Hemagiri is a small and scenic hillock situated about 8 km east of Krishnarajapete (K. R. Pet) in Mandya District, Karnataka. The hill is embraced on most sides by the sacred Hemavathi River, from which it derives its name—Hema meaning gold and Giri meaning hill.
Surrounded by lush greenery, flowing waters, and nearby waterfalls, Hemagiri stands as both a spiritual and ecological landmark.
Devotees reach the hilltop temple by climbing around 50 to 60 stone steps, making the ascent short yet deeply devotional. At the summit stands the shrine of Lord Sri Ranganatha / Sri Venkataramana Swamy, a revered form of Lord Vishnu. Though the present temple structure is modern, the sanctity of Hemagiri is ancient, preserved through centuries of oral tradition and uninterrupted worship.
Within the temple prakara is a separate shrine dedicated to Sri Lakshmi Devi, enhancing the spiritual completeness of the sacred site. At the foothill lies a temple of Lord Anjaneya, where devotees traditionally offer prayers before ascending the hill to seek the blessings of Sri Ranganatha Swamy.
Local legends narrate that Lord Vishnu frequently visited Hemagiri from Vaikuntha, drawn by the purity of the Hemavathi River and the divine energy of the hill. Because of this belief, Hemagiri is regarded as a divinely chosen and sanctified place. The importance of this kshetra has been lovingly preserved through village traditions and devotional lore across generations.
The temple’s Rathotsava, held annually on Ratha Saptami, is a unique and vibrant celebration. A deeply rooted local belief holds that devotees who sincerely pray while holding a banana and successfully aim it to touch the chariot’s kalasha will have their wishes fulfilled. This tradition draws large crowds, with devotees bringing numerous banana bunches, creating a scene of faith, devotion, and collective celebration that attracts people from surrounding villages.
Timings From 6AM to 12PM
Location Approximately 170 kms from Bangalore
67 kms from Mandya
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