Did it ever cross your mind to come to a land full of history, amazing stories, and beautiful designs? That’s exactly the right one! The Srikanteshwara Temple located in Nanjangud, Karnataka, is a place designed for you. This olden temple isn’t merely a worship place; it is actually a house full of amazing facts and beautiful artistic qualities. Let’s dive into 10 awesome things you need to know about this special place!
Aarti and Visiting Timings
- Temple Timings:
- Open daily from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
- Aarti Timings:
- Panchamruta Abhisheka (main morning abhisheka): Around 6:30 AM.
- Mahamangalarati (main aarti): Conducted at 12:00 PM and again in the evening around 8:00 PM.
These timings may vary slightly during festivals, special occasions, or weekends.
What is the Srikanteshwara Temple?
The Srikanteshwara Temple is the very ancient Hindu temple in Nanjangud, a small town in Karnataka, India. This is one of the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. He is known as the “Destroyer” in the trio of gods which also comprises Brahma, the “Creator,” and Vishnu, the “Preserver.” This temple is one of the most important centres for all devotees of Lord Shiva and it has a long history.
A Glimpse of the Past
This is just a piece of antiquity! It is estimated that this temple was built in the 16th century. That’s a long, long time ago! The construction of this temple falls into the ambit of the Vijayanagara Empire. This was one of the robust kingdoms of southern India. The architectural excellence and ornamentations of this temple are proof of the superb talent of the people at that time.
What’s Special about the Architecture?
The architecture of Srikanteshwara Temple has some interesting features. Let’s see them:
- Gopurams: As you enter the temple, you will notice a large gateway, which is known as “gopurams”. These gateways are actually covered in colorful sculptures of gods, goddesses, and various mythical creatures. Looking awesomely made, these gateways are actually intended to show that you’re entering a special sacred place.
- Vimana: On the top of the temple where Lord Shiva is worshiped, there is a dome-shaped structure called “vimana.” This vimana has beautiful sculptures and is an integral feature of the temple’s design.
- Mandapa: Inside the temple, there are big free halls known as “mandapas.” In these halls, there are pillars with scintillating carvings, and people sit here and pray or celebrate.
Which is the Main Deity?
The presiding deity of the Srikanteshwara Temple is Lord Shiva, who is worshiped here as “Srikanteshwara.” There is a giant Shiva Linga housed in the temple as a mark of Lord Shiva. Devotees often decorate the Shiva Linga with flowers, milk, and other items while going about their prayer.
Cool Legends and Stories
Every temple has interesting stories, and the Srikanteshwara Temple is no exception. Here are a couple of fascinating legends:
There is a legend of a giant snake that used to guard the Shiva Linga in the temple. Such devotion that the snake observed that it protected the Shiva Linga from being harmed. It depicts how nature and spirituality go hand-in-hand.
Rain Miracle Another legend says that when it was highly drought time, people used to pray to Lord Shiva for rain. On the day of prayer, miracle started raining. This legend shows people’s faith in the power of their prayers.
Festivals and Celebrations
The Srikanteshwara Temple is much more vibrant during the festivals. Here are two major festivals occurring there:
- Shivaratri: This is one of the most important festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva. People fast, stay all night awake, sing hymns and prayers to Shiva.
- Navaratri: It is the goddess Durga festival. This is an exuberant festival where the temple is decorated nicely, and special prayers and rituals are performed.
Art and Culture
The temple is a place of worship, a center for art, and a household name in cultural events. At every step at the temple, one can find stupendous carvings on walls and pillars, which depict vivid stories from Hindu mythology. Besides their beauty, these carvings also tell people about the traditions of Hindus.
Tips to Visit Srikanteshwara Temple
You want to visit the Srikanteshwara Temple? Well, here are some tips to make your visit great:
- Dress modestly : This is a place of worship. So you dress very modestly. No shorts, no mini skirts, but wear some traditional or respectful ones.
- Observe the rules of the Temple: Observe temple rules and regulations. In fact, some also require that shoes should be taken off before entering. Cameras may not be permitted in certain areas.
- Be patient: Temples tend to be overcrowded during festival seasons. Be patient and tolerant with other peoples’ needs who are going there for worship.
- Explore the Area: Nanjangud is a pretty beautiful place with lots of things to see. Take some time to just explore the town and enjoy the local sights.
How to Reach Srikanteshwara Temple
- By Road:
- From Mysore: Nanjangud is approximately 23 km from Mysore, with frequent bus services and taxis available, taking about 30-45 minutes by road.
- From Bangalore: The temple is about 163 km from Bangalore, accessible by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis.
- By Train:
- The Nanjangud Town Railway Station is close to the temple, with connections to Mysore and nearby towns. Mysore Junction, located 23 km away, is a major station offering connections to Bangalore, Chennai, and other cities.
- By Air:
- The nearest airport is Mysore Airport (MYQ), located around 30 km away. Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore (about 190 km) is the closest international airport, with extensive domestic and international connectivity.
Booking Aarti and Online Services
To enhance your temple experience, you can book aarti and other poojas online through the Karnataka government’s temple management portal.
- Online Booking Link: Visit the Karnataka Temples Online Services portal at muzrai.karnataka.gov.in.
- Booking Steps:
- Go to the website, navigate to the “Online Services” section.
- Search for Srikanteshwara Temple in Nanjangud.
- Choose from available poojas or aarti options, select the date and timing, and complete the booking with payment.
The website provides a secure platform to book temple services, view upcoming festivals, and explore other temples in Karnataka.
Conclusion
The Srikanteshwara Temple at Nanjangud is something more than a place for prayers. It is an assimilation that portrays history, art, and spirituality. If you are a lover of ancient architecture, incredible stories, or cool carvings, then there is something special for you at this temple. So when you are in Karnataka the next time, do check out this amazing place for yourself and witness the magic of Srikanteshwara Temple.