Melukote | ಮೇಲುಕೋಟೆ

Raya Gopura is an entrance gate built for the famous temple of Lord Vishnu called 'Cheluva Narayana Swamy Temple' of Melukote, Mandya District, Karnataka.

King Vishnuvardhana started to build this temple on the orders of Saint Ramanujacharya in earlier 12th century. Ramanujacharya told Vishnuvardhana to build a gate to the entrance of the temple. He also said, that the 

gate has to be erected in one night. So, Jakanachari, the architect of the temple, kept everything ready & on the decided night, started assembling the gate. When it reached the present state, a rooster crowed & announced the arrival of dawn, so the work was stopped. The entire structure stands on the ground. There is no foundation whatsoever. It makes you marvel as to how those tall pillars are standing without a foundation.