Kolaramma is the presiding city deity of Kolar, Karnataka. The ancient name of the city of Kolar was Kolahalapura. Over time, this became Kolar, and the Goddess came to be lovingly known as Kolaramma by devotees. Kolaramma is regarded as a powerful Shakti Kshetra, especially associated with protection, justice, and removal of fear caused by negative forces. The south-facing deity is rare and signifies the Goddess’s role as a fierce guardian who controls destructive energies. The presence of Bhairava deities emphasizes the temple’s Tantric and protective significance. The temple blends Shaiva, Shakta, and Smarta traditions, reflecting Adi Shankaracharya’s philosophical influence.
Kolar Kolaramma Temple – History – Story
It is believed that Goddess Kolaramma was consecrated by Bhagavan Parashurama. After beheading his mother Renuka, Parashurama was afflicted by the sin of matricide. To be freed from this curse, he was instructed to install one Shakti deity every day and worship her before taking food; otherwise, the food he ate would appear infested with worms.
As part of this penance, Parashurama consecrated his mother
in divine form and gave her the name Renuka Devi, installing her along with the
Sapta Matrikas (Seven Mother Goddesses).
The Sapta Matrikas are:
- Brahmi
- Maheshwari
- Kaumari (Kumari)
- Vaishnavi
- Varahi
- Indrani
- Chamundeshwari
Because the Goddess’s gaze is believed to be extremely
fierce and powerful, she was installed facing south (Dakshinabhimukha).
Kolaramma And Adi Shankaracharya
Due to her intense and ferocious form, Adi Guru Sri Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have installed the Sri Chakra (Sri Yantra) in the Mahameru tradition to pacify the Goddess. The Goddess later destroyed the demon Kolahala, after which Shankaracharya gave her the name Kolahala Ambika.
Deities In Kolaramma Temple
To the right side of the sanctum resides Kalabhairava, and
to the left side resides Kapala Bhairavi.
The outer structure of the temple was renovated by Rajendra
Chola. During the construction of the outer temple, workers faced severe
trouble from poisonous creatures, especially scorpions and snakes. King
Rajendra Chola prayed to the Goddess to allow the temple to be completed
without harm.
In response, the Goddess is believed to have manifested in
the form of Kapala Bhairavi and Scorpion Amman, standing upon and subduing the
poisonous creatures, ensuring no harm came to anyone. As a mark of gratitude
and remembrance, Rajendra Chola had the Goddess installed along with the Sapta
Matrikas in mortar (gāre).
A unique feature of the temple is the installation of Trimukha
Ganapati, along with Garuda and Anjaneya, positioned symbolically within the ear-shaped
form of Ganapati, which is considered highly auspicious.
Special worship is conducted for the Goddess on:
- Tuesdays
- Fridays
- Amavasya (New Moon)
- Pournami (Full Moon)
Devotees believe that when they have unfulfilled wishes or
unresolved vows, the Goddess gives them darshan in the form of scorpions
appearing in their homes, reminding them to return to the temple and offer
prayers. Upon doing so, their prayers are believed to be fulfilled swiftly.
Worship here is traditionally sought for:
- Protection from enemies and evil influences
- Relief from ancestral or karmic afflictions
- Fulfillment of vows related to health, family, and prosperity
Kolar Kolaramma Temple Festival
The Brahma Rathotsava (grand chariot festival) is celebrated
on Phalguna Bahula Ashtami.
During the month of Ashadha, the birthday festival of Goddess Chamundeshwari is
celebrated with great devotion and grandeur.