The Kodanda Sri Rama Temple in Hiremagaluru, Karnataka, is a serene and less-crowded place that offers solace to visitors seeking purification of thoughts. Located just 5km from Chikmagalur, this temple holds historical and spiritual significance deeply rooted in Hindu tradition.
Hiremagaluru Kodanda Sri Rama Temple - Story
According to the Skanda Purana, the temple's origins trace
back to the symbolic event of Bhagavan Sri Rama breaking Bhagavan Parshuram’s
bow, signifying the shattering of pride and haughtiness. This act led to Bhagavan
Parshuram realizing his mistake. Additionally, the temple is believed to have
been a site where nine Siddhas performed penance, leading to the naming of the
village pond as Siddha Pushkarini. Devotees come to take holy baths in its
waters, believed to possess anti-venomous properties effective in curing snake
bites. Due to Bhagavan Parshuram's residence in the area, the town was also
known as Bhargavapuri.
Inside the temple sanctum, life-size statues depict Bhagavan
Sri Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana before their exile to the forest, with Sita
standing to the right of Bhagavan Sri Rama, a unique arrangement reflecting
Hindu wedding traditions. The absence of Bhagavan Hanuman's statue is
attributed to his meeting with Bhagavan Sri Rama after visiting this place. The
temple derives its name from Bhagavan Sri Rama's bow, Kodanda, highlighting its
significance in Hindu tradition.
Hiremagaluru Kodanda Sri Rama Temple Architecture
Situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, the Kodanda
Sri Rama Temple is the largest in the region, constructed primarily in the
Hoysala architectural style. The Garbhagriha and Sukanasi sections exhibit
Dravidian architectural elements, while later additions include the navaranga
and Mukhamandapa. The temple is surrounded by a brick-and-mortar wall and
features three Gopurams adorned with depictions of Bhagavan Sri Rama, Lakshman,
and Krishna.
Within the temple premises, smaller shrines dedicated to
various deities like Sri Yoga Narasimha, Sri Sugriva, and Kaliya Mardan Krishna
can be found.
Festivals
The temple hosts annual celebrations such as Jatra in
February, Ram Navami in April, and the symbolic marriage of Sri Rama and Sita,
attracting devotees from far and wide.
Open daily from morning until late evening, the Kodanda Sri Rama Temple conducts rituals and religious functions in the local Kannada
language, a departure from the traditional use of Sanskrit in such practices.
This adds a unique cultural touch to the temple's spiritual ambiance, making it
a distinctive destination for seekers of tranquility and devotion.
This temple remains open daily from morning 6 to 11:30 am and 4:30 to 8:30 pm in the evening.