Shivagange Temple - Sri Gangadhareshwara Swamy and Honnadevi Temple - History - Miracles - Festivals
Sri Shivagange Temple - A Complete Guide
Sri Gangadhareshwara Swamy and Honnadevi Temple is located
at Shivagange in Bengaluru Rural district, Karnataka. The shrine is dedicated
to Shiva and also Goddess Honnadevi. Here is a detail information about the temple with its history, story, festivals, deities worshipped, miracles etc.
Introduction and Location
Sri Shivagange Temple, popularly known as Dakshin Kashi (Southern Kashi), is a sacred pilgrimage site located approximately 2,640 feet above sea level. The hill appears like a lotus flower when viewed from different angles, and remarkably, it takes four different shapes when viewed from the four cardinal directions - resembling a bull (Vrishabha), serpent (Sarpa), Shiva Linga, and Ganesha.
Historical Background
This ancient temple has a rich history spanning multiple eras:
- Hoysala Period: The temple was renovated during the Hoysala dynasty
- Kempegowda Era: Significant restoration work was undertaken during Kempegowda's reign
- Divine Vision: According to legend, Lord Gangadhareshwara appeared in Kempegowda's dream, revealing that seven pots of gold would be found on this hill. True to the vision, the gold was discovered, leading to the temple's renovation and the construction of gopurams (temple towers)
Main Deities and Significance
Sri Gangadhareshwara Swamy (Main Deity)
- Eternal Deity: This Shiva linga has been worshipped across all four yugas (Krita, Treta, Dwapara, and Kali)
- Swayambhu Linga: The deity emerged naturally from the Ganga waters and leans towards the left
- Cave Temple: Located within a single rock formation, this unique cave temple houses the main deity
- Sacred Vessel: The bronze vessel (Paani Battala) used for worship was gifted by King Janamejaya, son of Emperor Parikshit
Unique Miracle of the Temple
The Ghee-to-Butter Transformation: The temple's most extraordinary feature is that when ghee (clarified butter) is poured during abhisheka, it miraculously transforms into fresh butter (Navaneeta). This phenomenon occurs whether devotees bring ghee from their homes or use temple ghee. Devotees apply this sacred butter to their eyes, forehead, and consume it, believing it grants wisdom and fulfills desires.
Other Important Shrines
Sri Honnadevi (Swarnambika)
- Adi Parashakti: The eight-armed divine mother who destroyed demons Raktabeejasura, Shumbha, and Nishumbha
- Lion Vehicle: Rides a lion as her vehicle
- Peaceful Form: Originally fierce after demon slaughter, she was calmed when Sri Shankaracharya inscribed Sri Chakra with Omkara and Srikara on her hair
- Special Offerings: Turmeric seva is her favorite offering
Harake Ganapati (Wish-fulfilling Ganesha)
- Treta Yuga Origin: Carved from a single rock during Sri Rama's time
- Padekkallu Ganapati: Also known as stone Ganesha
- Wish Fulfillment: Devotees believe their heartfelt prayers are granted by this deity
Sri Shanmukha
- Six-faced Deity: Has six faces and rides a peacock
- Special Worship: Particularly worshipped on Tuesdays and Shashthi days
- Educational Blessings: Abhisheka with honey and ghee on Shashthi days is believed to grant children good education and wisdom
Sacred Water Bodies
Patala Ganga
- Underground Spring: Emerges from the netherworld (Patala)
- Divine Origin: Created when Honnadevi angrily split the rock with her weapon while fighting Raktabeejasura
- Seasonal Miracle: Flows more in summer and recedes during monsoon (opposite to normal water sources)
Kamala Tirtha (Kalyani)
A sacred pond for ritual bathing and purification.
Major Festivals
Girija Kalyanothsava (Divine Marriage Festival)
- Timing: Celebrated during Makar Sankranti (January)
- Ganga Emergence: Sacred Ganga water emerges at the hilltop near Tirtha Kamba during Uttarayana
- Grand Celebration: Thousands of devotees participate in this elaborate wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva and Parvati
- Sacred Prasada: Devotees receive cumin seeds and jaggery as prasada, believed to bring quick marriage for unmarried individuals
Honnadevi Rathothsava (Chariot Festival)
- Timing: Celebrated 15 days after Yugadi (Kannada New Year)
- Grand Procession: Thousands of devotees participate in pulling the divine chariot
Vasantha Rathothsava (Spring Festival)
- Timing: Celebrated during Phalguna month in Makha Nakshatra
- Historical Significance: An important traditional festival of the temple
Spiritual Significance and Beliefs
Pilgrimage Merit
Devotees believe that visiting Shivagange grants merit equal to Kashi plus one Gulaganja (ancient measure of weight).
Daily Rituals
- Continuous Abhisheka: The main deity receives abhisheka from morning to evening daily
- Shaivagama Tradition: All rituals follow traditional Shaivagama practices
- Thousands of Devotees: The temple receives thousands of visitors daily
Temple Architecture and Features
Cave Temple Complex
- Single Rock Formation: The entire temple is carved within one massive rock
- Ancient Carvings: Contains sculptures of Ganesha and Nandi (Vrishabha) created by skilled artisans
- Historical Elements: Evidence of Kempegowda's treasury and tunnel passage to Bangalore
- Bronze Pillars: Two ancient bronze pillars and Parvati shrine
Hill Formation
The hill's unique characteristic of appearing as different divine forms from various directions makes it a geographical wonder with spiritual significance.
Practical Information for Devotees
Best Time to Visit
- Girija Kalyanothsava (January) - Most auspicious time
- Honnadevi Rathothsava (March/April) - Grand festival
- Regular Days - Daily worship and abhisheka available
Special Offerings
- Ghee Abhisheka for the main deity
- Turmeric Seva for Honnadevi
- Honey-Ghee Abhisheka for Shanmukha on Shashthi days
What Makes This Temple Unique
The ghee-to-butter transformation during abhisheka is perhaps the rarest phenomenon found in Indian temples, making Shivagange truly extraordinary among pilgrimage sites.
This sacred hill continues to attract devotees seeking spiritual solace, divine blessings, and the unique experience of witnessing divine miracles in the modern age.