Begur Nageshvara Temple – Karnataka

Address

Begur Rd, Begur,

Bengaluru district,

Karnataka 560068

Moolavar

Nageshvara

Introduction

Nageshvara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Begur Town in Bengaluru South Taluk in Bengaluru Urban District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The Temple is also called as Naganatheswara Temple and Pancha Lingeshwara Temple. The Temple is situated on the banks of Begur Lake.

Puranic Significance

The historical significance of the Nageshvara Temple is quite intriguing. The Nageshvara Shrine was commissioned by Ereganga Neetimarga I of the Western Ganga Dynasty, who ruled between 843 and 870 CE. Additionally, the Nagareshwara Shrine within the temple complex was constructed by Ereganga Neetimarga II, a ruler from the same Western Ganga Dynasty, who reigned from 907 to 921 CE.

Furthermore, the remaining shrines in the temple complex were built during the imperial Chola Dynasty’s rule. These shrines bear witness to the rich architectural and historical heritage of the region.

Adding to the historical depth of the temple, there is an old Kannada inscription dated to 890 CE, which commemorates a battle known as the “Bengaluru War.” This inscription provides valuable insights into the history and events of that era, further emphasizing the temple’s cultural and historical importance. The legend associated with this temple is quite fascinating. According to the story, a saint blessed a poor Brahmin with divine water that had the miraculous power to turn anything it touched into gold. However, the saint cautioned the Brahmin not to reveal this secret to anyone. One night, while staying in a sugar cane storehouse, a small portion of the holy water accidentally spilled and came into contact with the sugar cane, instantly transforming it into gold. News of this miracle reached King Kulotunga II of the Chola Dynasty, who suspected that the Brahmin possessed magical powers to transmute objects into gold. Despite the Brahmin’s silence, the king arrested him, leading to his imprisonment and eventual death.

This tragic event left the king afflicted with Brahma Hatya dosha, a concept in Hindu belief associated with the sin of killing a Brahmin. To seek redemption and absolution from this sin, the king is said to have embarked on a mission to build numerous temples. The temple you mentioned is considered one of the temples constructed by King Kulotunga II in his quest for spiritual purification. Ultimately, the legend goes on to state that King Kulotunga II found salvation and atonement for his actions after he built the Thiruvidaimarudur Mahalingeshwarar Temple. This story highlights the enduring cultural and religious significance of temples in the Hindu tradition, where they serve not only as places of worship but also as symbols of spiritual journey and redemption.

Beliefs

Devotees pray to Kali Kamateshwara for child boon & settlement of litigation issues, Nagareshwara for business development & relief from skin related ailments, Choleshwara for marriage boon and Karneshwara for good health.

Special Features

This temple complex holds great historical and cultural significance and is protected as a monument of national importance by the central Archaeological Survey of India. The temple complex faces east and is distinguished by a five-tiered Rajagopuram (main entrance tower). Additional gopurams can be found on the western, northern, and southern sides of the complex. The temple premises are enclosed within a 10-foot-high compound wall.

Within the temple complex, you will find five major shrines dedicated to Nageswara, Kali Kamateshwara, Nagareshwara, Choleshwara, and Karneshwara. As you enter through the Rajagopuram, you will immediately encounter a 30-foot-tall granite pillar known as the Vrishabha Stambha, a wooden flag post, and a Bali Peetha (sacrificial altar).

The base of the Vrishabha Stambha features intricate carvings of Ganesha, Linga, Vrishabha (sacred bull), and Brahma Rakshasa. Behind the Vrishabha Sthamba, there is a stone carving depicting Kulothunga Chola along with his wife, accompanied by an inscription on a slab.

Within the temple premises, there is a well with beautifully carved pillars. The water from this well is used for various temple rituals. Additionally, you can find a Shami Vriksham, which is a Vilwa Tree, within the temple complex. These elements add to the overall spiritual and cultural ambiance of the temple complex.

The temple have shrines for,

Nageshvara Shrine

Parvati Shrine

Nagareshwara Shrine

Kali Kamateshwara Shrine

Choleshwara Shrine

Karneshwara Shrine