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Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is a cave temple located in the natural surroundings of Kempegowda in Bangalore. The temple is situated in the capital city of Karnataka, Bangalore. Due to its location within a cave, the temple is also known as the Gavipuram Cave Temple.

Dedicated to Lord Agni, the god of fire in Hindu mythology, Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple (Bangalore) Karnataka is one of the distinguishing temples of South India. The temple also houses a large Shiva Lingam and Lord Shiva is worshipped with great pomp and glamour. While the deity of Lord Agni is an amazing piece of religious architecture with a couple of heads, seven heads and three legs, the Shiva Lingum is an impressive monolithic idol.

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple (Bangalore) Karnataka is a heritage site of Karnataka and protected under Karnataka Ancient and Historical Monuments, and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1961.  Built in the 16th century, the temple exhibits unique rock-cut architecture of India. While the two giant stone discs within the temple premises represent the sun and the moon, the exact location of the discs permits direct sun rays to fall on the temple at a certain phase of the day. The engraved shikharas of the Shiva temple also demands your attention with its grace.

One of the oldest temples of Bangalore, the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is majorly constructed of granite and has four monolithic pillars. This temple is known for its architectural excellence.

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

History and Legend of Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

The ancient shrine of Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple narrates the golden history of ancient India.

  • It is believed that the temple was carved out of a rock in the 9th Saint Gowthama took shelter in this cave to perform penance.
  • Later in the 16th century, Kempegowda reconstructed this temple. He was the founder of Bangalore and he revamped the shrine to show his gratitude towards Lord Shiva after he was released from prison; Kempegowda was imprisoned by Rama Raya for five years.
  • The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is considered to be miraculous as the devotee who looks at Lord Agni at the temple is believed to be cured of all eye sight problems.
  • Another myth related to the temple is that there are two channels going through the sanctum. One of the tunnels extends to the city of Varanasi while the other is directed towards the Gangadhareshwara temple, which is situated at the Shivagange Hilltop, approximately 10 kilometers from the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple.
  • It is also believed that the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple was previously known as Gowthama Kshetra, as the saint is said to have performed penance here.

Significance of the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is a landmark in the religious map of Karnataka.

  • The temple is associated with a miraculous phenomenon. On the festive day of Makar Sankranti, the interior of the shrine is illuminated with the sun rays during sunset; this light stays for one hour.
  • The Shiva Lingum represents the monolithic style of architecture. The sculpture of Lord Agni is also unique, believed to be only one of its kind in entire South India.
  • There are numerous sculptures within the cave temple. The temple yard houses the Damaruga, that is, a drum, the large sun and moon discs and idol of Nandi, vahana of Lord Shiva.
  • The long passage of the temple is adorned with sculptures of Saptamatrika, Sri Devi and Bhudevi.
  • There are also small shrines of Lord Ganapati, Goddess Parvati and Ma Durga. These deities come with twelve hands.
  • Moreover, it is one of the rare temples of Bangalore, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple Timings

Devotees can visit the temple throughout the year. But if you want to experience the miracle of sunlight, then January (usually 14th) is the best time to visit the temple.

  • The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is open every day.
  • Visitors are allowed within the temple from 6 am in the morning to 12.30 pm.
  • Again devotees can enter the temple from 5 pm to 8 pm in the evening.

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple Food Timings

Though there is no facility of lunch or dinner at the temple, devotees are offered ‘prasada’ after worship of the God. The prasada is offered both in the morning and evening and constitutes mainly fruits.

Dress code at Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

If you are visiting Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, then it is best to wear traditional Indian dress. Footwear is also not allowed within the temple.

Festivals celebrated at the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is known for its festivities, which reflect the true colors of South Indian culture and traditions.

  • Makar Sankranti festival: Celebrated at the month of January, this festival is marked by the presence of thousands of devotees. The crowd is there to check out the amazing phenomenon, where the sunrays at the dusk pass through the horns of the stone idol of Nandi to fall directly on the Shiva Lingum inside the shrine. This phenomenon takes place between 5 pm and 6 pm.
  • Shivaratri Festival: This is another important festival of the temple. Thousands of pilgrim line up in front of the temple to bathe Lord Shiva with milk at all the four phases of the day. The festival takes place every year in the month of February or March.

Poojas and Rituals at Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

Devotees can witness unique customs and rituals of worship at the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple.

  • Besides the daily pooja, devotees can ask for special offerings.
  • A curtain guards the passage of the temple during Mangal aarti.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is located in the capital city of Karnataka and hence is easily accessible from all parts of the state and other states.

  • By Air: The international airport of Bangalore is the nearest airport to the temple. The domestic terminal of Bangalore is also located here. The airport is located approximately at 38 kilometers from the temple. There are many types of transport facilities available outside the airport, like taxis, bus and auto rickshaws which can take you to the temple.
  • By Train: The Bangalore railway station has several trains plying to and fro, linking the temple to the other cities and states of the country. The railway station is located 5 kilometers from the temple. Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Gurgaon and Hyderabad are directly connected to the city via rails.
  • By Road: The local buses, cabs and auto-rickshaws can take you from the railway station, airport or other parts of the two directly to the temple. The temple is located 13 kilometers from the bus stop.

Hotels in Kempegowda: Where to stay

There are multiple hotels located near the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple. While some offer budget accommodations, the others are premium hotels with modern amenities. Clarks Exotica Airport Hotel, Best Western La Marvella, 31 South Park Hotel and Bangalore Gate Hotel are some of the stay options near the temple.

Where to eat

There are a number of hotels around the temple. These hotels generally serve vegetarian food, as most of the devotees prefer to have vegetarian food after pooja. These food stalls are hygienic and the food is quite tasty. You can get low-cost food here.

But if you are looking for non-vegetarian food, then there are several food joints around the city that can provide you with a wide array of food.

Nearby Temples

There are several temples located near the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple.

  • Bull Temple: Dedicated to Nandi, the Vahana of Lord Shiva, this temple is located at Basavanagudi. Constructed in the 16th century, this temple exhibits one of the largest statues of Nandi; 15 feet high.
  • ISKCON Temple: Dedicated to Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha, it is one of the spectacular temples of the city. The gold plated Dwajastambha and Kalash Shikhara specially draw your attention.
  • Gangamma Devi Temple: dedicated to Goddess Ganga, this temple is another shrine of the 16th Devotees can perform different havans at the temple premises.
  • The Dodda Ganesha Temple is another popular temple of the town. While the large, 18 feet statue of Lord Ganesha is believed to be growing on its right side, the idol is impressive with stunning decorations.
  • Sri Kalika Durga Parameshwari Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Kalika Durga Parameshwari, this temple is situated at Vidyaranapura of Bangalore. The Mahabhishekham performed very Sunday is one of the major attractions of the shrine. Hence, be at Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple to the witness of the architectural wonders of India.

Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple Timings, Poojas, and History

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Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Annapoorneshwari and is located on the banks of River Bhadra in Horanadu, in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The town of Horanadu is also popular as “Sri Kshethra Horanadu” in respect of the Goddess. 

Planning to visit this temple? Have a look at our Western Ghats Temple Tour covering Horanadu Temple.

Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple Facts –

DeityGoddess Annapoorneshwari
LocationHoranadu, Karnataka
SignificanceWestern Ghats Temple Tour
Entry FeeFree
Darshan Timings6:30 AM to 9:30 PM
PoojasAnnadanam, Kumkum Pooja Abhisekam
Best Time to VisitOctober to March
Visit Duration1 to 2 hours
FestivalsNavratri, Akshaya Tritiya
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K72j8NljbE
Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple Full Darshan Video

Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple Timings

Here are the timings of Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple:

TimingsFromTo
Morning Darshan6:30 am9 am
Afternoon Darshan11 am2 pm
Evening Darshan7 pm9:30 pm
Maha Mangala Aarti9 am, 1:30 pm, 8:30 pm
Prasada Bhojana (Annadanam)12 pm3 pm

Which Sevas & Poojas are performed at Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple?

The Sevas and poojas that take place at Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple are as below:

Sevas and Poojas
Maharanga Pooja
Panchamruth Abhishekam
Kumkum Archana
Annadana Seva for one day
Navagraha Pooja
Sri Sathya Ganesha Vratha
Shukravara Seva (Friday)
Amavasya Seva (Friday)
Shashwatha Annadana Seva
Horanadu-Annapoorneshwari-Temple-Poojas-and-Sevas
The Kumkum Archana will take place for the Goddess every Friday.

You can also find a description of these sevas and poojas here:

Regular Sevas

  1. Maharanga Pooja –This is also known as the Deepardhana. A devotee can perform it by obtaining a receipt of Rs. 500.
  2. Panchamruth Abhishekam – The Goddess is given a bath with milk, honey, curd, sugar, and ghee. The cost for this Seva is Rs. 30 for all days except for Friday.
  3. Kumkum Archana – The Kumkum Archana is done especially for the Goddesses. Kumkum and Turmeric are the main materials for the Aarti. The cost is Rs. 40.
  4. Annadana Seva for one day – A devotee can perform the Annadanam (donation of food) for one full day for Rs. 5000.
  5. Navagraha Pooja – The Pooja is performed for the Navagrahas (nine gods representing the planets). The cost of the Seva is Rs.300.
  6. Sri Sathya Ganesha Vratha – The Seva costs a devotee Rs.250.

Special Sevas on Fridays

  • Shukravara Seva – In this Seva, the Kumkum Archana will take place for the Goddess on one Friday of the month for twelve months in a year. Also, the minimum amount payable for the service is Rs. 500.
  • Amavasya Seva – The Kumkumarchana will take place on every Amavasya of the month for one year. Also, a minimum amount payable is Rs. 500.

Yearly Sevas

  • Varshika Seva – The Annadana for 25 people takes place on a particular day every year called Varshika Seva. It happens only on Marriages, Birthdays, and anniversaries. The minimum charge for the service is Rs. 2000.
  • Shashwatha Annadana Seva – A devotee can provide Annadanam for a batch on one special day every year. The minimum amount payable is Rs. 100000.

Homam Sevas

  • Sri Mahachandika Homam – The Homam is in dedication to Goddess Shakti or Chandi. Devotees believe that one can attain health, wealth and prosperity by performing the Homam. It will also relieve the person of evil forces, curses, and obstacles in their lives.
    1. Experts do the Homam by chanting the Slokas of 13 chapters of Durga Saptashati.
    2. Several poojas like the Ganapathi Pooja, Kanya Pooja, Kalasa Sthapana and Saptashati Parayanam also take place.
    3. The temple charges Rs. 15,000 for the service and one should inform the temple 2 months in advance.
  • Sri Mahaganapathi Homam – The Homam is performed before the beginning of any pursuit in life. Devotees believe that Lord Ganapathi removes any obstacles in the way of the goals of a person. The temple charges Rs. 12,000 for the Seva and one must do the booking 2 months in advance.

What is the dress code for Horandu Annapoorneshwari Temple?

The dress code is as follows:

  • Men: Male devotees have to remove their shirts and vests before entering the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple complex. It is preferred to wear a towel or shawl that covers their shoulders.
  • Women: There is no particular dress code for women but it is recommended to wear a decent dress.

What is the significance of Annapoorneshwari Temple?

Horanadu-Annapoorneshwari-Temple-Annadanam-Scheme
Annadanam Scheme serves three-course vegetarian meal for free.

The significance of Annapoorneshwari temple lies in performing Annadanam for people with the blessings of Goddess Annapoorneshwari. Devotees believe that they will never face any shortage of food in their lives after performing Annadanam. 

All the visitors, irrespective of religion, caste or creed, are served with a three-course vegetarian meal for free. The pilgrims are served thrice a day – breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They are also provided with tea and coffee in the evening for free.

Aksharabhyasam and Namakarna – The pilgrims can also perform the Namakarnam ritual (Naming of a newborn) and the Aksharabhyasam ritual at the temple. The Aksharabhyasam ritual involves writing the name of Lord Ganapathi and Lord Saraswathi on an offering of rice along with the chanting of mantras and shlokas.

What is the history of Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple? 

The history of Annapoorneshwari Temple does not mention the exact date of the construction of the temple. Devotees believe that the original temple was very small and was established by holy Sage Agasthya. The 5th Dharmakartharu, Sri D.B. Venkatasubba Jois, also renovated the temple following the Vaastu Shilpa and Astrology.

The 6th Dharmakartharu constructed the Navagraha Temple. He also established the steam cooking system in the Temple Kitchen, Annachathra, and Guesthouses for pilgrims and the labor colony.

The Punarprathisthapan of Sri Annapoorneshwari took place in 1973. Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Abhinava Vidyathirtha Mahaswamiji of Sringeri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri also performed the Mahakumbhabhishekam here.

The Goddess present here is also praised and glorified in several ancient scriptures like Annapurnamantratsava, Maha Tripurasiddhanta, Annapurna Kavacha, Annapurnahavamti, Annapurnamalininaksatramalika, Bhairvahyantantra, Rudrayamala, and Sivarahasya.

Horanadu-Annapoorneshwari-Temple-History
Jagadguru Shankaracharya also performed Mahakumbhabhishekam at this temple.

What is the legend of Goddess Annapooreshwari?

An interesting legend associated with the Goddess Annapoorneshwari is that of her conversation with Lord Shiva regarding the importance of food in one’s life. As per the legend, Shiva and Parvathi were playing the game of dice. Shiva lost all that he possessed to Parvati during the game.

So, Vishnu asked Shiva to play again. On his advice, Shiva played again and won everything back. But Parvati became suspicious and an argument ensued between Shiva and Parvati. Vishnu then intervened and stated that he made the moves whereas Shiva and Parvati were playing an illusion.

Lord Shiva proposed that everything is temporary like a Maya or an illusion. He concluded that food is also an illusion. Goddess Parvati disagreed and disappeared to prove that food is not an illusion. As a result, nature became still, seasons stopped changing and new plant growth stopped.

The land eventually became barren and drought ensued. Therefore, everyone including humans, animals, and demons prayed for food. Lord Shiva soon realized the importance of food and recognized it as a basic need for all creatures in the world.

Goddess Parvati, taking pity on everyone, appeared in Kashi (Varanasi) and started distributing food. Then Lord Shiva appeared before her with a begging bowl, seeing which Goddess Parvati fed him with her ladle. Since then, Goddess Parvati is worshiped as Annapoorneshwari.

What is inside the temple?

Devotees have to climb a few steps to reach the main temple complex. The Gopuram of the Temple also has various sculptures of Gods and Goddesses. A mandapam is there on the left of the main entrance. A queue complex next to the Mandapam is also there for entry into the main hall where Annadanam takes place every day.

Moreover, towards the back of the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple, a commercial complex of four to five shops is present that sell Pooja materials as well as small toys and gifts from Horanadu. The ceilings of the temple also have wonderful carvings.

The idol of the main deity of the Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple, Sri Annapoorneshwari is made of gold. The Goddess has a standing posture with four hands, each holding a Shanka, Chakra, Sri Chakra and Devi Gayathri.

Which festivals are celebrated at Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple?

Some festivals celebrated at Horandu Annapoorneshwari Temple are:

  • Navaratri – The festival is in September – October with great fanfare and glory. It lasts for 9 days during which the devotees celebrate the nine forms of Durga. The nine forms are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kusmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. On the tenth day of Vijayadasami, the Chandika Homam takes place.
  • Akshaya Thadige – The Akshaya Thadige or the Akshaya Tritiya is in April – May. The day is the birth date of Goddess Annapoorneshwari. It also signifies the beginning of summer and the end of winter. Moreover, it marks the beginning of the Treta Yuga.
  • Rathotsava – The Rathotsava usually occurs in February – March. The festival lasts for 5 days. The Ganapathi Pooja, Ganapathi Homam, and Maha Ranga Pooja take place on the first day. And the Dhwajarohana and Pushpakarohana take place on the second day followed by the Brahmotsavam and Rathotsavam on the third day.

Besides the above festivals, other festivals celebrated here are Deepavali, Shankara Jayanti, and Havi.

Navratri 2019
Navratri is a combination of two Sanskrit words – ‘nava’, which means ‘nine’ and ‘ratri’, which means ‘night’.

How to reach Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple?

Here’s how to reach Horandu Annapoorneshwari Temple:

  • Air – The nearest airport is the Mangalore Domestic Airport. Regular flights are available from cities like Bengaluru, Chennai
  • Rail – Shimoga is the nearest railway station, at a distance of 127 km.
  • Road – One can reach the hill town of Horanadu by buses from cities like Bengaluru, Mysore, Shimoga, and Mangalore.

Bangalore to Horanadu Route

  • Air – Fly from Bangalore to Mangalore. One can reach Sringeri by Road from Mangalore. It is around 120 km and takes 2:30 hours.
  • Rail – Mangalore and Shimoga are the nearest Railway stations.
  • Road – Regular buses are available from Bangalore. It takes around 7:30 hours.

Sringeri to Horanadu – The only way to travel from Sringeri to Horanadu is by road. There are buses and private taxis available. The distance between the two places is around 45 km and takes around 1 hour.

Where to stay near Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple?

The Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple Administration has constructed the Bhadra Nivasa Lodge near the Temple premises where devotees can stay. The devotees can book rooms here at nominal rates for their stay. The room options vary from double bed, standard to AC. Suites are also available for large families. Hot water and generator facilities are provided for certain hours every day.

For online booking and any other queries related to the temple, one can visit the official website at https://srikshetrahoranadu.com. However, the requirement of Identity Cards is must for booking accommodation in the Lodge.

Horanadu-Annapoorneshwari-Temple-Stay-Nearby
The Temple Administration has constructed the Bhadra Nivasa Lodge near the temple.

Several private hotels are also present around the hilly town of Horanadu like the Nature Valley Homestay, Suprabha Residency, and Sri Devi Comforts. However, they are at a distance from the temple.

Where to eat near Annapoorneshwari temple?

The Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple provides Annadanam to the pilgrims every day in the afternoon and the evening where devotees can eat. The meal is vegetarian with a dessert too. Besides this, few small hotels are also present outside the temple complex that one can visit for more food options.

Which are some of the temples near Annapoorneshwari Temple?

Some of the temples near Annapoorneshwari Temple are:

  1. Sri Kalaseshwara Temple – The temple is 8 km away from Horanadu in the town of Kalasa. The Bhadra River surrounds the temple on 3 sides giving the land a pot-like shape. The Temple is for Lord Shiva. According to legends, Sage Agasthya made Kalasa as his home but wanted to witness the wedding of Shiva and Parvathi. So Lord Shiva obliged and gave a boon to Agasthya using which he was able to watch the wedding from Kalasa.
  2. Sringeri Sharada Peetham – The holy town of Sringeri is located at a distance of about 70 km from Horanadu. Sri Adi Shankaracharya established the temple in 8th century AD. Also, it was the first of the four Ammaya Peetham. Sri Sharadamba believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Saraswati is the presiding deity of the Temple.
  3. Dharmasthala – This 800-year-old Temple institution is situated at a distance of 108 km from Horanadu. The presiding deities are Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi and the Jain Tirthankara Chandraprabha. The Temple is one of the most famous sites of pilgrimage in Karnataka. The uniqueness lies in the fact that the temple is a Shiva Temple, the priests are Vaishnavites and a Jain family runs the Administration.
  4. Kollur Mookambigai Temple – The famous and revered Sri Mookambikai Temple is located in Kollur which is 168 km from Horanadu. The presiding deity is Goddess Mookambikai also famous as Devi and in front of her idol, is a Jyotirlinga, the holy shrines of Lord Shiva. Further, the unique feature of the Linga is that it has into two unequal parts – The smaller right part represents Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and the larger left part represents Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Out of the 12 jyotirlingas, 5 are in Maharashtra (know about them).
  5. Kukke Subramanya Temple – The Temple is in the town of Subramanya which is 176 km away from Horanadu. The presiding deity is Lord Karthikeya worshiped as Subramanya. When Garuda threatened the divine serpent Vasuki, Lord Subramanya safeguarded him.

Frequently Asked Questions on Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple-

Why the Goddess is called as Annapoorneshwari?

Sri Annapoorneshwari is the Goddess of food and nourishment. The word Annapoorna is a conjunction of two words- Anna meaning food or grains and Purna meaning complete & perfect.

What is the land address of Annapoorneshwari Temple?

The address is – Mudigere – Taluk, Chikamagalur – District, Horanadu, Karnataka 577181

What is the entry fee to Annapoorneshwari Temple?

Free, there is no entry fee.

What are the other famous temples dedicated to Sri Annapoorneshwari?

The other famous temples dedicated to Sri Annapoorneshwari are the Annapoorna Devi mandir and the Kasi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.

What is the official website for Annapoorneshwari Temple?

For online booking and any other queries, one can visit the official website at https://srikshetrahoranadu.com.

What is the weather around Horanadu?

In summer, the weather reaches 32°C and in winter, the weather goes down at 17°C.

Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Chamundeshwari Temple of Mysore is a landmark of the temple architecture of Karnataka. You can get a sight of the Chamundeshwari Temple from a distance as the Chamunda hills rise to a height of 3489 feet. Located in close proximity to the Mysore Palace, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, also known as Goddess Durga. Goddess Chamundeshwari, the fierce incarnation of Shakti is the deity of the Mysore kings for hundreds of years.

The Chamundeshwari Temple is considered one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas and is known by the name of Krouncha Pitham; Shakti Peethas refer to the sites on which the body parts of Goddess Sati fell when Lord Shiva was carrying her and wandering through different places in deep morose. It is believed that the hair of Goddess Sati fell at the site where the Chamundeshwari Temple has been constructed. It is named after the name of the place; the site was known as Krouncha Puri during the Puranic times. The deity is seated on a lion with a trident in her hand, which is pierced into the demon Mahisasura. The buffalo lies in the body of the asur.

The Chamundeshwari Temple was built during the Hoysala rule in the 12th century. The temple is enormous and there are 1000 steps to reach the hilltop to the temple. The Chamundeshwari Temple comes with a seven-storied Gopura. The interiors of the sanctum are spectacular with numerous intricate carvings. While the statue of Goddess Chamundeshwari is said to be made of gold, the entrance gates are made of silver. The Chamundeshwari Temple is a quadrangle structure, built in the Dravidian style of architecture. The temple can be segregated into different parts, like the doorways, Navaranga Hall, Antharala Mantapa and Prakara. The Gopura consists of a small tower, known as Vimana while the Shikaras come with glittering golden Kalashas. The inside of the entrances of the Chamundeshwari Temple is adorned with images of Lord Ganesha, while the images of Dwarpalakas, that is, doorkeepers seem to guard the goddess.

There is also a Kalbhairab temple within the temple complex, dedicated to Kalbhairab, another incarnation of Lord Shiva. The Kalbhairab temple also features a huge granite statue of Nandi, the Vahana of Lord Shiva. With a height of 15 feet and length of 24 feet, this idol is adorned with bells.

Chamundeshwari Temple

History and Legend of Chamundeshwari Temple

The temple is the oldest temple in the hills of Mysore. It is not only a bearer of the rich cultural history of South India but also has several myths revolving around its foundation.

  • It is believed that demon Mahisasura tortured the people of Mysore and hence the goddess rose to her power to destroy the evil forces and relieve the people.
  • The temple had been built almost 1000 years ago and was the home deity of the monarchs of Wodeyars.
  • The place where the temple is located was known as Trimuta Kshetra, meaning a place surrounded by eight hills. The Chamunda Hill lies at the western part of the group. It is believed that Lord Shiva used to reside at the Mahabaleshwar temple and hence this hill was named as Mahabaladri.
  • The deity of Devi Chamundeshwari is in a seated posture with eight shoulders, known as Ashta Bhujas. This deity is considered to be very old, being established by sage Markandeya.
  • It is believed that when Krishnaraja Wodeyar III was blessed by the Goddess Chamunda, he decided to build the beautiful Gopura in 1827 AD. He also gifted a Simha Vahana, that is, the vehicle of the goddess along with other animal vehicles to the temple.
  • The proof that the temple was revamped by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III lies within the temple complex. There is a large 6 feet statue of the king in religious apparel along with his three wives, Ramavilasa, Lakshmivilasa and Krishnavilasa within the shrine.

Significance of the Chamundeshwari Temple

Being one of the oldest shrines of Mysore, the Temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. Chamundeshwari Temple holds a significant place in the religious facet of Karnataka.

  • It is believed that Goddess Chamunda, the slyer of demon Mahisarsura and Chanda, Munda fulfills all the wishes of the devotees.
  • The route to the Chamundeshwari Temple is through dense jungles and hence, visitors can view breathtaking natural beauty and is a great bird watching area.
  • Visitors can get a panoramic view of Mysore from the Chamunda hilltop. The Mysore Palace looks imposing when lit with lights during the festive season of Dusshera from the hilltop.
  • The statue of Mahisasura near the Chamundeshwari Temple is an amazing piece of architecture.
  • The Chamundeshwari Temple is also important due to the small footprints of the goddess that is found within it, along with a flagstaff.
  • The rare images of Anjaneya, Nandini, and Kamalini also enhance the importance of the Chamundeshwari Temple.

Chamundeshwari Temple Timings

A strict schedule is followed at the Temple for worship and offerings.

  • Time for visiting Devi Chamundeshwari is from 7.30 am to 2 pm in the morning, again from 3.30 pm to 6 pm in the afternoon and again from 7.30 pm to 9 pm in the evening.
  • Abhisheka Timings are from 6 am to 7.30 am in the morning and again from 6 pm to 7.30 pm in the evening on all days except Fridays. On Fridays, the timing is from 5 am to 6.30 am.

Chamundeshwari Temple Food Timings

  • Free meals are served at the Temple and the meal is known as Dasoha.
  • After worshipping the goddess, laddu is offered to the devotees. Cleaning drinking water is also available for visitors.
  • Plastic bags are not allowed within the temple complex to keep the hill areas and the waters clean.

Festivals celebrated at the Chamundeshwari Temple

Temple is one of the important shrines of Mysore and hence are marked with major religious celebrations.

  • Navaratri Festival: Navaratri is celebrated to mark the success of the goddess in demolishing the demon and hence is an important affair. Devotees line up at the Chamundeshwari Temple to offer their prayers during the festival. This festival is also known as the Mysore Dasara festival.
  • Rathothsava Festival: 10 days after Dusshera, this festival takes place. On the auspicious day of the full moon, known as Ashwayuja Purnima, this car festival takes place. The deity of goddess Chamundeshwari is mounted on the vehicle. A representative of the royal family of Wodeyar draws the chariot in a symbolic manner following the rituals and then the vehicle along with the deity is taken around the Chamundeshwari Temple.
  • Theppothsava Festival: Thousands of devotees gather at the Chamundeshwari Temple to witness the pious celebration of Theppothsava, which means the floating festival. The festival takes place in the night and the deity of Devi Chamundeshwari is taken round the Devi Tank on a boat. As lights fall on the crystalline waters of the tank, a magical environment is created.

Poojas and Rituals at Chamundeshwari Temple

  • The worship of the goddess is a glamorous affair at the temple. Multiple priests are engaged in the worship of the deity. The royal family donates gifts to the temple to maintain the pomp and show of the shrine.
  • Coconuts, fruits, and fresh flowers are the popular ingredients in the worship of goddess Chamundeshwari.
  • Ashada Shukravara, that is, the first Friday of the Hindu lunar month is considered auspicious and devotees folk here to check out the special puja.
  • Devotees may also request for special sevas like homas, abhishekas, and utsavas by intimating the temple committee prior to two days.
  • Devotees can also offer saree to the goddess by 30 days prior intimation to the Chamundeshwari temple committee.

How to reach: Road, Rail, and Air

  • By Air: The nearest airport to the Chamundeshwari Temple is the Bangalore airport. You can get direct buses and taxis to Mysore from here.
  • By Train: The Mysore Junction is the nearest railway station to the Chamundeshwari Temple. You can get trains to the city from the other towns and there are auto-rickshaws, cabs, and buses available for your next part of the journey to the Chamundeshwari Temple.
  • By Road: Though located at an elevation, the Chamundeshwari Temple is connected with a proper motorable road. There is also a different route to the Chamundeshwari Temple through the Nanjangud side. There are buses available to the Chamundeshwari Temple from all parts of the Mysore city. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) plies buses to the temple every day with a time gap of 30 minutes from the City Bus Stand. You may also hire cabs to the temple; it is a 10-12 kilometers drive from the Mysore city.

Hotels in Mysore: Where to stay

The Chamundeshwari Temple committee maintains a guest house for the devotees. This 20 room guest house comes with decent amenities. Mysore is an important city of Karnataka and hence tourists can find both deluxe and budget hotels easily near the Chamundeshwari Temple. Radisson Blu Plaza, The Viceroy Comforts, Ginger Mysore, United 21 Mysore, Pai Vista, and Royal Orchid Metropole are to name a few.

Where to eat

There are several vegetarian restaurants around the Chamundeshwari Temple. From hot dosas to piping hot coffee, you can get both authentic South Indian and other types of dishes out here. Visitors can also enjoy pizzas at the nearby food joints. Vinayaka Mylari, The Foodie Restaurant, Hotel RRR Restaurant, Little Woods and Corner House are some of the popular restaurants near the Chamundeshwari Temple.

Nearby Temples

Mysore is known for its beautiful palaces and sacred shrines. Some of the other temples worth visiting the city are:

  • Narayanaswamy Temple: Located near the Chamundeshwari Temple is this temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Cheluva Narayana Swamy, also known as Tirunarayana. The inscriptions on the pillars of the shrine are invaluable.
  • Prasanna Krishnaswamy Temple: Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temple houses 40 bronze statues of gods and goddesses. The murals which adorn the walls of the temple are jewels of the Mysore painting school.
  • Lakshmiramana Swamy Temple: Dedicated to Lord Nambinarayana, this ancient shrine has interesting facts revolving around it. The temple is also famous for its beautiful statues.
  • Mahabaleshwara Temple: Also located at the Chamundi Hills, this temple is in close proximity to the Chamundeshwari Temple. Dedicated to Mahabaladri, this temple is impressive with images of Sapta Matrikas, Nataraja, Parvathi, and Bhairava.

The Chamundi Village located near the temple is also an attraction of the place due to its unique lifestyle and simplicity.

Hoysaleswara Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Hoysaleswara Temple of Halebeedu is another masterpiece of Indian temple architecture. Located at the banks of an enchanting lake, this temple is encircled with manicured gardens, while the atmosphere is serene. The Hoysaleswara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and exhibits Hoysala architectural style.

History and Legend of Hoysaleswara Temple

The Hoysaleswara temple of Halebeedu narrates the glorious history of ancient India and hence is a must-visit.

  • Temple was constructed in the 12th century, within the time period of 1120 CE and 1150 CE.
  • Temple was built by the Hoysala ruler King Vishnuvardhana. It is believed that the temple was named Hoysaleswara Temple after Vishnuvardhana Hoysaleswara.
  • When the Hoysaleswara temple was built the place was known as Dwarasamudra.
  • Temple was ransacked twice by the Delhi sultans in the 14th This led to the name of the city as Haldebeedu, which means the ruined city.
  • The construction of the Hoysaleswara temple was financed by the Shaivas (devotees of Lord Shiva).
  • It is believed that the Chennakesava Temple was built during this time and was a Vaishnava temple. The Hoysaleswara temple was constructed by the Shaivas as a competition to the Chennakesava Temple.

Significance of the Hoysaleswara Temple

Hoysaleswara temple is known for its exquisite architecture and is one of the important temples of South India.

  • Hoysaleswara temple is one of the largest temples of Lord Shiva in South India.
  • The temple structure of the Hoysaleswara temple is considered to be very complex due to the presence of projections and recesses.
  • While the exteriors of the temple are adorned with fine sculptures, the interiors of the temple are comparatively simple.
  • The temple complex has couple of temples within it; one is dedicated to Hoysaleswara and the other is dedicated to Shantaladevi, the queen of King Vishnuvardhana, who built the temple. The temples consist of Shiva Lingum.
  • There are other shrines within the temple complex, dedicated to other gods and goddesses. One of the shrines is dedicated to the Sun God. This temple has 7 feet tall statue of the Sun God along with a massive stone bull (Nandi, the Vahana of Lord Shiva).
  • Another marvel of the Hoysaleswara temple is the set of sculptures of Lord Ganesha. While the right part of the external wall of the temple starts with an image of a dancing Ganesha, there are almost 240 images of Lord Ganesha in different poses.
  • The four pillars which lie within the temple are characterized with images of Madanika, within brackets.
  • The Garuda Pillar is an important part of the temple. Garudas refer to the bodyguards of the monarchs and their queens. These inseparable guards used to commit suicide with the death of their master. This complete story is depicted at the Garuda Pillar, where the guards are seen cutting their heads with knives. There is also an inscription engraved over the pillar which commemorates the death of one such guard, Kuruva Lakshma, the bodyguard of Veera Ballala II.
  • The ceiling of the temple is also unique. Known as Sunakasi, this part of the temple is decorated with miniature roofs and attics which are in a ruined state.
  • The layout of the Hoysaleswara temple is also well defined and hence every sculpture is easily visible.
  • The museum within the temple complex is another important part of the site. This is a treasure house of the excavated sculptures, wooden handicrafts, maps and photos of the deities and the temples.

Hoysaleswara Temple Timings

  • Hoysaleswara Temple opens at 6:30 am and closes at 9:00 pm.
  • Tourists can visit any time of the year to the Hoysaleswara Temple.
  • The museum located at the temple premises is open only Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm.

Hoysaleswara Temple Food Timings

Hoysaleswara Temple is open to tourists for sightseeing and the deities are not worshiped here. Hence there is no ritual of serving ‘Prasada.’

Dress Code of Hoysaleswara Temple

  • Tourists are suggested to be in long dresses to maintain the decorum of the temple. As the weather is hot here, hence light-colored dresses are preferred.
  • Shoes have to be kept outside the temple premises. There is a shoe keeper at the entrance where you can keep your shoes for a nominal rate.

Festivals celebrated here

Hoysaleswara Temple is visited by tourists for its spectacular architecture and festivals do not take place at its premises.

Poojas and Rituals at Hoysaleswara Temple

The deities of Hoysaleswara temple are not worshipped at present and hence no pooja or rituals take place here.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

The Hoysaleswara temple is easily accessible from all parts of the country.

By Air: The Mangalore airport is the nearest airport to the Hoysaleswara Temple, located almost 168 km from the temple. This domestic terminal is approximately 222 km from the international airport of Bangalore. Mangalore airport has direct flights from Chennai and Bangalore and is also well connected with the other airports of the country. There are direct taxis available from the airport to the temple.

By Train: The Hassan railway station is the nearest railway station to the temple. It is located approximately at 27 km from the temple, while the other nearby stations are the Mangalore and Mysore railway stations. If you are travelling from Kerala, then Thalassery and Kannur railway stations have direct trains to Hassan. This station is well connected with the other parts of the country. Dharwar, H Nizamuddin, Kannur, Karwar, Mysore, Shimoga Town, Talguppa and Yesvantpur Junction are some of the major railway stations from where there are trains to Hassan railway station. Smet Mysore Express, Mys Shimoga Express, Sharavati Express, Kannur Express and Dwr Mysore Express are the major trains that regular take you to the site. Tourists can also avail direct taxis, auto rickshaws and buses outside the station to the Hoysaleswara Temple.

By Road: There are regular buses and taxis available that can directly take the tourists to the temple. There are regular buses by KSRTC that ply between the major cities and Halebeedu. Private buses from the Majestic bus stand of Bangalore ply directly to Hoysaleswara temple. The temple is located at 16 km from Belur, 31 km from Hassan and 149 km from Mysore. Tour the city of Halebeedu in auto rickshaws to get the local vibe.

Hotels in Halebeedu: Where to stay

Halebeedu is a hub of the rich heritage of Karnataka and hence several hotels have developed near the temple. These hotels not only provide decent accommodation to the tourists but also offer premium services, depending on the needs of the visitors. You can avail of both budget and deluxe accommodation at Halebeedu. Hotel Mayura Shantala, Sumukha Residency, Vishnu Regency are approximately 15 km from the temple, while the Hoysala Village Resort, Gateway Hotel, Stay Simple Riverdale, La Flora Pavanputra Resort and Spa are almost 24 km from the site.

Where to eat

Visitors can relish authentic South Indian food at the nearby hotels. There is a government hotel opposite the temple, just at 100 meters from the bus stand, where you can get both South Indian and North Indian food. This eats out is open from morning till 10 pm and is both cost-effective and hygienic. Customers can choose to eat at the patio or at the garden. Shankar hotel is another popular food joint at Halebeedu, which is open from 7 am to 9.30 pm and serves South Indian food. Tourists can also relish non-vegetarian dishes like chicken and fish curry at a nearby restaurant, located beside the Canara Bank.

Nearby Temples

The Halebeedu temple complex consists of some of the most famous temples of Karnataka.

  • Kedareswara Temple: This temple lies at 400 meters from the Hoysaleswara temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was built in 12th The temple architecture is amazing with a star-shaped layout and intricately designed sculptures, portraying incidents from the great Indian epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana.
  • Jain Basadi: Halebeedu is a popular Jain pilgrimage. The Jain Basadi is located at 1 km from the Hoysaleswara Temple. There are three Jain temples in this complex, namely, Parshwanath Swamy Temple, Adinatha Swamy Temple, and Shantinatha Swamy Temple. These temples are a treasure of exquisite carvings, like a black stone sculpture of Parshwanath Temple with a serpent carved head, which seems to protect the deity.
  • Shravanabelagola: Located at 50 kilometers from Hassan district, this South Indian pilgrimage is known for its Jain temple. The site is famous for its 58 feet high, granite Bahubali statue. There are several temples located at the twin hills of the place, Vindhyagiri, and Chandragiri, like the Odegal Basadi, Tyagada Kamba, Siddhara Basadi and Chennana Basadi.
  • Belur: Another temple town of Karnataka, Belur lies at 40 km from the Hoysaleswara Temple. The city is famous for the temple dedicated to Lord Chennakesava, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The walls of this shrine are adorned with perfect carvings of gods, goddesses, mythological figures and scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Upanishad.
  • Lakshmi Devi Temple: Located at Doddagaddavalli, this temple is just 16 km from the Hoysaleswara temple. This is one of the oldest temples built during the rule of the Hoysalas. This soapstone temple stores some precious Kannada inscriptions, well-defined sculptures of Lord Shiva in the form of Bhairava and Bhoothnatha, Goddess Kali and Lord Vishnu.

Hence be at Hoysaleswara temple to feel proud of the rich heritage of India. Not only the temple is beautiful with its fine sculptures, these perfect carvings also take you back in the golden days, narrating the incidents from the golden times.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati is located in the industrial town of Bhadravati. This small town is a part of the Shimoga district of Karnataka. Located at the banks of River Bhadra, Bhadravathi is a 13th-century city of the Hoysala kingdom. 

Several architectural gems of Hoysala architecture are present in this city. The city is famous for its couple of tourist destinations, besides the paper mills and iron and steel plant; one is the Bhadra wildlife sanctuary and the other is the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple.

The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is a Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The presiding deity of Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is Lord Narasimha, known as the protector of humankind and destroyer of demons and evil spirits.

Lakshmi Narasimha

History and Legend of Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is the bearer of the rich culture and traditions that existed at this ancient town.

  • There is a popular myth related to the formation of the small town of Bhadravathi. It is believed that here, Lord Vishnu in the avatar of Varaha, that is, wild boar, rescued Bhudevi, that is, Goddess Earth. She was held captive under the sea by demon Hirayankasha. As per Holy Scriptures, when Varaha lifted earth with his two tusks, River Tunga and Bhadra were formed. The place was previously known as Benkipura.
  • The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple consists of other images of Hindu gods, namely, Sri Krishna, Lord Purushottama, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Sharadamba.
  • The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is an 800 years old temple. The sculptures of the temple also exhibit the daily lifestyle of the 13th century, along with the images of musicians and dancers.
  • The temple was constructed by Sir M Vishweshwaraiah, the grandson of an eminent Hoysala monarch, Vishnuvardhana.

Significance of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati

The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is another example of a magnificent Hoysala form of architecture. Some of the basic characteristics of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi are:

  • The statue of Lord Narasimha is in a relaxed position, protecting his devotee Parhlada.
  • Lakshmi Narasimha  Temple comes in a triple form, known as Vimana. While one of the shrines is south facing, the other two are north and west facing.
  • Soapstone has been used to construct the temple. If you touch the walls there is a soapy feeling and the stone is really tender.
  • There is a flagpole, known as dwajasthambam just in front of the temple.
  • The temple stands on a raised platform, known as jagati. About a metre high, this platform was used by devotees to circumvent (pradakshin) the temple. In the Hoysala form of architecture there is no specified path to paradakshin temple.
  • The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi also has special pillars, known as lathe pillars along with parapets. This type of shiny black pillars defines the architectural style of 11th and 13th century Hoysala architecture. The lathe pillars not only enhance the beauty of the temple but also provide support to the ceiling of the large temple.
  • The inner wall of the temple has been kept plain and simple while the exterior wall is star shaped, nakshatra shaped, providing enough space and scope for decoration.
  • The external wall has two eves. The first eve consists of small towers which exhibit miniature decorations on pilasters, known as aedicule.
  • The second set of eves is followed by a panel engraved with the images of deities and by a set of mouldings.
  • The stellate tower is another special form of Hoysala architecture. The tower has been adorned with processes and recesses throughout the tower. It looks more like a flute from a distance. The tiers of the tower step by step diminish in height to form an umbrella.
  • Some of the important sculptures of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi are Lord Krishna playing flute and a man with serpent.
  • The central hall of the temple is unique with now windows and is connected with the other sanctums.
  • There is a slab in Kannada inscription at the temple which exhibits the construction details.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati Timings

The temple is open throughout the year. There are no holidays and no such best time to visit.

  • The temple opens early in the morning at 6.00 am to the visitors. The temple is closed at the afternoon.
  • The temple again opens at 6.30 pm at evening and closes at 9 pm.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati Food Timings

Though there is no process of serving food or lunch at the temple, prasada is served after worship.

Guidelines

  • There is no entry fee in the temple. From parking to use of camera, everything is free of cost.
  • As a general guideline at any Indian temple, devotees need to keep their footwear outside the temple.
  • The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is safeguarded by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Festivals celebrated at Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati

Besides the regular rituals, there are annual festivals celebrated here.

  • Dussera: During this festival, the iconic deity of Lord Narasimha is taken round the city in a grand procession. This festival takes place at the Hindu month of Ashvin, which is anytime between September and October.
  • Navaratri Festival: This festival is celebrated with great pomp and glamour at the temple complex. This festival generally takes place a couple of times a year. Once anytime between March and April and another time between September and October.
  • Vaikunta Ekadesi: This is the 11th day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Magh and an auspicious day for the Vaishnavaite cult. Worship attains a different dimension here, on this day. This festival generally takes place anytime between December and January.

Poojas and Rituals at Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati

The temple is still functional and hence is visited by numerous devotees throughout the year. There is an important guideline even for the priests to worship at this temple; only celibates are permitted to perform worship at the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi.

  • Some of the sculptures of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi are worshipped till date. Devotees apply vermilion, turmeric, pour oil and burn camphor for worship.
  • There are different types of prayers that can be performed to pay tribute to Lord Narasimha here, like the Narasimha Pranama, Narasimha Mahamantra and Dasavatara Stotra. Sometimes on the special requests of the devotees, the priests may also perform Divya Prabandham prayer.
  • After the completion of worship, the priest sits at the raised platform of the temple, reading Holy Scriptures.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air: The Hubli airport is the nearest domestic airport to the temple, while the Bangalore airport is the nearest international airport. The Hubli airport is approximately 170 km from Bhadravathi. Another optional airport for the tourists is the Mangalore airport.

By Train: The nearest railway station to the temple is the Birur- Bhadravathi railway station. The trains that ply between Bangalore and Shimoga have stoppage at the Bhadravathi railway station. Tourists can also opt for train to Birur and then another train or bus from Birur to Bhadravathi. There is also an option to board a train from Mysore to reach Bhadravathi.

By Road: Bhadravathi is located approximately at 255 km from the state capital of Bangalore. It is 20 km from the district headquarters of Shimoga. Tourists can opt for NH-206 to reach Bhadravathi. This highway passes through Tumkur, Tiptur, Arasikere, Kadur, Birur and Tarikere to reach Bhadravathi. There are several public and private buses that regularly ply from Bangalore and Shimoga to Bhadravathi; these buses take almost 6 hours to reach the site. There is another route from Mysore to Bhadravathi. The route of Mysore passes from Channarayapattana, Arasikere, Kadur to reach Bhadravathi. The temple is located at one and half kilometre from the main road. It takes almost an hour to reach Bhadravathi from Birur. You can get round the town in auto rickshaws.

Hotels in Bhadravati: Where to stay

There are some decent hotels located at Bhadravathi. Enjoy a comfortable stay near the temple within your budget. Some of the popular hotels of the city are Pavana Lodge, Chinnappa Hotel, Guruprasad Hotel, Hotel Attigunda, Hotel Basaveshwara, Hotel De Tej, Hotel Ganesh, Hotel Heritage and Hotel Kanchana.

Where to eat

There are no eateries near the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi. Hygienic and vegetarian food is available at the hotels like Pavana Lodge and Hotel Kanchana. Paani poori is one of the popular street food at Bhadravathi.

Nearby Temples

Here are a number of ancient temples located around the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi.

  • Sri Amrutheshwara Temple: This temple is located at the quaint village of Amruthapura, in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. It is almost 30 km from the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi. This temple was also constructed during the Hoysala rule. The walls and pillars of the shrine are sculpted with incidents from the great Indian epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
  • Sri Chintamani Narasimha Temple: This sacred temple is also located at the banks of River Tunga and Bhadra, in an avatar of Lord Vishnu, Sri. Chintamani Narasimha Temple. This temple is a blend of Shaivaites and Vaishnavaites culture and exhibits Chola style of architecture. This temple houses one of the rarest idols of Lord Chintamani Narasimha, who is seated with his left knee bent and with Chintamani in his palm. The exquisite sculptures opposite the temple also attract multiple historians and tourists. The temple is legendary as it is believed that the deity was installed and worshipped by Prahlada, the ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu.
  • Sri Rameshwara Temple: Located at the confluence of River Tunga and Bhadra at the Koodli village of Shimoga district, the Sri Rameshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built by the Hoysala and the Ikkeri kings. This spectacular temple is located amidst sprawling green gardens. Another important factor about this temple is that the snake gods are worshipped here.

Hence if you are passionate to know about the temple architecture of South India, a visit to the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is a must.