Begur Nageshvara Temple – Karnataka

Address

Begur Nageshvara Temple – Karnataka

Begur Rd, Begur,

Bengaluru district,

Karnataka 560068

Moolavar

Nageshvara

Introduction

• Location: Situated in Begur Town, Bengaluru South Taluk, Bengaluru Urban District, Karnataka, India. It is located on the banks of Begur Lake.
• Also Known As: The temple is also referred to as Naganatheswara Temple and Pancha Lingeshwara Temple.

Puranic Significance:

• Historical Background:
  • The Nageshvara Shrine was commissioned by Ereganga Neetimarga I of the Western Ganga Dynasty, who ruled between 843 and 870 CE.
  • The Nagareshwara Shrine was built by Ereganga Neetimarga II, another ruler of the Western Ganga Dynasty (907–921 CE).
  • The remaining shrines in the temple complex were built during the rule of the imperial Chola Dynasty.
• Inscriptions and Historical Insights:
  • A Kannada inscription dated 890 CE commemorates the Bengaluru War, providing insights into the region’s history.
  • A fascinating legend is associated with the temple, involving a Brahmin, a saint, and King Kulotunga II of the Chola Dynasty. The king, seeking redemption for Brahma Hatya dosha (the sin of killing a Brahmin), built several temples, including this one.
  • The king is said to have found salvation after constructing the Thiruvidaimarudur Mahalingeshwarar Temple.

Beliefs:

Devotees pray to specific deities for various blessings:

• Kali Kamateshwara: For child boon and settlement of litigation issues.
• Nagareshwara: For business development and relief from skin-related ailments.
• Choleshwara: For marriage boon.
• Karneshwara: For good health.

Special Features:

• The temple complex is a protected monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.
• Architectural Features:
  • The temple faces east and is marked by a five-tiered Rajagopuram (main entrance tower). Additional gopurams are located on the western, northern, and southern sides.
  • The premises are enclosed by a 10-foot-high compound wall.
• Vrishabha Stambha: A 30-foot-tall granite pillar stands at the entrance. The base of this pillar is intricately carved with images of Ganesha, Linga, Vrishabha (sacred bull), and Brahma Rakshasa.
  • Stone Carving of Kulothunga Chola: Behind the Vrishabha Stambha is a stone carving of Kulothunga Chola with his wife, along with an inscription on a slab.
• Temple Elements:
  • Well with carved pillars: The water from the well is used for temple rituals.
  • Shami Vriksham: A Vilwa Tree is present within the temple complex.

Shrines:

The temple houses five major shrines:

1. Nageshvara Shrine.
2. Parvati Shrine.
3. Nagareshwara Shrine.
4. Kali Kamateshwara Shrine.
5. Choleshwara Shrine.
6. Karneshwara Shrine.

Festivals:

• The temple hosts various festivals, with devotees praying for specific blessings from the deities:
  • Kali Kamateshwara: Child boon and litigation resolution.
  • Nagareshwara: Business prosperity and healing.
  • Choleshwara: Marriage blessings.

Century/Period

843 – 870 CE

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Begur Lake road

Nearest Railway Station

Bangalore railway station

Nearest Airport

Bangalore

Location on Map

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