Sri Srikanteshwara Temple, Nanjangud

Srikanteshwara Temple in the small town of Nanjangud is a must-see when visiting the South Indian state of Karnataka. Located on the banks of the Kapila River, this ancient Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and dates back to the 16th century CE. It is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India and holds great historical and architectural significance. The temple complex boasts impressive architecture that speaks volumes about its glorious past and grandeur.

About Sri Srikanteshwara Temple

The Temple is also called the Nanjundeshwara Temple. This name comes from where it is. It is on the right side of the Kapila River, which flows into the Kaveri River. The Temple is 160 feet long and 385 feet wide, so it takes up 50,000 square feet of space. It is the largest Temple in Karnataka because of this.

The Temple is a big part of the Chikka Jathra and the Panchamaharathotsava yearly. It has been around for over a thousand years, and each king of a different dynasty has added to the temple complex. Maha Shivarathri and Navarathri are also big celebrations.

Temple History

Local legends say that Sage Gauthama set up a Linga in the area, which was the first part of the Temple. The Gangas built a small, square garbhagriha in the 9th century. The Hoysala pillars and the dancing Ganpati statue are from the 13th century.

During the time of Vijayanagara, architects added the shrines of Parvati and Narayana to the Temple. Also from this time is the main stucco shikara. Queen Devajammanni, the wife of Krishnaraja Wadiyar III, built the 9-story Dravidian-style Gopuram in 1849.

Dalavayi Vikramaraya built the tall stone bull in the temple complex in 1644. It is one of the most popular things to see there. Both Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan gave given money to the Temple.

People think that when Tipu Sultan’s elephant had an eye problem that the hakim couldn’t fix, he prayed to Sri Nanjundeshvara for help. The elephant’s eye improved, and Tipu Sultan gave an emerald green lingam to the god.

The Temple has always been open to change. Today, a very nice dining hall stands where Shivakuta’s meeting hall used to be.

Temple Architecture

The architecture of the Srikanteshwara Temple shows styles from different times. In general, it is built in the Dravida style. During the Cholas or the Gangas, the Garba Griha was built. In the 13th century, the mandapa in front was added.

A brick and mortar shikara was added to the shrine during the Vijayanagara period. This was the next step in the building process. In 1845, the brick and mortar gopuram was built. This Gopuram is 120 feet high and is made up of 7 levels. Seven Kalasas made of gold are on top of the Gopuram. About 10 feet tall, each of these Kalasas.

The prakara has many niches where 122 statues of Shiva, Ganpati, the Saptamatrika, and other gods are kept.

The Saiva sculptures are worth mentioning in particular. Shiva is shown in different poses on these sculptures made of stone and metal. The Temple also shows a statue of Krishnaraja Wadiyar III and his four wives made stone. Among other things, he gave the Temple a silver horse and two wooden chariots.

Temple Significance

Nanju in Kannada means poison; the term Nanjundeshwara means the “God who Drank the Poison”, a word whose origins lie in the mythology of the Great Churning of the Ocean of Milk; consequently, the town was named Nanjangud, which means “the residence of God Nanjundeshwara.”

Temple Festivals

The Temple is the centre of many religious celebrations. At the yearly Panchamaha Rathothsava, both Srivaishnava and Vaishnava followers congregate. This festival’s feature is a procession with five chariots.

The Ganapathy Ratha is the first chariot among these five. The Chandikeshwara Ratha is followed by the Gautama Ratha, Subramanya Ratha, and Parvathi Ratha. The Gautama Ratha is roughly 90 feet in height.

Before visiting the Temple during the Mahashivarathri festival, worshippers bathe in the Kapila river.

Other main festivals are

• Maha Shivarathri
• Sri girija kalyana Mahotsava
• Chikkajathre
• Doddajathre
• Thepotsava
• Lakshadeepotsava

Darsan Time

• Temple is available for darshan from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Afternoon: from 4:00 to 8:30
•  On Special Days, the Temple will be open on Sundays and Mondays from 6:00 AM until 8:30 PM.

Temple Rituals

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees must dress accordingly.

Local Culture

Nanjangud is an old and well-known place of worship in Karnataka. It’s in the district of Mysore. Nanjangud is 23 km from the city of Mysore and is on the banks of the river Kapila (Kabini). Srikanteshwara Temple is what makes the town famous. Nanjangud is also called “Dakshina Kashi” (southern Kashi).

How to Reach Srikanteshwara Temple

By Air: The best way to fly to the Temple is from Mysore Airport, which is 15.4 km away. Visitors can take a taxi or drive to the Temple from the airport.

By Train: The nearest train station to the Temple is Nanjanagudu, just a 12-minute walk away.

By Road: Local buses run between Nanjangud and nearby places like Bokkalli, Mudahalli, Hulimavu, and Hadinaru.

Temple Location