Kuruvatti Village: A Sacred Heritage on the Banks of Tungabhadra - Basavanna Temple
Kuruvatti village, located in Hoovinahadagali Taluk of Vijayanagara District, is a place of immense historical and traditional significance. Revered as the “Dakshina Kashi” (Southern Kashi), this west-flowing sacred site along the banks of the Tungabhadra River is home to the renowned temples of Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy and Sri Basaveshwara Swamy.
Sri Basaveshwara Swamy Temple
Kuruvatti is also known as Tripura Dahana Kshetra, meaning the land where the demon Tripurasura was destroyed. According to ancient lore, the demon Tarakasura caused havoc in the three worlds. Lord Shanmukha (Kartikeya) vanquished him, thereby saving the universe.
Tarakasura had three sons—Tara, Paraksha, and Kamalaksha—who obtained invincibility from Lord Brahma and came to reside in Kuruvatti. With arrogance, they built palaces of gold, silver, and iron across the heavens, skies, and earth. To eliminate these threats, Nandishwara descended from Kailasa along with Lord Shiva and incarnated in Kuruvatti as Basaveshwara Swamy.
Lord Shiva manifested here as Mallikarjuna Swamy, becoming the deity of devotion for the people. During the fierce battle with the Tripurasuras, Mother Earth trembled and began to descend into the netherworld out of fear. At that moment, Nandishwara lifted her on his shoulders—an event believed to symbolize the name "Kuruvatti" (from “kuru” meaning shoulder).
Additionally, it is believed that a Swayambhu (self-manifested) linga of Someshwara emerged from the banks of the Tungabhadra river at Hirekuruvatti. Because Lord Shiva revealed himself in linga form and due to the presence of Varati/Varthi, scholars suggest the name evolved from "Kuruvina Varati" to "Kuruvarthi" and eventually to Kuruvatti. This name is still found in inscriptions today.
Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple
The Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple was originally built in 1190 CE by Chalukya King Ahavamalla. According to inscriptions, the temple was known as "Ahavamalleswara" during that period. The temple was later developed by the Hoysalas. It is said to have been constructed by the sculptor Chamundoja, who resided there.
The temple architecture displays a blend of Chalukya and Hoysala styles. The tower (gopura) is built in the Vesara style and features a Shukanasi (antechamber) leading into a Navaranga (central hall). The temple has grand entrances on the north, south, and east sides, all adorned with exquisite sculptures. The linga pedestal is carved in the shape of a lotus with five distinct parts.
Above the sanctum doorway, there is a beautifully carved image of Gajalakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The base of the temple is lined with lion motifs and elaborate relief carvings. Inside, one can also see statues of King Someshwara’s four queens, as well as deities like Surya Narayana, Veerabhadra, Ganesha, Saptamatrika, Holi Basappa, and various lion sculptures.
Rituals and Worship
At both the Mallikarjuna and Basaveshwara temples, Rudrabhisheka (ritual worship of Lord Shiva) is performed daily throughout the year. On every Amavasya (new moon day) and during special occasions, the festival idols are ceremonially taken out by hereditary priests accompanied by traditional musicians and Bhovi community members. On Mondays and Amavasya days, Dasoha (free food offering) is continuously served to devotees.
Devotees visiting Sri Swamy chant with deep reverence:
"Kuruvatti Doraiye, Ninagaaru Sariye? Sari Sari Endavara Hallu Muriye Bahu Paarka!"
(“Oh Lord of Kuruvatti, who can equal you? Those who say ‘Yes, yes’ have their teeth broken!”)
They perform offerings, abhishekas, prayers, and fulfill vows with devotion, offering clothes and gifts to the deity. Devotees also take home holy ash (vibhuti), believing it brings divine grace and fulfills worldly and spiritual wishes.
Major Festival: Rathotsava (Chariot Festival)
One of the most important religious events is the Rathotsava (Chariot Festival), held every year in February or March, typically on the Moola Nakshatra prior to Shivaratri Amavasya. On this day, the sacred thread (kankana) is tied to Sri Swamy. On Shivaratri Amavasya, the hereditary dharmakartas (temple trustees) perform puja to the main festival idol, adorned with gold ornaments, and place the kalasha (sacred pot) on the chariot.
The idol is then taken in a grand procession by priests and musicians to the chariot, where the evening Rathotsava is held. The following evening marks the Okuli Utsava (color festival). Over a span of 7 to 9 days, various arati and naivedya services are offered from both the priestly families and local villagers.
Other Religious Celebrations
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Ugadi (Kannada New Year): The chariot is brought back in, and the deity is adorned with ornaments and offered fire rituals and naivedya by the hereditary priests.
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Basaveshwara Jayanti: Special adornments and offerings are made.
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Shravana Month: Daily offerings and adornments continue until every Monday.
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Dussehra/Navaratri: From the start of Navaratri until Vijayadashami, offerings and food services are carried out. On Vijayadashami, a special Banni Puja is performed at the Udbhava Ganapati temple.
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Deepavali (Diwali): Fire rituals and offerings by hereditary priests.
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Chatti Amavasya: Celebrated with Karthika Utsava of Mallikarjuna Swamy, followed by Basaveshwara Swamy’s Utsava on the next Monday.