Sri
Kanteshwara (Nanjundeshwara) Temple – Dakshina Kashi of Karnataka
Introduction
The
Sri Kanteshwara Temple, also called the Nanjundeshwara Temple, is
located in Nanjangud, Karnataka, on the banks of the Kapila (Kabini)
River. Revered as the Dakshina Kashi (Varanasi of the South), this
temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Nanjundeshwara, the
“God who drank poison” (halahala) during the churning of the ocean.
Mythology
& Beliefs
- Healing
Powers: Lord Nanjundeshwara is believed to
cure diseases and grant health. Hyder Ali himself called the deity Hakim
Nanjunda after his elephant’s eye ailment was cured by temple theertha.
- Liberation:
Worship here is said to absolve sins and grant Moksha, equivalent to
visiting Kashi.
- Sage
Gautama’s Linga: Mythology states Sage Gautama
installed the Shiva Linga here.
- Parashurama
Kshetra: Nearby, Parashurama expiated his sin
of beheading his mother, adding sanctity to the region.
Temple
Architecture & Subshrines
- Main Deity:
Lord Shiva as Nanjundeshwara / Srikanteshwara.
- Subshrines
& Deities:
- Goddess
Parvati
- Lord
Narayana with consorts
- Natya
Ganapathi
- Chandikeswara
- Basaveshwara
- Shrines for
Subramanya, Saraswati, Mahishasura Mardhini, and others
- Highlights:
- A massive stone
Nandi (8 feet tall, installed in 1644).
- The nine‑storied
gopuram, 120 feet tall, built in 1845 by Queen Devarajammanni.
- Stucco
images, seven gold‑plated kalashas, and sprawling courtyards showcasing
Dravidian architecture.
Poojas
& Sevas
- Daily
Abhishekams: Usha Kala, Pratha Kala, Sangama
Kala, Madhyana Kala, Pradosha Kala, Ekanta Kala.
- Special
Sevas: Rudrabhishekam, Tulasi Sahasranama, Pongal
Nivedane, Thrishathi, Ashtotthara, Vahana Pooja.
- Life Rituals:
Namakarana, Akshara Abhyasa, Annaprashana, Thulabharada Kanike.
Festivals
- Maha
Shivaratri – grand celebrations with lakhs of
devotees.
- Sri Girija
Kalyana Mahotsava
- Dodda Jathre
& Chikka Jathre (Car Festivals): Five
colorful chariots for Lord Nanjundeshwara, Ganapathi, Subramanya,
Chandikeshwara, and Goddess Parvati.
- Theppotsava
(Floating Festival)
- Lakshadeepotsava
(Festival of Lights)
How
to Reach
- Distance:
15 km from Mysore.
- By Road:
Frequent buses and taxis from Mysore and Bangalore.
- By Rail:
Nanjangud railway station nearby.
- Nearby
Attractions: Parashurama Temple, Basaveshwara
Temple, Raghavendra Math, and the famous Nanjangud Rasabaley bananas.
Temple
Timings
- Daily:
6:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Special Days,
Sundays & Mondays: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Pooja
Schedule
- 6:30 AM –
Usha Kala Abhishekam
- 9:00 AM –
Pratha Kala Abhishekam
- 11:00 AM –
Sangama Kala Abhishekam
- 12:00 PM –
Madhyana Kala Abhishekam
- 6:30 PM –
Pradosha Kala Abhishekam
- 8:00 PM –
Ekanta Kala Abhishekam
Sevas
& Timings
- Nithya
Kalyanotsava: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM (on fixed dates)
- Dodda
Utsavagalus: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 4:30 PM –
5:30 PM
- Prasadothsava
(Vaishaka Masam): 7:30 PM
- Mantapotsava:
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Ekadashavara
Rudrabhishekam: Multiple slots daily (6:30 AM, 9:00
AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM)
- Shalyanna
Abhishekam: Same timings as Rudrabhishekam
- Dodda
Basaveshwara Swami Abhishekam: Same timings as
Rudrabhishekam
- Tulasi
Sahasranama: 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 6:30 PM
- Pongal
Nivedane: 7:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 7:30 PM
- Thrishathi:
9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 7:00 PM
- Ashtotthara:
8:30 AM, 5:30 PM
- Benne Seve
Kanike: 9:00 AM
- Thulabharada
Kanike: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
- Kivi
Chuchchuva Kanike: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Namakarana
Kanike: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Akshara
Abhyasa Kanike: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Annaprashana
Kanike: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Vahana Pooja:
6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Travel
Tips
- Best Time to
Visit: September to February for pleasant
weather.
- Dress Code:
Traditional attire is recommended for darshan.
- Festival
Days: Arrive early to avoid long queues during
Rathotsava and Maha Shivaratri.
- Offerings:
Flowers, coconuts, milk, and ghee are auspicious.
- Stay Options:
Mysore offers excellent hotels; Nanjangud has basic lodges.
- Local
Experience: Taste the unique Nanjangud
Rasabaley bananas.
Why
Visit Sri Kanteshwara Temple?
- To seek healing
and health blessings from Lord Nanjundeshwara.
- To experience
the Dakshina Kashi, equivalent in sanctity to Varanasi.
- To witness
the majestic gopuram and Dravidian temple architecture.
- To
participate in grand car festivals and floating rituals.
- To immerse in
centuries‑old traditions blending Shaivite devotion and Mysore royal
patronage.
Conclusion
The
Sri Kanteshwara (Nanjundeshwara) Temple at Nanjangud is more than a
place of worship—it is a living testimony to Karnataka’s spiritual heritage.
With its healing legends, magnificent architecture, vibrant festivals, and deep
cultural roots, the temple continues to inspire faith and devotion across
generations. A visit here is not only a pilgrimage but also a journey into the
heart of South India’s sacred traditions, making it a must‑experience
destination for seekers of both spirituality and history.