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Nanjangud Shiva Temple – Srikanteshwara Swamy Temple – Nanjundeshwara Temple at Nanjangud in Karnataka

Nanjangud Shiva Temple is located at Nanjangud, about 25 km from Mysore in Karnataka, and is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva as Nanjundeshwara. Nanjunda means ‘one who has consumed poison’ and the story relates to Shiva consuming the Halahala poison during the Samudra Manthan or churning of the ocean.


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.

Nanjundeshwara Temple is also one of the biggest temples in Karnataka and measures 385 feet by 160 feet, with a total area of 50,000 square feet.  The temple is a protected monument.

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.