Shirasang Kalika Devi Temple, Karnataka

Address

Shirasangi,

Karnataka 591126

Amman

Kalika Devi

Introduction

Kalika Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kalika located in Shirasangi Village in Savadatti Taluk in Belagavi District in the Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is situated at foothills in Shirasangi Village. The temple is situated on Ramdurg to Savadatti route.

Puranic Significance

The temple is believed to have been built in 1st century CE. The place was mentioned as Rishishringapura / Pirishingi / Hirishingi in two inscriptions recorded from Shirasangi dated to 1148 CE of Jagadhekamalla III and another dated to 1186 CE of Someshwara IV of western Chalukya Dynasty

As per legend, Sage Rishyasringa performed penance at this place. However, three demons namely Narundasur, Bettasura, and Nalundasur disturbed his penance. The sage pleaded to the goddesses for intervention. Accordingly, the goddesses Chikkumbasura (Chikkumbi) and Hirekumbasura (Hirekumbi) intervened on behalf of the sage and annihilated the demons. The Sage requested the goddesses to stay here and bless the devotees. Acceding to his request, they decided to settle down here. Thus, the temple of Kalika Devi came into existence in Shirasangi.

Beliefs

Devotees pray to the goddess for relief from their sins, problems and welfare. Once their wish fulfilled, they offer jaggery, wheat, coconuts, rice, edible oil, etc. equivalent to their weight in Tula Bhara Seva. Anna Dasoha seva is also a part of the worship.

Special Features

The temple is situated at foothills in Shirasangi Village. The sanctum enshrines an image of presiding deity, Kalika Devi. She is about 6 feet tall. Shrines and Idols of Ganesha and Surya Narayana can be found in the temple premises. There are two small hillocks at the outskirts of the village, one having a cave locally called Maunappanagavi and the hillock is called Kallupuragudda. The cave can accommodate about 200 people inside it. The cave also a narrow passage leading to a small pit having water. There is another cave called Siddeshwaragavi in a hillock near the temple. The cave can be approached by flight of 200 steps. A Shiva Linga is enshrined inside the cave.

Festivals

Ugadi, Halegodi Amavasya and Vishwakarma Mahotsava are the festivals celebrated here. The palanquin festival is held at the Banni mantapa during the Ugadi Festival for five days.