Temple Description

Garuda is mythological figure, a humanoid eagle with Human body with wings of a bird and beak of an eagle. Here the temple is believed to be built during the Vijayanagara period, with the statue of Lord Garuda in the kneeling position. Garuda is kneeling on one leg and carrying Lord Vishnu in his right hand and Goddess Lakshmi in his left hand. The left hand is little higher in position, where Lakshmi signifies prosperity. Lord Vishnu and Garuda are seeing Mahalakshmi, but Godess Lakshmi is facing front which indicates that she is blessing the devotees who visit this temple. The idol of Garuda is around 5.5 ft tall , surrounded with 8 serpents as his jewels. There are 11 Gods carved on this monolith, namely The Garuda, Vishnu, Lakshmi and 8 serpents. The idol is believed to be installed by Ramanujacharya in the 11th – 12th century, hence it is believed to be around 1100 years old.

Mythological importance of this temple dates back to ‘Tretha Yuga’. In the story of Ramayana we hear about the bird Jatayu, who valiantly fought against the Demon King Ravana, to save Sita from Ravana’s hands. Ravana after abducting Sita, will be carrying her in his pushpaka vimana, Sita will be crying out for help calling Rama’s name. After hearing Rama’s name Jatayu flies to help Sita and tries to have a discourse with Ravana, But Ravana in no mood to have dialogue with Jatayu cuts off his wings. Jatayu falls down calling out Rama’s name. Hanuman hearing Rama’s name comes immediately with Vajrayudha to help him . Though he could have killed Ravana the same minute, he thinks about his Lord Sri Rama and waits for him. This is the place where Jatayu falls and waits for Rama to come. Rama blesses him with mukthi. As Jatayu was killed ( ‘Kollu’ in kannada means ‘kill’) , this place came to be called ‘Koladevi’.