Nanjangud is a small town in the Mysore district of Karnataka, India. It is famous for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as Nanjundeshwara or Srikanteshwara, meaning “the god who drank poison”. Nanjangud temple is not just a place of worship, but also a place of wonder, where you can witness the magnificent architecture, the rich history, and the vibrant festivals of this ancient temple.
In this article, we will explore the fascinating aspects of Nanjangud temple, and learn why it is one of the most revered and visited temples in India.
History of Nanjangud Temple
Nanjangud temple has a long and glorious history that dates back to the 9th century CE. It is mentioned in the Shiva Purana, one of the sacred scriptures of Hinduism, as one of the places where Shiva manifested himself. It is also associated with Parashuram, one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, who performed penance here after killing his mother at the command of his father.
The temple was patronized by various dynasties, such as the Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagaras, Wodeyars, and Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The temple underwent several renovations and expansions over the centuries, and reached its current form in the 18th century CE.
One of the most interesting facts about the history of Nanjangud temple is that it was called Garalapuri (the city of poison) in ancient times. This is because Lord Shiva drank the deadly poison (halahala) that emerged during the churning of the ocean (samudra manthan) by the gods and demons. He held the poison in his throat, which turned blue, and hence he is also known as Neelakantha (the blue-throated one). The poison was so potent that it could have destroyed the entire creation, but Shiva saved the world by his act of sacrifice. The place where he drank the poison is believed to be Nanjangud temple.
Another interesting fact about the history of Nanjangud temple is that Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, donated an emerald lingam (symbol of Shiva) to the temple after his recovery from a skin disease. He attributed his cure to the grace of Nanjundeshwara, and became a devotee of him. He also gifted a gold-plated kalasha (pot) and a silver-plated door to the temple. He also named his favorite elephant as Nanjunda after the deity.
Nanjangud temple was declared a national monument by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1954 CE. It is one of the largest and oldest temples in Karnataka, and attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists every year.
Legend of Nanjangud Temple
The legend of Nanjangud temple is closely related to the legend of Shiva drinking poison (halahala). According to the legend, when Shiva drank the poison, his consort Parvati was worried about his health and well-being. She prayed to him to spit out the poison, but he refused to do so. She then tried to squeeze his neck to make him vomit the poison, but he resisted her attempt. In this struggle, Parvati’s gemstone (mani) fell from her necklace into the river Kabini (Kapila), which flows near Nanjangud temple.
Parvati was saddened by the loss of her gemstone, and searched for it in vain. She then asked Shiva to help her find it, but he said that it was impossible to retrieve it from the river. He then consoled her by saying that he would bless the place with his and Parvati’s presence, and that anyone who worships him there would attain salvation. He also said that he would manifest himself as a lingam made of sandalwood (chandana), which would be as precious as Parvati’s gemstone.
The legend of Nanjangud temple symbolizes Shiva’s compassion and power, as he saved the world from destruction by drinking poison. It also explains the origin of the name Nanjundeshwara (the god who drank poison), and how he became known as Srikanteshwara (the lord of wealth) after granting wealth and prosperity to his devotees. It also relates to other Hindu myths and scriptures, such as how Parvati’s gemstone represents her love for Shiva, how Kabini river represents the life-giving force of nature, and how sandalwood represents the fragrance of devotion.
Also read: A Day in Royal City “Mysore”
Architecture of Nanjangud Temple
Nanjangud temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian style of art and design, which showcases the craftsmanship and skill of the sculptors and builders. The temple complex covers an area of about 23 acres, and has a nine-storied gopuram (tower) that stands at a height of 120 feet. The gopuram is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures of various gods, goddesses, animals, and mythical creatures. The gopuram also has a huge wooden chariot (ratha) that is used during the annual chariot festival (rathotsava).
The main shrine of the temple houses a lingam made of sandalwood, which is believed to be the self-manifested form of Shiva. The lingam is about three feet high, and is covered with a gold-plated mask that depicts the face of Shiva. The lingam is also decorated with flowers, jewels, and silk clothes. The main shrine also has a silver-plated door that was gifted by Tipu Sultan.
The temple complex also has several minor shrines dedicated to other deities, such as Narayana (Vishnu), Parvathi (Shakti), Chandikeswara (Shiva’s attendant), Natya Ganapathi (Ganesha), Subramanya (Kartikeya), Veerabhadra (Shiva’s warrior), Bhairava (Shiva’s fierce form), and others. The temple complex also has a large pond (kalyani) that is used for ritual bathing and purification.
The architecture of Nanjangud temple represents the diversity and harmony of Hinduism, as it accommodates different sects and traditions under one roof. It also reflects the cultural and historical influences of various dynasties and rulers who patronized the temple over the centuries.
Festivals of Nanjangud Temple
Nanjangud temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year, which celebrate the various aspects and forms of Shiva and Parvati. Some of the major festivals are:
Dodda Jaathre (big fair):
This is the most important and grand festival of Nanjangud temple, which is held in March or April every year. It lasts for 15 days, and attracts lakhs of devotees from all over India.
The festival commemorates the marriage anniversary of Shiva and Parvati, and involves various rituals and ceremonies, such as abhisheka (bathing), alankara (decoration), archana (worship), aarti (offering), prasada (food offering), and bhajana (singing). The highlight of the festival is the procession of the utsava murti (festival idol) of Shiva and Parvati on a decorated elephant around the town.
Rathotsava (chariot festival):
This is another important festival of Nanjangud temple, which is held in December or January every year. It lasts for three days, and involves the pulling of the huge wooden chariot by thousands of devotees around the temple complex. The chariot carries the utsava murti of Shiva and Parvati, and is accompanied by music, dance, and fireworks. The chariot festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and the joy of devotion.
Teppotsava (boat festival):
This is a unique festival of Nanjangud temple, which is held in February or March every year. It involves the floating of a decorated boat on the river Kabini near the temple. The boat carries the utsava murti of Shiva and Parvati, and is illuminated by lamps and candles. The boat festival symbolizes the romance of Shiva and Parvati, and the beauty of nature.
Shivaratri (night of Shiva):
This is a universal festival of Hinduism, which is celebrated in February or March every year. It marks the day when Shiva performed his cosmic dance (tandava) that created, sustained, and destroyed the universe. It also marks the day when he drank poison to save the world. The devotees observe fasts, perform night-long vigils, offer prayers, chant mantras, sing hymns, and meditate on Shiva on this auspicious night.
These are some of the festivals that make Nanjangud temple a lively and colorful place throughout the year. They also preserve and promote the culture and tradition of Nanjangud.
You may also like to check out: The Temple Trip by FeatKolhapuri
How To Reach
To reach Nanjangud from different parts of India, you have the following options:
By air:
The nearest airport is Mysore Airport, which is 16 km from Nanjangud and 10 km from Mysore. You can take a flight to Mysore from major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. From Mysore Airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Nanjangud.
By train:
Nanjangud has a railway station that is connected to Mysore and Chamarajanagar by regular trains. You can take a train to Mysore from Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and other cities, and then take another train to Nanjangud. The train timings are as follows:
Towards Mysore: 8.00 am, 10.15 am, 11.45 am, 3.45 pm, 5.50 pm, 6.45 pm, and 9.30 pm.
Towards Chamarajanagar: 5.40 am, 8.00 am, 12 noon, 7.20 pm.
By road:
Nanjangud is well connected by road to Mysore and Bangalore by NH 766. You can take a bus or a car to Nanjangud from these cities. Buses run almost continuously from Mysore to Nanjangud. Private vehicles (vans) are also available. Buses going to Chamarajanagar from Mysore also stop at the main temple in Nanjangud.
Nanjangud temple is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in India, where Lord Shiva drank the deadly poison to save the world. It has a rich history, a fascinating legend, a magnificent architecture, and a vibrant festivals that attract millions of pilgrims and tourists every year. It is one of the must-visit places in Mysore district, Karnataka state, India.