The Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple, also known as Thirunarayanapura, is located in Melkote, in the Mandya District of Karnataka, India.
The Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple is situated on rocky hills that offer a stunning view of the Kaveri valley. It is considered one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams in the Vaishnavite tradition. The temple is located approximately 30 miles (48 km) from Mysore and 97 miles (156 km) from Bangalore.
After Ramanujacharya was appointed as the rajguru of the Hoysala Empire, Lord Vishnu appeared to him in a dream, instructing him to move to Melkote. In the dream, Lord Vishnu revealed that Ramanuja would find the sacred land there.
Traditional accounts suggest that Ramanujacharya traveled to Melkote in search of clay for the Srivaishnava Urdhva Pundra, a sacred mark worn by followers of the Srivaishnava tradition. This special clay, known for its abundance in Melkote, was essential for preparing the holy symbol. Upon reaching Melkote, Ramanuja is said to have found the land blessed, fulfilling his divine vision.