Nanjangud Sri Nanjundeshwara Temple, Karnataka

Address

Nanjangud Sri Nanjundeshwara Temple, Nanjangud, Karnataka 571301

Deity

Nanjundeshwara Amman: Parvathi

Introduction

• Location: Nanjangud, Karnataka, on the right bank of the Kapila River, a tributary of the Kaveri. The temple is also known as the Nanjundeshwara Temple.
• Size: The temple complex covers 50,000 square feet, making it the largest temple in Karnataka. It measures 160 feet by 385 feet.
• Historical Significance: With a history of over 1000 years, the temple reflects various periods of Karnataka’s art history. It plays a central role in local festivals such as Chikka Jathra, Panchamaharathotsava, Maha Shivarathri, and Navarathri.

Puranic Significance:

• Foundation and Early Construction:
  • Legend: Sage Gauthama is said to have laid the foundation by installing a Linga in the area.
  • 9th Century: The Gangas constructed a small garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum).
  • 13th Century: Hoysala pillars and a dancing Ganpati statue were added.
  • Vijayanagara Period: The Parvati and Narayana shrines were added, along with the main stucco shikara (spire).
• Later Contributions:
  • 19th Century: The 9-storey Dravidian gopuram was built by Queen Devajammanni of Krishnaraja Wadiyar III in 1849.
  • 1644: Dalavayi Vikramaraya constructed a tall stone bull in the temple complex.
  • Tipu Sultan: Gifted an emerald green lingam after his elephant’s eye affliction was cured by Sri Nanjundeshvara.
• Mythological Accounts:
  • Kesian Demon: According to legend, Lord Shiva destroyed a venomous demon, Kesian, at this site. The deity is named Nanjundeswara, meaning “one who destroys poison.”
  • Sage Parasurama: Installed a Shiva Linga at this site, finding a bleeding Linga while clearing bushes. This led to the construction of the temple.

Beliefs:

• Sins and Illnesses: Devotees perform Panchamirtha abhishekam, offer betel leaves garlands, and do special pujas to eliminate sins and seek cures for ailments.
• Deity Names: Lord Nanjundeswara is also known as Srikanteswara, Vishakanta, and Nanjunda.
• Cures: The deity is believed to cure diseases and ailments, particularly those caused by poisonous bites.

Special Features:

• Gopuram:
  • 1845: A 120-foot tall brick and mortar gopuram with seven tiers and seven gold-plated Kalasas (each about 10 feet tall) was added.
• Sculptures:
  • Images: The prakara (outer courtyard) houses 122 images of Shiva, Ganpati, Saptamatrika, and other deities, crafted from stone and metal.
  • Krishnaraja Wadiyar III: A stone sculpture of the king and his four wives, as well as a silver horse and two wooden chariots gifted by him, are part of the temple’s treasures.

Festivals:

• Rathotsava (Car Festival): Includes the ‘big Jathra’ and ‘chikka Jathra’ with chariot processions and cultural programs.
• Theppotsava: A colorful floating festival.
• Annual Chariot Festival: Traditional pujas are offered to five idols in different chariots: Lord Nanjundeshwara, Lord Ganapathi, Lord Subramanya, Lord Chandikeshwara, and Goddess Parvathi. The chariots are pulled by devotees throughout the town.

Century/Period/Age

9th century CE

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Chamarajnagar

Nearest Railway Station

Nanjungud

Nearest Airport

Mysuru

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