Located in Nandi Village, at the base of Nandi Hills, Karnataka, Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple is a complex of three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva depicting three different stages of his life. It is one of the oldest temples of Karnataka dating back to the 8th - 10th century. The temple houses three different temples; the Arunachaleshwara Temple, the Uma Maheshwara Temple and the Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple. The Arunachaleshwara temple represent the childhood of Lord Shiva, the Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple depicts the youthful phase of Lord Shiva, and the Uma Maheswara temple depicts the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Located on the top of Nandi hills, the Yoga Nandeeshwara temple represents the final renunciation stage in the life of Shiva.The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Location Karnataka , Chikkaballapur, Bangalore

Legend

There is a legend regarding the Temple Pond, Shringi Theertha. Legend has it that this pond was created by the divine Bull Nandi plunging his horn into the ground to draw out water from the divine Ganga. This pond is held to be the source of the South Pinakini (South Pennar) River.

Architecture

The temples depicts the architectural stamps of five different dynasties. Each shrine have a sanctum (garbhagriha), a vestibule and a closed hall (navaranga or mantapa). The vestibule and hall are provided with perforated stone screens called Jali. Each shrine has a nandi mantapa in front facing the sanctum. The temple complex contains a kalyana mantapa (wedding hall) and a picturesque pond (pushkarani). The temple complex is elaborate and ornate. The kalyana mantapa is supported by ornate pillars in black stone. There are wonderful carvings depicting gods Shiva and his consort Parvati, Brahma, Saraswathi, Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi, Agni (fire-god) with his consort Swahadevi. The outer bounding wall (prakara) of the complex has two minor shrines for Devi, the female form of divinity. To the north of the shrines is a second compound with a navaranga mantapa (pavilion) with Yali pillars.

Culture

The contribution of Karnataka to the composite culture of India is no way inferior to that of any other region of India. Its contribution in the fields of art, music, religion and philosophy are exemplary. The culture of Karnataka is so vibrant that it adds new flavor to its very existence. Chikkaballapura is the district headquarters of the newly created Chikkaballapura district in Karnataka.

Darsan Info

The temple is open from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM.

Darsan Dresscode

There is no particular dress code.

Famous Festival

Sivarathri

Temple Rituals

Mondays are crowded and also on all auspicious days.

Special Rituals

The Uma Maheshwara Temple is popular among the newly wed couples who come to seek blessing from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Additional Info

 

Tribal cafe

The Olives Fine Dine Restaurant