temple originally located in the submerged village of Kannambadi. He shared that when the KRS dam was constructed, the temple went underwater for decades and occasionally resurfaced during droughts. In the early 2000s, the Khoday Foundation carefully relocated it stone by stone. Around 16,000 stones were numbered and rebuilt at a higher site near Hosa Kannambadi, preserving the temple’s original architecture.
He further added that today, the temple stands as a remarkable example of heritage restoration, featuring intricate carvings, 46 sub-shrines, and the deity Lord Venugopala (Krishna) facing the shimmering KRS backwaters, making it one of Karnataka’s most unique temples that literally rose from the waters.
Bengaluru-based cardiologist Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy described it as a beautiful temple and shared his admiration for the structure.
Beautiful temple 🛕 #NammaMysuru https://t.co/hMxGTlCW8N pic.twitter.com/8pNDVrv1la
— Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy (@DrDeepakKrishn1) October 8, 2025
Internet reacts
Internet users reacted with amazement, with one expressing surprise at never having heard of the temple despite visiting Mysore multiple times. The location near the KRS dam and backwaters was clarified by another. Several visitors praised the restoration work done by the Khoday group, noting the unique rule of not offering money and the limited daily pooja, usually only in the morning. Many were curious about how the temple was maintained without public donations. Others from Bangalore appreciated the spotlight on the temple, and longtime visitors applauded the incredible restoration effort.
About the Venugopalaswamy temple
The temple was originally built in the 12th century in the erstwhile village of Kannambadi, around the same time as the iconic Chennakesava Temple at Somanathapura. When the KRS dam was constructed, the entire village—including the temple—went underwater. For more than 70 years, it remained submerged, occasionally peeking out during droughts, haunting the imagination of locals and history lovers alike.
In the early 2000s, the Khoday Foundation, led by philanthropist Srihari Khoday, undertook the colossal task of relocating the temple stone by stone. Over 16,000 stones were meticulously numbered, photographed, and rebuilt at a safer site in Hosa Kannambadi. Artisans and masons from Tamil Nadu helped restore damaged or missing idols, carefully preserving the Hoysala-style architecture while keeping the temple’s spiritual essence intact.
Today, the Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple is a visual spectacle with 46 sub-shrines and Lord Krishna as the main deity, facing the shimmering KRS backwaters. Visitors are captivated not just by its carvings and design but also by the serene vibe, the absence of routine poojas, and the fact that it’s maintained without soliciting donations. Locals and travellers alike marvel at the temple, proving that heritage, when restored with love and precision, can inspire awe across generations.
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