This Shiva temple complex, lying close to Bengaluru is identified as one of the oldest temples of Karnataka, traced to 9th century
Shrine’s History
The Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple is a magnificent example of Dravidian Architecture. It is a 1000-year-old temple that bears the architectural stamps of around five different dynasties that ruled here.
Believed to have been originally constructed by the Bana Queen Ratnavali, this temple was added to and extended by the Ganga dynasty, Cholas, Hoysalas, Pallavas and finally the Vijayanagara kings. This temple even has a statue of the Chola King Rajendra.
Though the original Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple dedicated to Shiva and Parvati was built in the 9th century by the Banas, the Chola kings in the 11th century added the roof; the Hoysala dynasty added the marriage hall to the temple structure and the outer wall and buildings were added by the Vijayanagar kings in the 13th century.
For centuries it was impregnable until the British stormed it in the October of 1791, and defeated Tipu Sultan
Legends Associated with This Shrine
The Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple houses three temples, the Arunachaleshwara, the Uma Maheshwara and the Bhoga Nandeeshwara.
Traditionally Arunachaleshwara is said to represent the childhood of Shiva, Bhoga Nandeeshwara the Youth, and Yoga Nandeeshwara on the Hill top, the final renunciation stage.
The Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple depicts the youthful phase of Lord Shiva, and as youth is the time to rejoice and enjoy life, there are many festivals held in this temple throughout the year.
The Uma Maheswara temple depicts the wedding scenes between Shiva and Parvati, and newly married couples often visit this temple to take the blessings of Shiva and Parvati.
The Yoga Narasimha temple located on the top of Nandi hills by contrast, has no festivals at all as it signifies Shiva in his renunciation stage. There are significant carvings in and around these temples.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
This temple is a combination of the architectural styles mainly of the Gangas, Cholas, Hoysalas and the Vijayanagara rulers. The Arunachaleshwara Temple The Arunachaleshwara temple, built by the Gangas, has a unique form of Lord Ganesha called Simha Ganapathi or Ugra Ganapathi. In front of this temple is a Nandi idol made of granite. Uma Maheshwara Temple Built by the Hoysalas, this temple has the presiding deities of Uma and Maheshwara in the Sanctum. The Kalyana Mandapa is surrounded by four pillars each of which have a divine couple depicted on them ? Shiva and Parvati, Brahma and Saraswathi, Vishnu and Lakshmi and Agni Deva and Swaha Devi. The pillars and walls are covered with intricate carvings typical of the Hoysalas. The structures are covered in figures of parrots, animals, creepers and divine figures. The Bhoga Nandeeshwara The main temple, the Bhoga Nandeeshwara has a majestic Shiva Linga in the Sanctum. This temple is said to have been built by the Cholas. There is a figure of a Chola King in this temple, believed to be of Rajendra Chola. The pillars are covered in beautiful carvings. The Nandi Idol in front of the Sanctum in this temple is even more attractive than the one in front of the Arunachaleshwara Temple There are two additions to this temple built by the Vijayanagara rulers ? the Kalyana Mandapa and the Tulabhara Mandapa.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Bangalore is well connected to all big cities in India
By Rail
Rail connectivity to Bangalore is available from all major sations in India
By Air
Bangalore is connected by air to all major air ports
Shrine Timings
6 to 12 noon
4 to 8 pm
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Mahasivaratri is celebrated with pomp
Extra Information About this Shrine
Don’t forget to visit nandi hills which is very close to nandi grama
