Every time we have gone out to visit a historical/holy place, we have found something new. I always wonder how many secretes our history holds and will we ever understand our past completely.

“Understanding our past determines our ability to understand our present”

–   Robert Langdon

Let’c come back from Langdons lecture in Paris to Bangalore. Many a times, we have simply moved out without deciding which place to go, but never ever we have to face disappointment. But this time, Sesh had a particular place in his mind to visit. A place called “Hemmaragala” (Google Map : Hemmaragala, Mysore District, Karnataka 571312). It has acquired loads of popularity since it appeared on TV.  The distance from Banashankari, Bangalore via Mysore is around 175 kms, but we could also go via Kanakapura. Mysore road is always a treat to drive and Sesh loves driving his Mahindra Scorpio on this road. I like the route because of different eat outs, where we could get good food and typical south Indian coffee.

Leaving place early would always help (We left around 8 am on a sunny Sunday, September 1, 2012) to avoid road congestion and also on a Sunday evening, the traffic is more while coming from Mysore. There are many people who visit Mysore (natives or otherwise) and drive back in the evening. Also driving around 135 kms is not a big deal for many people.

As we have been to Mysore many times, we decided to skip the same and directly headed towards Nanjangoodu. The place is famous for Lord Sri Nanjundeshwara, another name given for lord Shiva.  Also known as Dakshina Kashi, Nanjanagoodu is 25 kms from Mysore. Located on the banks of river Kapila (Also known as Kabini), this place is one of the important places for Shiavaites. 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 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 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.

There is also a interesting legend with lord here. When one of elephants of then Mysore King Tipu Sultan went blind and after repeated attempts, the elephant got cured with the grace of lord and hence Tipu Sultan called the Lord Hakim Nanjundeshwara and presented to the shrine valuable jewelery and a Maragatha Linga, which is installed by the side of the Goddess shrine.

This is place where one of hit songs of Matinee Idol Dr. Rajkumar for “Anuraga Aralitu” has been shot (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEnn3_82Yr4). Not to mention the same movie is remade into Gharana Mogudu and Ladlaa in Telugu and Hindi respectively.

An ancient mutt of Sri Raghavendra swami is situated in the town. The Gurus image is said to have been found in river Cauvery by a king, who consecrated it in the mutt. Almost walk able from the temple, Sri Rayara matha is must visit.

Immediately, we pushed forward towards Hemmaragala from Nanjangoodu, which is around 30 kms on the way to Nanjangoodu-Chamarajanagar state highway. There is a diversion from the road to reach passing by Basavattige and Hedthale.

The temple is neatly maintained and getting a uplift from contribution from devotees. It will be busy especially on weekends.  It houses Venugopala Swamy, Incarnation of lord Vishnu. As per the legend, the temple has “Narayana Danda” (Stick) used by Koundinya Maharshi. It is said that Lord Narasimha gave the Stick to Maharshi to get rid of evil powers and also it is said that once it is kept on our head by the priest it will nullify the sins committed by us over our various cycles of birth and death and further it will be used for welfare of the world. We were very lucky to visit such holy place and come in contact with “Narayana Danda” which bestowed us its blessings which in turn has immense powers.

Many of the temples across India have people (especially beggars) who disturb tourists and keep on asking for alms. Such things not only provide a bad name, but also show India in poor light from western tourists’ perspective. We have seen many tourists taking pictures of beggars and putting in blogs. The local administration has to find a way to curb this menace and really make India – Incredible India.

Well, once we had Darshana, we pushed back and went on the way to Hedethale, around 2-3 kms from Hemmaragala on the way back. Hedethale is also known as “Thrikutachala” as we find idols of Lord Sri Lakshmikantha, Lord Sri Gopalakrishna and Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha in same place. The temple is built in 12^th century by Hoysala dynasty.

We were very lucky to visit such holy place and come in contact with “Narayana Danda” which bestowed us its blessings which in turn has immense powers.

Lord Narasimha has amazing and spectacular eyes. The priest explained us the history and importance of the temple with lots of patience.

It was almost 3 pm, when we pushed off from Hedthale.

Next things are easy to guess –  Hot masala Dosa @ Siddharth with hot filter coffee…

Credits :

Inputs/Photos – Sesh

Editing – Amitha

Ref : http://indiatemples.co/temple/id/245/nanjundeshwara-temple