Nimishamba Temple in Ganjam near Sriranapatna in Mandya District in Karnataka

Nimishamba Temple is located on the banks of Cauvery River at Ganjam Village in Mandya District in Karnataka. The temple is around 2.5 km from Srirangapatna. This a Shivapanchayathan Temple. It has murtis dedicated to – Sri Nimishambhadevi with Sreechakra, Sri Moukthikeshwara Swamy, Sri Lakshminarayana Swamy, Hanuman, Surya and Ganapati.

Raja Wodeyar of Mysore constructed the temple during the latter half of the 16th century. The temple is around 19 km from Mysore city and around 128 km from Bangalore.

Story of Nimishambha Temple

Sri Nimishambha Devi is Goddess Parvati. Legend has it that once Shiva decided to conduct a yajna for the welfare of the living beings in the universe.

Shiva took the form of Sri Moukthikeshwara Swamy to conduct the yajna. He was also known as Mukthaka Rishi.

Demons Janu and Sumandala were against the yajna as they thought it would destroy their rule on earth.

The demons send armies after armies to destroy the yajna but Shiva defeated them all.

Armed with powerful boons, Janu and Sumandala entered the battlefield. Mukthaka Rishi could not defeat them.

Mukthaka Rishi then offered prayers to Mother Goddess.

She appeared and told the rishi that the demons have the boon that no weapon will harm them.

Goddess Parvati then took the form of Nimishambha and annihilated them using the fire that emanated from her eyes.

The Srichakra in front of the murti of Nimishambha Devi in the temple is highly auspicious and very rare one. It is made out of Krishna Shila. Beejakshara and Moola mantra are written on it.

The most important festival in the temple is the Nimishambha Jayanti Mahotsava observed on Vaishaka Shukla Paksha Dasami (April – May). Other important festivals here are Navratri, Shivratri, Ugadi, Ganesha Chaturthi and Deepavali.

Nimishambha Temple Contact Address

Executive Officer,
Sri Nimishambha Temple,
Ganjam, Srirangapatna,
Mandya Dist,
Karnataka
Pin Code - 571438

Phone
08236-252640
08236-252641

Fax
08236-252641

Additional Inputs

Sri Nimishamba Temple

The temple was constructed and consecrated following the Siva-panchayatana tradition, and enshrines the following deities:

• Surya-deva (Sun God)

• Ganapati (Ganesha)

• Sri Nimishamba Devi with the Sri-Chakra

• Sri Mauktikesvara-swami (a form of Siva)

• Sri Lakshminarayana-swami

According to the Traditional Painting of Karnataka (Karnataka Chitrakala Parisat, S.R. Rao & B.V.K. Shastri), during the period when Srirangapatna (1578 CE–1617 CE) was the dynastic capital of Mysore, the Mysore ruler Odeyar installed the idol of Sri Nimishamba and built this temple.

Iconography and the Ancient Sri-Chakra

• The idol of Sri Nimishamba holds a trishula (trident), damaru (drum), abhaya-hasta (gesture of protection) and varada-hasta (boon-granting gesture). She sits serenely in ekasana (single-legged pose), smiling benevolently.

• Directly in front stands an exceptionally ancient, stone-incised Sri-Chakra: a complex yantra of triangles, lotus petals and bija-aksharas ("seed letters")—all proclaiming "Ekam eva advitiya" ("There is only one without a second").

• This rare yantra is believed to hold the primordial mantras of the Goddess herself; mere darsana (sacred viewing) here grants devotees their heartfelt wishes and inner peace.

Devotional Practices

Chant the Nimiṣāmbā Mantra

“ॐ जगन्मातायै नमः”  

Oṃ Jagannātāyai Namaḥ  

recited 108 times to invoke the Goddess’s swift grace.

Circumambulation: Do three pradakṣiṇās (circumambulations) of the Śrī‑Cakra before the main sanctum.

Light a Lamp: Offering a ghee lamp (Deepa) at the Goddess’s shrine deepens the connection.

Blessings for Devotees

Devotees revere Sri Nimishamba as the fulfiller of all sincere aspirations, including:

• Marriage: Unwed devotees attain marital happiness.

• Children: Childless couples receive progeny.

• Wealth: Material and financial relief.

• Health: Well-being for the ailing.

• Education: Academic success for students.

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Additional Inputs for Devotees

Best Time to Visit

• Monthly Vrata Days: The temple is especially busy and energizing on Sankatahara Chaturthi (Ganesha Chaturthi), Navaratri (for the Goddess) and Ekadasi days.

• Festivals:

  • Nimishamba Jatra (Annual Fair): In Phalguna (Feb–Mar) draws thousands for special pujas and cultural programs.

  • Mahashivratri: Celebrates Sri Mauktikesvara-swami with all-night vigils.

Temple Timings & Purna Kala Puja

• Morning: 6:00 AM–12:00 PM

• Evening: 4:00 PM–8:00 PM

• Puja Sequence: Abhisheka (ritual bathing) → Alankara (decoration) → Naivedya (food offering) → Arati. Devotees may sponsor abhisheka or offer coconuts, flowers and prasada.

How to Reach

• By Road: Srirangapatna is well-connected by bus and private cabs from Mysuru (20 km) and Bengaluru (130 km). From Srirangapatna town, local auto-rickshaws or shared jeeps run every 10 minutes to Ganjam village.

• Nearest Railway: Srirangapatna station (~4 km).

• Nearest Airport: Mysore Airport (~25 km), then by taxi.

On-Site Facilities

• Prasada: Traditional sweet pongal, coconut laddus, and sacred vibhuti (holy ash).

• Dana Counters: For sponsoring lamp offerings and special pujas.

• Bhakta Nivasa: Simple lodgings near the temple; advance booking recommended during festival seasons.

Devotional Practices

• Chant the Nimishamba Mantra: "Om Jagannatayai Namah" (recited 108 times to invoke the Goddess’s swift grace).

• Circumambulation: Do three pradakshinas (circumambulations) of the Sri-Chakra before the main sanctum.

• Light a Lamp: Offering a ghee lamp (Deepa) at the Goddess’s shrine deepens the connection.

Nearby Attractions (Optional Pilgrimage Circuit)

• Talarama Temple (within Srirangapatna island)

• Ranganatha Swami Temple (the main Srirangapatna divyadesa)

• Ganjam Fort Ruins and Kaveri Boat Rides

Respectful Conduct

• Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered).

• Photography only in permitted areas.

• Observe silence in sanctum sanctorum.