Hassan Hasanamba Temple – Karnataka

Address

Hassan Hasanamba Temple – Karnataka

Hosaline Rd, Ammeer Mohalla,

Hassan,

Karnataka 573201

Amman

Hasanamba

Introduction

• Location: Hassan, Karnataka, India. The town of Hassan is named after the temple, and it is known for its historical and spiritual significance.
• Deity: The main deity of the temple is Goddess Hasanamba, who is believed to embody “Hasya,” meaning smile. The goddess is considered a kind and benevolent deity who blesses her devotees with happiness and prosperity.
• Temple History: Although the temple is said to have been constructed in the 12th century, the exact details of its origin and construction remain unclear. The temple is unique for being open to the public only for one week each year.

Puranic Significance

• Goddess Hasanamba: The goddess is believed to be over 1500 years old and is said to smile upon her devotees, bestowing blessings upon them. Her name “Hasanamba” translates to “ever-smiling,” and it is believed that she grants prosperity and divine grace to those who seek her blessings.
• Ravana’s Image: A distinctive feature of the temple is an image of Ravana, the demon king from the Ramayana, depicted with nine heads instead of ten and playing the veena. The reason for this unusual representation remains a mystery but adds to the intrigue of the temple.
• Siddeshwara Swamy’s View: From the entrance, there is a remarkable view of Siddeshwara Swamy, which appears to resemble Lord Shiva giving a blessing, adding to the temple’s mystical atmosphere.
• Matrukes: According to legend, seven divine Maatrukes (goddesses) came to South India and chose Hassan as their permanent residence due to its natural beauty. Three of them (Maheshwari, Vyshnavi, and Kaumari) took residence in anthills inside the temple, while the others lived in wells at Devigere Honda.

Beliefs

• The Stone of Mother-in-Law: A popular belief holds that Goddess Hasanamba turned the mother-in-law of one of her devotees into stone for torturing her devotee. It is said that the stone moves one inch every year, and when it finally reaches the feet of the goddess, the Kaliyuga (current age in Hindu cosmology) will come to an end.
• Robbers Turned to Stone: According to another legend, four robbers attempting to steal jewels from a sculpture were turned into stones by the goddess. These stones are said to be visible at Kallappa Gudi.

Special Features

• Hoysala Architecture: The temple is an example of Hoysala architectural style, which reflects the rich heritage and history of the region. The design of the temple and its surrounding structures offer insights into the traditions of the Hoysala dynasty, known for its patronage of Jainism.
• Unique Opening Schedule: The Hasanamba Temple is unique in that it is open to the public only for one week each year, usually during the Diwali festival in October. During this time, the temple operates from 7 AM to 10 PM and 3 PM to 10 PM. For the rest of the year, the goddess is offered a lighted lamp, rice, and flowers as part of her worship.
• Nanda Deepa: A special lamp called Nanda Deepa burns continuously throughout the year by the side of the goddess. The remarkable aspect is that the lamp never goes out, even when the temple is closed, symbolizing the ever-present light of the goddess.
• Rice Bags: The rice offered to the goddess in the temple remains warm throughout the year, even when the temple is closed, which adds to the mystery and divine aura of the temple.

Festivals

• Diwali (October): The temple opens for one week during the Diwali festival. Devotees can visit the temple between 7 AM to 10 PM and 3 PM to 10 PM during this time to seek the blessings of Goddess Hasanamba.
• Temple Schedule: Apart from the Diwali week, the temple remains closed to the public, and the goddess is worshipped with offerings of rice, flowers, and the Nanda Deepa lamp.

Century/Period

1500 years old.

Nearest Bus Station

Hassan

Nearest Railway Station

Arsikere

Nearest Airport

Mangalore

Location on Map

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