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Shravanabelagola Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Shravanabelagola Temple is a testimony to the religious beliefs of the Jains. This religion is believed to have come into existence from 7th-5th century BCE along the eastern India. It laid the importance of world renunciation and played a significant role in rejecting the religious culture of the Brahman or priestly class in society.

With time, Jainism spread across the globe and it became a prominent path to attain salvation for a large number of people. Shravanabelagola Temple is a sacred Jain pilgrimage destination which is located towards the north-west of Bangalore in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is a famous place for people who want to experience and learn more about Jain culture, beliefs, and traditions.

This place derives its name from a pond called ‘bili-gola’ or white pond which is located between two hills. People from all over the world gather here all around the year to attain spiritual bliss and enlightenment.

Shravanabelagola

History & Legend of Shravanabelagola Temple

  • Legends say that Rishaba-Admatha had two sons namely, Bharata and Bahubali. While the former was the king of Ayodhya, the latter was the ruler of Paudanapura. Bharata wanted to become the Chakravarthi emperor and hence decided to attack Paudanapura. Bahubali refused to surrender and proclaimed war. In this situation, the elder statesmen of both the sides decided to avoid bloodshed by arranging for a dual battle between the two brothers. The battle consisted of three parts namely, the Dristi Yuddha where the person needs to stare at another individual without closing the eyelids, the Jala Yuddha where water is splashed on a person till he turns his face away and finally, the Malla Yuddha which symbolizes wrestling. Bahubali emerged as the winner in all the three forms and this angered Bharata. He then decided to attack Bahubali with his chakra but it just circled him thrice and failed to attack him.  Bahubali felt disgusted and decided to leave worldly pleasures and walk on the path of purification of his soul. He stood in the Kayotsarga or standing posture for about a year without any food or water. From ant hills to snakes, his legs were covered with dangerous creatures and later he was successful in attaining the knowledge about the universe or Kevaljnan. From then on, he is called as Bahubali-Kevali or Gommateshwara.
  • There are many historical references that are associated with Shravanabelagola. As per to the Jain Bhadrabahu tradition, one of the successors of Mahaveera breathed his last in a cave here while leading a migration from Ujjain to South India owing to a 12-year-old famine.
  • Additionally, there are many monuments that are formed by the Gangas and Hoysalas who were ardent followers of the religion. These shrines can be spotted in the hills of Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri.

Significance of Shravanabelagola Temple

  • Shravanabelagola Temple is a famous holy place for the Jains. The followers believe that their Guru resides here in a Mutt.
  • There is also a Sanskrit Patashala for interested candidates to study Sanskrit and Shastras.
  • Vindhyagiri is the hill which is 470 feet high and located on solid rock. There are about 660 steps to climb barefoot in order to reach the top of the hill. While youngsters can climb the hill, old people can avail of the palanquin service.
  • There is 58 feet high monolithic statue of Lord Gommateshwara situated atop the Vindhyagiri hill. It is said to be constructed by Chavundaraya, the Prime Minister and the Commander-in-Chief of the Talakad Ganga Kingdom in 981 A.D. This monolithic statue is made of granite and stands tall over the adjacent countryside.
  • Vindhyagiri or Indragiri, as it is also known was called as Dodda Betta. There are 7 types of monuments, eight temples of varied sizes, four mandapas, two ponds, five gateways, three pillars, two arches and 172 inscriptions found in this place. The inscriptions belong to the late 10th to 19th centuries A.D. and are inscribed in languages like Kannada, Sanskrit, and Tamil, etc.
  • Chandragiri also called as Chikka Betta or Kalbappu is the home to notable Bhadrabahu Basadi and Chandragupta Basadi. The hill is 200 feet in height and consists of 192 steps. The imprint of the revered saint Bhadrabahu’s feet can be found here. Emperor Ashoka had built a basadi for Chandragupta Maurya in the 3rd century B.C. The great emperor had spent his days at this place.
  • While tourists and pilgrims visit this shrine throughout the year but it is best to pay a visit during the months of September to March.
  • While people from the southern state of Kannada refer to this icon as the Gommateshwara statue, the Jains refer to it as Bahubali.

Shravanabelagola Temple Timings

  • Shravanabelagola Temple opens its gates at 6 A.M. and closes at 6:30 P.M.
  • However, it remains closed from 11:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.

Shravanabelagola Temple Food Timings

  • Prasad is offered to all the devotees from 12 noon.
  • Pilgrims can offer dry fruits as Prasad to the Lord.

Festivals celebrated at Shravanabelagola Temple

  • The Mahamasthakabhisheka or popularly referred to as the head anointing ceremony of the Lord Gommateshwara Sri Bahubali is the most special festival which is observed once in every 12 years. It marks a significant event in the Jain religious calendar. There are many pilgrims who visit this auspicious shrine from various corners of the world. The festival is celebrated here for over 12 days and people throng this religious destination in large numbers.

Poojas and Rituals at Shravanabelagola Temple

  • There is a special ritual that needs to be observed before the head anointing ceremony is held. This consists of a big wooden scaffolding that is constructed around the Lord Gommateshwara statue. Thousands of pilgrims arrive for this occasion. And, the most important part of this festival consists of chanting holy mantras and pouring gallons of milk, honey and precious herbs that are poured over the head of the statue. The devotees believe that while the offerings are poured over the icon, strong spiritual energy is passed from the auspicious deity. These offerings are made available to the people who stand in a queue and are believed to assist pilgrims in their search of enlightenment.
  • And the ritual of the Mahamasthakabhisheka ceremony consists of a beautiful ceremony where the icon is anointed with a mixture comprising of water, turmeric, rice flour, sugarcane juice, sandalwood paste, saffron, gold and silver flowers. The next head anointing ceremony will be held in 2018.

How to Reach: Road, Rail, and Air

  • By Air– As Shravanabelagola is an important international destination for the Jains, it is well connected and easily accessible for tourists by air as well. For people who are keen to travel by flight, the Bangalore International Airport is the nearest airport which is located at a distance of 158 km from this shrine. One can opt for buses or private cab services to reach the temple from the airport.
  • By Train– Train serves as a crucial and most preferred form of transportation for thousands of devotees. In order to reach the temple, the nearest railway station comprises of Hassan Railway Station which is located at a distance of 57 km. The Mysore Railway Station is also located at a close distance of 85 km.
  • By Road– Shravanabelagola is well-connected with almost every part of Southern India. The national highways are also well-linked with this shrine. This auspicious place is 51 km from Hassan, 85 km from Mysore, 158 km from Bangalore and 233 km from Mangalore. However, there are few direct buses from Mysore to Shravanabelagola. Channarayapatna is the nearby town which has direct buses and private vehicles that fly to and fro from the shrine.

Hotels in Karnataka: Where to stay

Karnataka is an important destination for both religious and business reasons. There are many important religious shrines that are located in this southern state. So, if you are on a tight budget or a traveler with moderate to luxury choices, there are ample opportunities available for tourists of all kinds. Choose from a double bed to triple and four-bedded rooms with private balconies if you are traveling with your family and elderly people. And for single travelers, sharing accommodation is also offered by major lodging providers. The rooms are often found clean and are equipped with basic furniture’s. They also come with attached bathrooms as well. The price of these rooms depends on the kind of services one avails from the hotel.

The hotels also come with complimentary breakfast options as well. All leading places of accommodation accept all kinds of credit and debit cards and rooms remain occupied throughout the year. It is advisable to book your rooms in advance in order to avoid any kind of last-minute disappointment. Some accommodation providers also arrange for pick up and drop services for its clients as well. And for individuals who are looking to pamper themselves, the hotels also come with their private spa and salon services. Choose from deep tissue massage to attending workshops on beauty and fitness to indulge your senses.

Where to eat

The southern state of Karnataka is famous for its regional and contemporary cuisines. From its traditional breakfast options like dosa, idli, medu vada to upma and bisibele bath, there are a lot of options available for people who love gorging on new delicacies.  Karnataka is also famous for its leading eatery joints like Udipi, which serves delicious vegetarian food.  Since the weather is primarily hot and humid, people here generally prefer rice over wheat products. And if you like to experiment with your taste buds, do not forget to taste the unique chutneys, sambhar, and rasam that are sure to delight your senses. In addition, there are also various international cuisines that are available as your alternative option. From Chinese to the Mediterranean to Thai and Italian, choose the one as per your mood. The leading restaurants also pave the way for a complete dining experience by including live performances of local singers and bands. And if you want to host dinner for your guest or special one, book your table in advance in order to plan your occasion aptly. So, whatever your choice of cuisine is, this place will never leave you disappointed.

Nearby Temples

  • Halebid Temple – Halebid also called as the town of Dwara Samudra is a conventional temple complex. It is home to two Jain temples which are made from traditional soapstones. There are many sculptures of dancers, birds, and animals that are still prevalent in the carvings.
  • Chennakesava temple – One can visit this temple on the same day while paying a visit to the famous Shravanabelagola shrine. The Chennakesava temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and had been constructed by King Vishnuvardhana. There is another temple named as Kappe Chennigraya shrine that was built by Queen Shantaladevi. There are many people who believe that the temple was built over a period of 100 years. One of the major attractions in the temple consists of Darpana Sundari or a beautiful lady with a mirror. From architectural students to pilgrims, every person admires the beauty of these sculptures.
  • Kali Temple – The Kali Temple was built at the edge of a lake off the main highway that connects Hassan with Halebidu. In addition, there are many beautiful carvings that are engraved on the walls of the auspicious shrine. There are many tourists who plan a visit to this sacred place of worship all around the year.

Virupaksha Temple Hampi Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Virupaksha Temple is located in the historic village of Hampi. The village of Hampi (historically called Hampi) lies within the limits of the ruins of the Vijayanagara city. The word Hampi is derived from the name Pampa (Lord Brahma’s daughter and the old name of River Tungabhadra), and one of the regions around Hampi is still known as Pampa kshetra. As one makes a foray into the ruins of Hampi, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one cannot escape the popularity and prosperity of the bygone era that existed in the empire of the Vijayanagara dynasty.

The holy Virupaksha Temple stands in the center as the symbol of this greatness and grandeur of the empire that flourished during the 14th – 16th century. The architectural wonder is a testament to the times of a great, well developed and well-administered city.  The history of the Virupaksha Temple is inseparable from the story of the great city. The name Virupaksha means “with oblique eyes”. Some also believe that the word means “misformed eyes” referring to the third eye of Lord Shiva. It can also be inferred that “Virupa” meaning “Distorted” and “Aksha” meaning “Eyes” refer to the occurrence of three eyes for Lord Shiva and consider that itself as a distortion.

Virupaksha Temple is also known as the Pampapathi Temple. The presiding deities of Virupaksha Temple are Lord Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva and Goddess Pampa, his consort. This is only fully functioning Temple among several ruins of other Temples in the Hampi area.

Vijayanagara architecture is a mixture of Chalukya, Pandya, Hoysala and Chola styles. Virupaksha Temple Complex consists of the Sanctum, three Ante-Chambers, two pillared halls, a pillared quadrangle walkway known as the Cloister, three Gopurams, courtyards and several smaller shrines. Besides the main shrine dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, other shrines are dedicated to Goddess Bhuvaneswari and saint Vidyaranya is located within the Temple Complex.

The pillared Mandapam was built under Krishna Deva Raya in 1510 AD as per scriptures on the walls. This Mandapam contains paintings and murals of several avatars of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The murals on the ceilings also depict scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Among the three Gopurams of the Temple, the Eastern Gopuram is the main entrance to the Temple. The Gopuram is nine-storied and has a cuboidal structure. The Northern Gopuram is five stories high and the inner-eastern Gopuram is three stories high.

The main sanctum houses the deity, Lord Virupaksha in the form of a Linga. The smaller shrines dedicated to Goddess Pampa and Goddess Bhuvaneswari, consorts of Lord Shiva are situated to the north of the Sanctum and are much older than most of the Temple.

The “Ruins of Hampi” or the “Hampi Complex” consists of several civil and religious buildings. The important Temples inside the complex that one must visit to experience the spirituality of the great kingdom are Vittala Temple, Ramachandra Temple, Underground Shiva Temple, Kodandarama Temple, Krishna Temple, and the Chandramouleeshwara Temple.

History and Legends of  Virupaksha Temple

  • The origin of the Virupaksha Temple predates the origin of Vijayanagara as a city and as an Empire. The main sanctum is believed to date back to the 7th century. Several inscriptions mentioning the greatness of Lord Shiva can be found on the walls of the Temple. They date back to the 9th and the 10th century.
  • Several additions and renovations were carried out by the Chalukyas and the Hoysalas. However, Virupaksha Temple flourished under the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire.
  • Hampi was the capital of the Empire and was known as Vijayanagara. According to most of the historians, the founders of the Empire Harihara I and Bukka (popularly known as the Sangama brothers) were commanders in the Hoysala military. They were patronized and supported by Sri Vidyaranya, a Saint belonging to the Sringeri monastery. Their main aim was to thwart the invasion of the Deccan regions by the Muslim invaders from the North.
  • The Empire reached its peak during the reign of Krishna Deva Raya (1509-1529 AD). During his reign, the whole of Southern India was brought under his control. His army fought off invasions by the Deccan Sultanates of Bijapur, Golkonda, Ahmadnagar, Bidar, and Berar. The Empire retrieved areas from the Deccan Sultanates in North and East regions.
  • The prosperity of the Empire began to decline after the death of Krishna Deva Raya. Rama Raya, his son-in-law took control of the Empire and made some ill-advised decisions on the political affairs of the Deccan Sultanate. Eventually, in 1563, the rivals from the North who were bitter with the Empire formed an alliance and declared war on the weakened Vijayanagara Empire.
  • During the famous Battle of Talikota, Rama Raya was captured and killed. The Sultanate’s army attacked Hampi and destroyed it into the present state of ruins. The Empire ceased to exist after the reign of Sriranga III in 1646. The Empire split into the Mysore Kingdom, Keladi Nayaka, Nayaks of Madurai, Nayaks of Tanjore, Nayaks of Chitradurga and Nayaks of Gingee.
  • Virupaksha Temple has been named after a local deity named Pampa, who is believed to be a form of Goddess Parvati. The origins of the Temple can be traced back to the references in various Puranas of the Daksha Yagna episode in Hindu beliefs. To refute the insult meted out by Daksha to Lord Shiva, Goddess Sati, Lord Shiva’s wife self-immolates. Hearing this, Lord Shiva becomes extremely angry and performed the Tandava Dance with Sati’s corpse in his hands. He destroys everything in his path. Eventually, to calm himself, he reaches Hemakuta in Hampi and starts meditating. All the Gods decide that the only way Lord Shiva could be happy again was to marry him again to Goddess Parvati.
  • The locals in Hampi believe that Pampa was the incarnation of Goddess Parvati who took up meditation on the opposite bank of the River Tungabhadra. The Kama, the God of Love and attraction brought Pampa to the attention of Lord Shiva. Pampa expressed the desire to marry Lord Shiva and he eventually agreed. It is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Pampa married at the place now known as the Virupaksha Temple.

Significance of the Virupaksha Temple

  • The main deity of the Virupaksha Temple, the Shiva Linga is believed to be one of the 64 Jyotirlingas that exist as per the Hindu religious beliefs. The Linga is believed to be Swayambhu meaning self-manifested. 5 of the 12 jyotirlingas are in the state of Maharashtra in India.
  • Virupaksha Temple is only a fully functioning Temple belonging to the Vijayanagara area. Other popular sites nearby such as the Vitthal Temple are masterpieces of architecture but the worshiping of Gods and Goddesses have been discontinued at these places.
  • The Eastern Gopuram which is the main entrance of the Temple is constructed in such a way that the inverted shadow of the structure falls on the western wall of the Temple through a small hole inside the Sanctum. The Gopuram is 160 feet tall. The Gopuram was constructed in the first half of the 15th century and was renovated by Krishna Deva Raya.
  • Virupaksha Temple has been constructed in such a unique way that River Tungabhadra flows along its terrace, descends to the Temple Kitchen and then flows through the outer courtyard of the Temple.
  • A three-headed statue of Nandi can be seen installed near the main temple entrance. This statue is unique and rare in India.
  • The ancient city of Vijayanagara was inhabited by about 500,000 people during the 15th century. That was 0.1% of the total world population. It was the second-largest city in the world after Peking in Beijing. The importance of the city can be inferred from the fact that the size of the city was about three times the size of Paris during that time.
  • The region of Hampi has been described in ancient scriptures as Kishkinda, the kingdom of Vanaras (Monkeys). It is believed the Hanuman Temple in Hampi was the cave where Lord Hanuman, his mother Devi Anjana, Kesari and Shabari resided. The holy pond Pampasarovar houses the cave where Sugriva, King of the Vanaras is believed to have made his home.
  • The Kodandarama Temple near the Virupaksha Temple marks the spot where Lord Rama crowned Sugriva as the King of Vanaras or Monkeys.
  • The Stone chariot among the ruins of the Vittal Temple is considered as one of the three finest chariots in India, the other two being in Konark and Mahabalipuram. The wheels of the chariot could be rotated. But to prevent the damage caused by curious visitors, the Government has now cemented the wheels. Another wonder of the Temple is the 56 musical pillars of the Temple. They are also fondly called as the SaReGaMa pillars. Each of the pillars that support the roof of the main Mandapam represents a musical instrument. Seven pillars surround this pillar. When struck, these seven stone pillars emanate seven notes of music from the respective main instrument.
  • The Badavi Linga is the largest Linga among the ruins of Hampi. The Linga is situated inside a chamber and the sanctum is perpetually filled with water. The Linga has three eyes carved on it representing the three eyes of Lord Shiva.
  • The Chakratheertha, a holy Theertha in River Tungabhadra is a sacred place for devotees to take a dip. It is believed that Lord Shiva gave the Chakra, a weapon to Lord Vishnu at the very spot.

Virupaksha Temple Timings

  • Virupaksha Temple opens at 9 AM and closes at 9 PM.
  • The Darshan remains closed from 1 PM to 5 PM.

Dress Code

The ruins of Hampi lie on barren open land and it gets extremely hot during the summers. Hence, it is recommended to wear light, airy cotton clothes for the visit. The Temple does not follow any strict dress code. However, it is recommended that decent and clean clothes should be worn to visit the holy site.

Festivals celebrated at Virupaksha Temple

  • Mahashivaratri – The day is celebrated with great spirituality and reverence. Thousands of devotees observe fast and pray to God for good health and prosperity. The devotees take a dip in River Tungabhadra and then visit the Temple for the divine darshan and blessings from Lord Shiva. Bhajans and cultural programs are held at night. The uniqueness of the celebration is that a huge Gold crown studded with rubies and diamonds is placed on the Shiva Linga. The Linga is believed to be donated by the mighty Krishna Deva Raya himself to commemorate his coronation. Shivaratri is one of the four special days on which the crown is displayed to the public.
  • Annual Ratha Yatra – The annual Ratha Yatra of the deity, Sri Virupaksha and his wife Goddess Pampa takes place during the months of March-April. The deities are placed in a huge wooden chariot and taken in a procession along the main chariot street in Hampi. This festival is the largest religious festival celebrated in the town of Hampi and is attended by thousands of devotees from nearby areas.
  • Phalapuja festival – This festival is held in December every year. Special Poojas are performed for the deities and Prasadam is distributed to the devotees. The day is celebrated as the engagement day of Lord Virupaksha with Pampa. The celebrations take place for three days. The Teppotsavam is conducted for the deities on the first day by taking them around the Manmukha Kunda in a small boat like a vehicle. A grand procession of the deities takes place on the third day to the Kodandarama Temple in silver Vrishabha Vahana.

Poojas and Rituals at Virupaksha Temple

  • Bilva Pathrarchana – The Archana is performed for the deity with the Bilva leaves on behalf of the devotee.
  • Karpoora Aarti – The Aarti is performed for the Lord with Camphor known as the Karpoora on behalf of the devotee.
  • Panchamrutha Abhishekam – The Lord is bathed with Panch Amrit (five elixirs) that are Milk, Curd, Ghee, Honey and Sugar on behalf of the devotee.
  • Sahasranama Archana – The Lord is worshiped by reciting his 1008 names and singing chants praising him on behalf of the devotee.
  • Maha Rudrabhishekam – This Abhishekam is done by reciting the four ancient holy texts; Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda and the Atharva Veda in front of the Linga.

How to reach Hampi

  • By Air – The nearest airport is situated in Bellary, 60 km away. However, the Airport does not operate commercial flights. The Vidyanagar Airport, also known as the Jindal Vijaynagar Airport located 40 km from Bellary operates sightseeing charter flights to Hampi. The Hubli airport, located 3 hours away from Hospet connects Bengaluru and Belgaum.
  • By Train – The nearest railway station to Hampi is Hospet, situated 13 km away. Several trains connect Hospet to cities like Bengaluru, Mysore, Goa, Vizag, Bhubaneshwar, Vijayawada, Howrah, Kolhapur, Tirupati, Belgaum, Surat, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Raichur, and Hyderabad. Other nearby stations are Guntakal and Hubli which are well connected to the rest of the country like New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata. One can hire a taxi or board a bus from Hospet, Hubli, and Guntakal to Hampi.
  • By Road – The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation runs several buses from cities like Hospet, Bengaluru, Mysore, Mangalore, and Bellary. Several interstate buses also operate out of neighboring states like Goa, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Private operators also run buses daily to Hampi.

Where to stay

There are no hotels situated in the immediate vicinity of the Temple. However, several hotels, lodges, and resorts have opened up in the surroundings of Hampi ruins. Some of the popular ones are Sri Lakshmi Golden Beach Resorts, Royal Orchid Central, Hampi’s Boulders Resorts and Hotel Malligi.

Where to eat

The town of Hampi is becoming a major tourist attraction lately. Hence, a lot of restaurants have been set up surrounding the world-famous ruins. The cuisine offered by these restaurants varies from simple south Indian to exotic cuisines like Italian and Portuguese. Some of the most popular restaurants are Mango Tree, Laughing Buddha, New Shanthi, Ravi’s Rose and Sagar Hotel.

Nearby Temples

  • Vittal Temple – The Temple is one of the most popular attractions of Hampi. The Temple is famous for the movable stone chariot and the musical pillars. The architecture of the Temple is immensely intricate and a wonder in itself. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vittala, a form of Lord Krishna.
  • Chandramouleeshwara Temple – The 900-year-old temple is one of the most popular temples in Hampi. The intricately carved Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • Achyutaraya Temple – The architectural wonder is dedicated to Lord Tiruvengalanatha, a form of Lord Vishnu. The unique feature of the Temple is that it consists of two enclosures instead of one.
  • Hazara Rama Temple – The Temple is believed to be the site where Lord Rama killed Vali, the Vaanara King, and the Son of Indra. The sanctum lies empty. But the murals depicting the Ramayana are worth visiting.
  • Besides these Temples, several monolithic statues depicting Lord Shiva (Badavi Linga), Lord Vishnu (Lakshmi Narasimha) and Lord Ganapathi  (Kadalekalu Ganesha and Sasivekalu Ganesha) are a must-visit.
  • Anjeyanadri Hill – The shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman is situated atop the hill. The small Temple is located at a distance of 5 km from Hampi. It is believed that Lord Hanuman was born here to Mother Anjana. It is one of the important pilgrimage sites for Hindus all over the country.
  • Badami Cave Temples – The world-famous cave temples of Badami are located 100 km away from Hampi. This historic group of five cave temples located on the banks of the Malaprabha River dates back to 578 CE. The beautiful cave temples display remarkable architecture and follow the Chalukyan style of sculpturing and construction. These Temples are some of the earliest known Hindu Temples in the world. Caves 1 to 3 is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The fourth cave is dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras and the fifth cave is dedicated to Buddhist monks.
  • An Aihole group of Temples – The Aihole group of Temples located about 140 km away from Hampi, consists of about 125 Temples constructed under the Chalukyan period. According to the legends, Aihole was the place where Lord Parashurama washed his ax after annihilating 21 generations of Kshatriyas.
  • Pattadakal Temples – The Pattadakal group of Temples are situated 97 km away from Hampi. The most prominent temple among a string of architectural wonders is the Virupaksha Temple. The Virupaksha Temple in Pattadakal is a declared UNESCO world heritage site. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and built around 740 AD. The Temple was constructed by Queen Lokamahdevi to commemorate the victory of her husband Vikramaditya over the Pallavas.

Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple is located in the coastal town of Gokarna in Karnataka between a confluence of the Rivers of Gangavali and Agnashini. The Hindu Saint Sri Adi Shankaracharya established the Shree Ramachandrapura Mutt in Gokarna who look after the administration of the Gokarna Temple.

Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple – Facts

DeityLord Mahabaleshwar (Lord Shiva)
LocationGokarna, Karnataka
Entry FeeFree
Best Time to VisitOctober to March
Darshan Timings6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
PoojasRudra Homam
FestivalsShravan, Shivratri
Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna

Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple is also famous as Dakshina Kasi (Southern Kasi) and as the Bhookailasa. The region of Gokarna and its religious importance finds mention in several Puranas like the Bhagavata Purana, Sthala Purana, Guru Charitra, and the Skanda Purana.

What are the timings of Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple?

Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 8:00 PM. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals, such as the morning, afternoon, and evening poojas.

Here are the timings of Gokarna Temple:

RitualsFromTo
Morning Darshan6:00 AM12:30 PM
Evening Darshan5:00 PM8:00 PM
Mangal Aarti, Udyana Bali6:00 AM12:30 PM
Sparsha Darshan5:00 PM8:00 PM
Nityotsava8:30 PM –
Amrutanna Prasada Bhojana (Annadanam)12:00 PM2:00 PM
Amrutanna Prasada Bhojana7:30 PM8:30 PM
2nd Kalam Pooja7:30 PM8:00 PM

What are the poojas and rituals of the Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple?

Here are the poojas and rituals that take place at Gokarna Temple:

  • Sankalpa Pooja Mangal Aarti: The Mangal Aarti takes place for the day in the name of the devotee.
  • Bilvarchana: The Archana also takes place for the Lord with Bilva leaves on behalf of the devotee.
  • Ashttotara Bilvarchana: The Archana with Bilva leaves takes place by reciting the 108 names of Lord Shiva on behalf of the devotee.
  • Kumbhabhishek and Kshirabhishek Pooja: The priest bathes the Lord in cow’s milk and worships him on behalf of the devotee.
  • Panchamrutabhishek Pooja: The priest also bathes the God with “Panch Amrits” that are milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar among the recitals of several mantras and shlokas praising the greatness of Lord Shiva.
  • Maha Panchamrutabhisheka Pooja: The Lord is bathed with “Panch Amrit” that are milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar. There is also a Rudrabhishekam which is performed after the bathing process is over. The Rudrabhishek Pooja wipes out all sins and purifies the atmosphere. It also removes all sorts of planetary related ill-occurrences.
  • Navadhanya Abhishek Pooja: The deity is worshiped with Navadhanya meaning nine grains. Usually, these grains are Bengal Gram (Chana dal), Wheat, Horse Gram, Green Gram, Rice, White Beans, Sesame, Chick Peas, and Black Gram.
  • Silver Nagabharana Special Pooja: The priest worships the idol of a silver Nagabharana (image of a snake with five fangs protecting Lord Shiva) on behalf of the devotee.
  • Golden Nagabharana Special Pooja: The priest worships the idol of a Golden Nagabharana on behalf of the devotee.

What is the significance of Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple?

Gokarna-Temple-Atmalinga

The significance of the Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple is that Atmalinga of Lord Shiva at Gokarna Temple is as sacred as the Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The Gokarna Temple is one of the seven Mukti Sthalas of Karnataka. The other six are Udupi, Subramanya, Kumbhashi, Kodeshwara, Sankaranarayanan, and Kollur.

These places are together known as the Parashurama Kshetras. Devotees believe that these Temples stand on the land of Parashurama from the sea.

The Gokarna Temple is one of the five Temples famous in Karnataka as the Pancha Kshetras of Lord Shiva. The other four Temples are in Nanjanagud, Dharmasthala, Dhareshwara, and Murudeshwar.

The Gokarna Temple is also one of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams in India. Shaiva Nayanars believed these temples to be the greatest Shiva Temples in the 6th to 9th century CE. They are praised in Thevaram, divine songs sung in praise of Lord Shiva and composed by three Tamil poets named Thirugana Sambanthar, Thirunavakkarasar, and Sundaramoorthy Nayanar.

The region of Gokarna is also holy for the followers of Lord Dattatreya and the Adinath Sampradaya of the Nath tradition. Devotees believe that he resided here for 3 years and performed penance here. Lord Dattatreya was the Avatar or Incarnation of the Trimurti or the Holy Trinity of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

The Atmalinga

Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple architecture features resemble the Dravidian style of construction. Inside the Sanctum, the main Atmalinga is in a square Saligrama Peetha with a small hole on the top. One can also view the top of the Linga from the hole.

The image represents Lord Shiva in a standing position and is 1500 years old. The actual Atmalinga is visible in whole only once in 40 years during the Ashtabandana Kumbhabhishekam. Gokarna Temple Complex also has shrines dedicated to Lord Ganapathi, Lord Dattatreya, and the Goddess Taamaragowri. The Kotitheertham or the Pushkarini is a small manmade tank present near the Gokarna Temple.

As per the legend, after returning from the Underworld (Sapta Paathala), Lord Shiva collected the essence of all of Brahma’s creations and created a golden deer with three horns and three eyes. Devotees also believe that the three horns were at Pushkar, Shaligram, and Gokarna. These three places are collectively the Siddhi Kshetras.

People believe that the Atmalinga which was here in the Treta Yuga was initially red in color. It became yellow in the Dwapara Yuga and turned black in the Kaliyuga. It is also a belief that the root of the Linga leads to the seven realms of the Paathala Loka (underworld regions inhabited by the Danavas, Daityas, Yakshas, and Nagas.

People also believe that performing the death rites of the dead will grant them salvation or moksha at par with those at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

What is the history of the Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple?

Where-is-Gokarna-Mahabaleshwar-Temple

According to the history of the Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple, Mayurasharma of the Kadamba dynasty constructed the temple during the period of 345 – 365 AD. The Vijayanagara Kingdom Emperor Krishnadevaraya visited the shrine and weighed himself in gold here. The great ruler Shivaji often prayed at the shrine.

The famous Kalidasa mentions Lord Mahabaleshwar as Lord of Gokarna in his 4th-century work, Raghuvamsha. The Nayanars praised the deity of the Tulu Nadu, Mahabaleshwar in their work Tevaram between the 6th and 9th centuries.

As per one legend, when Lord Shiva cursed Lord Brahma that nobody will worship him because of his lie about finding the end of the endless beam of light emanating from Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma cursed him back stating that Lord Shiva will go to hell. Devotees believe that after going to the underworld, Lord Shiva appeared out through a cow’s ear, a metaphor for emerging out of an ear-shaped place (Mother Earth) known as Gokarna.

The Legend

Kaikesi, the mother of Ravana worshiped Lord Shiva ardently. She used to make Lingas out of the beach sand and pray to them daily. However, every night the Linga used to get washed away by the sea. Hence, Ravana promised to her that he will bring Lord Shiva’s Atmalinga itself to her.

Ravana went to Mount Kailash and performed severe penance to impress Lord Shiva. Eventually, Lord Shiva granted him a wish. Ravana asked for the Atmalinga from Lord Shiva and his wife, Goddess Parvati.

Lord Shiva then took out the Atmalinga from his heart and offered it to Ravana but said that the Linga should not touch the ground until he reaches his destination. Otherwise, the Linga will become affixed. He also asked Goddess Parvati to accompany Ravana.

Lord Vishnu interrupted Ravana’s journey after disguising himself as an old Brahmin. When Ravana started boasting about how he received the Goddess as a boon from Lord Shiva, the Brahmin created an illusion in which the Goddess turned into an old and frail lady. Humiliated, Ravana left the Goddess and proceeded with the Atmalinga.

Lord Ganesha was aware of the evening bath Ravana would take. With the help of Lord Vishnu, who blotted out the Sun to give an appearance of dusk.

Lord Ganesha disguised as a boy passed him. Ravana called him and passed on the idol to him giving instructions that the idol must not be placed on the ground. The boy placed the idol on the ground before Ravana returned from his bath. Lord Vishnu unblocked the sun and it was daylight again. The place where Lord Ganesha placed the idol is known as Gokarna.

Gokarna-Temple-Timings

What is the dress code of Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple?

The devotees are requested to dress decently. Bermuda shorts, beachwear, miniskirts, and other revealing wear are not allowed inside the Gokarna temple premises.

What are the festivals celebrated at Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Gokarna Temple are:

  • Mahashivaratri: The most important festival occurs in the month of February – March. It signifies the marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati. Some also believe that this is the day when Lord Shiva absorbed the poison that turned him blue during the churning of Amrit episode in mythology. The festival lasts for 9 days, the 6th day being the day of Shivaratri. The devotees perform various special Poojas like Mahapooja, Rathotsava, Bhootabali, Tulabhara and other cultural programs like music and dance festival. Devotees also carry out a Ratha Yatra on the last day of the festival. They carry the idol of Lord Mahabaleshwar in the Dodda Ratha, around the town among the chants of prayers and hymns. More than 100 persons pull the Ratha. Continous Annadanam also takes place during these days when lakhs of pilgrims visit the Temple to receive Lord Shiva’s blessings.
  • Ratha Saptami: The Car or the Ratha festival occurs on the seventh day of the bright half of the month of February. It denotes the seventh day of the movement of Sun towards the northern direction of vertical equinox from Capricorn. It also represents the birth of Sun God Surya. Hence, in some places, it is also popular as the Surya Jayanti. The festival symbolizes the beginning of spring and the harvesting season. In Gokarna, devotees carry a grand Ratha Yatra of the God around the town and distribute special Prasadams.
  • Tripurakhya Deepotsava: The festival occurs on the day of the Karthik Poornima at Gokarna Temple. The Purnima is famous as Tripuri Purnima because of the legend of Lord Shiva destroying the three demon cities, collectively known as Tripura of the Tripurasura demon. Special Poojas like the Laksha Bilvarchana, Dhatri Homam, Vanabhojana, and Deepotsava also take place on this day.
  • Vijayadashami: On this auspicious day, the worship of Goddess Bhadrakali takes place in the Gokarna Temple. Devotees also take the idol of Sri Mahabaleshwar in a procession to the Bhadrakali Temple and bring it back amidst great chantings of religious mantras and bhajans. They also distribute Special Prasadam to the people visiting the shrine on the day.
  • Kadiru Haranotsava: The first harvest of Paddy (Rice) is the Kadiru Haranotsava. The festival and its rituals take place in a nearby village named Bankikodia. The villagers take the Utsava Moorthy (idol) of the Lord to the field and worship it. Following his blessings, they harvest the crop every year. Besides these festivals, the Gokarna Temple also celebrates the Sharada Pooja, Ganesha Chaturthi, Ugadi, Krishna Janmashtami, Kaamadahana and Shiva-Ganga Vivahotsava.

How to reach Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Gokarna Temple:

  • Air: Dabolim International Airport in Panaji, Goa is the nearest airport to Gokarna. It lies 150 km from the town.
  • Train: The nearest railway station is Gokarna Road, 6 km from the town.
  • Road: Devotees can arrive in Gokarna by taking any of the KSRTC buses from Panaji, Bengaluru, and Mangalore.

Where to stay near Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple?

Many Hotels and Lodges provide a comfortable stay at nominal rates. Since the town also has a number of scenic beaches, a few beach resorts have also come up in the vicinity. Advanced booking is preferable as the town is usually packed with devotees during the festive and holiday season.

Where to eat near Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple?

The devotees to the Gokarna Temple are served Prasada Bhojana every day free of cost in the afternoon and the evening at 12:30 PM and 7:30 PM respectively. A large number of small restaurants have also come up at the Gokarna Temple and nearby areas.

They mainly serve delicious South Indian cuisine, mainly vegetarian. Seafood is also available in certain places.

What are some temples near Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple?

Explore-Gokarana

Some of the temples near Gokarna Temple are:

  • Sri Maha Ganapathi Temple: The temple is only a few meters away from the Mahabaleshwar Temple. The temple is in honor of Lord Ganapathi, who took the form of a normal boy who deceived Ravana and established the Atmalinga in Gokarna.
  • Bhadrakali Temple: The temple is 4 km away from the Mahabaleshwar Temple. As per the legend, Vishnu’s illusion freed the Goddess Bhadrakali, an Avatar of Parvati from Ravana.
  • Bharat Temple: The temple is for Bharat, brother of Lord Rama and is on a hillock near the Mahabaleshwar Temple. The temple is present in the temple for Lord Rama. One can also visit a theertham famous as Ramatheertham.
  • The Pancha Kshetra pilgrimage: One can also visit the Pancha Kshetras of Dhareshwar (40 km), Murudeshwar (55 km), Guneshwar (40 km), and Sajjeshwar (40 km towards Goa) from Gokarna. The group of five temples is extremely holy and is a must for any Shaivite pilgrimage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizens?

No. There is no facility for specially-abled and senior citizens.

What is the weather like during the summer?

The summers in Gokarna starts from April and continue until June. The summers here can be very hot and humid. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 38 º C.

What are winters like in Gokarna?

In Gokarna, winters start in October and continue until March. The temperatures during this time range from around 15 º C to 25 º C. The weather during this time is cool and pleasant.

If you have any questions about The Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

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.