Nanjangud Shiva Temple – Srikanteshwara Swamy Temple – Nanjundeshwara Temple at Nanjangud in Karnataka
The place is also known as Dakshina Kashi and is located on
the banks of the Kapila or Kabini
River . Taking a holy dip
in the river is equivalent to taking bath in the holy Ganga River .
People also believe that the soil around the Nanjangud Shiva Temple
have curative properties. Those suffering from skin ailments have found relief
after applying the soil.
Legend has it that Parashurama offered prayers here for
redemption of committing the sin of beheading Mother Renuka.
The walls of the temple are adorned with more than 100
figures. The temple also has 32 forms of Ganapathi carved on its walls. Bronze
murtis of Tandaveshvara, Narayana with Bhudevi, Chandrashekaramurthi, Parvati and
Chandikeshvara needs special mention.
Daily pujas and abhishekams are conducted as per Shaivagama.
Special pujas and prayers are held on Mondays, Purnima (full
moon) and Amavasi days.
Girija Kalyana held in the month of July is one of the
important festivals in the temple – the marriage of Shiva with Parvati.
The temple owns five huge wooden chariots and one can
witness them moving around the temple during the Panchamaharathotsava in the
month of April.
During the Chikka Jathra in the month of November three of
the rathas are pulled along the streets.
Other important festivals in the temple are Shivaratri and
Navratri.
The temple is open from 6 AM to 8:30 PM.