Nanjangud Srikanteshwara Temple Timings, History, Sevas

The Nanjundeshwara Temple (Nanjangud Srikanteshwara Temple), also known as the Srikanteshwara Temple, is an ancient shrine dedicated to God Shiva. Situated in the sacred town of Nanjanagudu, Mysore District in Karnataka, the temple stands proudly on the banks of the Kapila River, a significant tributary of the Kaveri River. Nanjanagudu is also known as “Dakshina Prayaga” or the “Prayag of the South,” (Dakskina Kashi or Varanasi of the South) highlighting its spiritual significance. Nanju means “to poison” in Kannada. The name Nanjundeshwara means the God who Drank the Poison.

Nanjangud Srikanteshwara Temple is one of the biggest temples in Karnataka. It measures 385 feet by 160 feet, with a total area of 50,000 square feet. The Mahadvara (main entrance) is a seven-storey construction and is decorated with seven gold-plated Kalasas that add a further three meters to its loftiness flanked by two horns. The outer walls of the temple are about 12 feet high. A spacious courtyard (Prakara).

The temple comprises many idols of Sri Shiva and his various incarnations, Sri Subrahmanya idols, Narayana with Bhudevi, Chandrashekaramurthi, Parvati, Chandikeshvara, 32 forms of Ganapathi depicts (eulogized in the Mudgala Purana) in the inner niches.

There are other temples dedicated to Ganapathi, Dattatreya, and Gauthama. Also, two mutts are belonging to Raghavendra Swami and Virasaiva.

Nanjangud Srikanteshwara Temple Darshan Timings:

On Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri & Sat:

Morning: 6.00 AM to 1.00 PM.
Evening: 4.00 PM to 8:30 PM.

On Special Days, Sundays and Mondays

6.00 AM to 8:30 PM
The Temple doors are open from Morning at 6:00 AM to Evening at 8:30 PM on all Special Days, Sundays, and Mondays without break.

Nanjundeshwara Temple Poojas and Abhishekams:

Morning Timings:
Usha Kala Abhishekam – 6:30 AM
Pratha Kala Abhishekam – 9:00 AM
Sangama Kala Abhishekam – 11:00 AM
Madhyana Kala Abhishekam – 12:00 PM

Evening Timings:
Pradosh Kala Abhishekam – 6:30 PM
Ekanta Kala Abhishekam – 8:00 PM

Nanjangud Sri Srikanteshwara Swamy Temple Festivals and Jatra:

Maha Shivarathri
Sri girija kalyana Mahotsava
Chikkajathre
Doddajathre
Thepotsava
Lakshadeepotsava
Varadhanti

Karnataka (Kannadigama) is a beautiful location for many Hindu Temples, particularly very renowned and ancient temples located around Mysore, the cultural capital city.

One of the famous temples is the Nanjundeshwara (incarnation of Lord Shiva) temple, located at a distance of about 25 km from Mysore.

The town is situated on the banks/confluence of the Kapila or Kabini River and hence predominated as Sangama Sthala Having a holy bath on auspicious occasions is equal to having a bath in Ganga or in any Kumbha Mela. It is also hailed as Dakshina Kashi.

Srikanteshwara Temple Legend:

In ancient times, Nanjungud referred to as Sri Garalapuri in the Shiva Purana, held a sacred status as the abode of Lord Shiva in southern India. It earned the name “Dakshina Kasi” because Lord Shiva appeared here in response to the pleas of the Devas (celestial beings) and Sage Narada. The demon Keshi, having acquired a boon of invincibility, troubled both humans and celestial beings. In desperation, Narada and the Devas implored Shiva for help. He manifested in Garalapuri Sri Kshetra, modern-day Nanjungud, and vanquished Keshi. Lord Shiva decreed that a part of his divine essence would forever reside here, purging sins and blessing humanity.

Sage Parashuram, seeking to atone for the sin of matricide at his father Sage Jamadagni’s command, came to Garalapuri (Nanjungud) following Narada’s guidance. He prayed to Sri Nanjundeshwara Swamy, and Shiva instructed him to build a shrine and worship the Shivlinga. Accidentally, Parashuram’s axe grazed the Shivlinga, causing it to bleed. Overwhelmed with guilt, Parashuram contemplated self-destruction. Shiva intervened, advising him to apply wet mud from Nanjangud (known for its healing properties) to the Shivlinga, which stopped the bleeding. Parashuram was absolved of his sins and granted immortality.

Goddess Parvati expressed her desire to visit this sacred place, and Shiva brought her to Garalapuri Nanjangud. When she touched the Kabini River’s water, a gemstone bead (mani) fell from her crown. Delighted, Shiva declared that the place would henceforth bear both his and Parvati’s blessings, naming it Dakshina Manikarnika Ghat.

In the era of King Tipu Sultan, his royal elephant lost its vision. Following his minister Sri Poornayya’s counsel, Tipu sent the elephant to Nanjundeshwara Swamy Temple, where 48 days of rituals were performed. On the 48th day, the elephant miraculously regained its sight. In gratitude, Tipu Sultan presented the emerald green Shivlinga to Sri Nanjundeshwara Swamy, bestowing the title “Hakim Nanjunda” (healer) upon Lord Shiva.

Nanjangud Sri Srikanteshwara Swamy Temple Contributions:

The Chola Kings during the 11th – 12th century are considered to set the initiative for the construction of the temple with significant further expansions by the kings of Hoysalas, Gaanga, Vijayanagara dynasty, and Mysore Sultan rulers.

Srikanteshwara Temple Sevas:

Places Near Nanjangud Swamy Temple:

• Sri Lakshmikanthaswamy temple Kallale village, Nanjangud Taluk, 9 kilometers from Nanjangud.
• Sri Veenugopala Swamy temple Yemmaragala village, Nanjangud Taluk, 15 kilometers from Nanjangud.
• Sri Prasanna Nanjundeshwara Swamy temple Chikkaiyana Chatra, Nanjangud Taluk, 5 kilometers from Nanjangud.
• Sri Himmavad Gopalaswamy temple Anngala village, Gundlupet Taluk, Chamarajanagar District, 55 kilometers from Nanjangud.
• Bandipura National Park Bandipur, Gundlupet tq, Chamarajanagar Distict, 75 kilometers from Nanjangud.
• Sri Keshthra Suttur Matta Suttur village, Nanjangud Taluk, 16 kilometers from Nanjangud.
• Sri Keshthra Devanur Matta Devanur village, Nanjangud Taluk, 14 kilometers from Nanjangud.
• Sri Bellligerirangana Swamy temple B.R. hills, Yalandur Taluk, Chamarajanagar District, 67 kilometers from Nanjangud.

How To Reach Nanjundeshwara Temple:

By Air:
Mysuru Airport is 15 km and Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport is 230 km. Visitors can get a taxi or drive from the airport to the temple.

By Rail:
The Nanjanagudu railway station is the closest station to the temple and is 1.2 km from the temple.

By Road:
Local buses connect Nanjangud with places nearby like Bokkalli, Mudahalli, Hulimavu and Hadinaru.

Srikanteshwara Temple Address:

Sri Srikanteshwaraswamy Temple,
Nanjangud,
Mysore District.
Karnataka – 571 301.
E-mail: sstnanjangud@gmail.com

Executive Officer: 08221 223320
Office: 08221 226245
Dormitory: 08221 226542
Fax: 08221 223523