Sri Anaveerabhadreshwar Temple at Korwar in Kalaburagi, Karnataka is a famous shrine dedicated to Virabhadra. Devotees from distant regions such as Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and various parts of Karnataka visit this temple with deep devotion to seek the blessings of Lord Anaveerabhadreshwar.
History of Anaveerabhadreshwara Temple
From ancient times, it is believed that Lord Shiva has taken many incarnations on earth across different ages (Yugas). These incarnations appeared to punish evil and protect the righteous, working for the upliftment of dharma, society, people, and devotees. Virabhadra is one such incarnation of Shiva
Another traditional belief mentions that Hanuman received the sacred Lingadharana (wearing of the Shiva Linga) from Lord Veerabhadra.
The Story of the Demon Medrasura
In Halakarti village of Chittapur Taluk in Kalaburagi District, an ancient legend dating back thousands of years is remembered. During the end of the Krita Yuga, a powerful demon named Medrasura lived in this region. At that time, the land was filled with dense forests, rich vegetation, animals, and birds. When the sage Narada once traveled through this region, he noticed that the people were suffering terribly because of the cruelty of Medrasura. Medrasura had performed severe penance to please Brahma. Pleased with his penance, Brahma granted him a boon. Medrasura asked that no god should be able to harm him, and he requested six faces as part of his power. After receiving the boon, he became arrogant and proudly declared that he would overpower all the gods. The demon had a terrifying and monstrous form. He would sleep deeply once every three months. During one such time, when the Seven Sages (Sapta Rishis) were passing by, the powerful breath of Medrasura swallowed them.
Narada’s Appeal to Shiva
Seeing the suffering caused by the demon, Sage Narada went to Mount Kailash and prayed to Lord Shiva. He requested Shiva to destroy the demon Medrasura and save the Sapta Rishis. In response to Narada’s request, Lord Shiva summoned Veerabhadra and ordered him to defeat the demon.
The Defeat of Medrasura
Veerabhadra descended to earth at Halakarti village in Chittapur Taluk. Filled with divine anger, he attacked the demon Medrasura. At that moment, the Sapta Rishis emerged safely from the demon. Veerabhadra then cut the demon into three pieces and threw them in three different directions. From that time onward, Veerabhadra remained in Halakarti and became known there as Halakarti Veerabhadra.
The Legend of Korwar Sri Anaveerabhadreshwar
Later, a devoted follower named Bandappa from Hebbal village was a great devotee of Lord Veerabhadra. Every day, he would walk on foot from Hebbal to Halakarti to offer food (Naivedya) to his beloved deity. One day, to test his devotion, Lord Shiva caused heavy rain on the third Monday of the holy month of Shravana. The Kagina River on the path overflowed with strong currents. Despite the dangerous flood, Bandappa stepped into the river while remembering Lord Veerabhadra with full faith. Pleased by his devotion, Veerabhadra protected him and helped him safely reach the other side.
The Divine Promise
Seeing Bandappa’s dedication, Lord Veerabhadra appeared before him and said:
“You no longer need to walk all the way here.
From now on, I will come to where you are.”
Bandappa humbly asked,
“How will I know that you are coming with me?”
Veerabhadra replied:
“You walk ahead.
You will hear the sound of my divine drums and instruments behind you.
But do not turn back to look.”
The Origin of Anaveerabhadreshwar
Bandappa began walking from Halakarti while hearing the sound of divine drums (Bheri) behind him.
He crossed several villages. When he reached the border area between Korwar and Hebbal villages, near a low hill region (Ani area), the sound suddenly stopped.
Because the area had no wind movement, the drum sounds could no longer be heard.
Confused and worried, Bandappa stood on a rock and turned back to look.
At that moment, it was revealed to be a test of devotion.
Lord Veerabhadra stopped at that place in the Ani region of Korwar village and remained there permanently.
From that day onward, he became famous as Sri Anaveerabhadreshwar of Korwar.