Nanjangud Nanjundeshwara Temple

Nanjangud is a temple town located on the banks of River Kapila (also known as Kabini) in Mysore district. Nanjangud is located at a distance of 25 km from Mysore city. Nanjangud is also popularly known as "Dakshina Kashi" (southern Kashi).

Nanjangud has been one of the important Shaiva centre since times immemorial. The temple at Nanjangud is dedicated to Lord Nanjundeshwara (Lord Shiva). Nanjangud literally means the place where Lord Nanjundeshwara resides. Nanjundeshwara means the God who drank poison for welfare of the world (Lokakalyana).

Sri Nanjundeshwara Temple

Sri Nanjundeshwara Temple at Nanjangud is one of the ancient temples of Karnataka. The original Nanjundeshwara temple is said to be of Ganga period (325 - 1000 CE). Later, this temple has then been renovated by the Hoysala kings. Both Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan had close associations with this temple. Wodeyar kings have provided various grants to renovate the temple.

It is believed that sage Gauthama stayed here for some time and has installed a Shiva Linga, the idol of Lord Shiva. Lord Nanjundeswara also referred to as Lord Srikanteswara, Vishakanta, Nanjunda. It is also believed that Lord Nanjundeshwara cures diseases of his devotees. The spacious temple also houses minor shrines of Lord Narayana, Chandikeswara, Parvathi, Natya Ganapathi and others.

A major event in the pilgrim town is the Rathotsava or the Chariot festival of Nanjundeshwara held twice every year, locally known as Dodda Jathre and Chikka Jathre. Idols of Lord Nanjundeshwara, Goddess Parvathi, Lord Ganapathi, Lord Subramanya and Lord Chandikeshwara are kept in five separate chariots and a traditional puja's are performed to the idols early in the morning on the day of Jathre. After the puja chariots are flagged off. Thousands of devotees pull the Chariots carved in the wood, through the streets of the old city.

Temple Timings:
Weekdays: 6.00 AM to 1.30 PM and 4.00 PM to 9.00 PM
Sundays: 6.00 AM to 10.00 PM

Other attractions at Nanjangud

Sri Raghavendra Swamigala Mutt: Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt which is called as Preteeka Sanidhi is situated on the road to the right of the Nanjundeswara temple. The uniqueness of this Mutt is one can find an idol of Sri Raghavendra Swamy instead of the usual Brindavana.

Parashurama Kshetra is the place where the Kapila and Kaundinya rivers meet (sangam). It is believed that sage Parashurama have cleansed himself from the sin of beheading his mother in this place. A temple temple dedicated to Lord Parashurama can be found here.

Distance from Nanjangud:
Bangalore: 165 km
Mysore: 25 km
Bandipur: 55 km
Madumalai: 60 km

How to get there:

Nearest Airport: Bangalore

Nearest Railhead: Nanjangud, Mysore

Road: Nanjangud is well connected by roads.

Road map to reach Nanjangud from Bangalore:
Bangalore - Ramanagara - Mandya - Srirangapatna - Mysore - Nanjangud

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