The Nanjundeshwara temple or Srikanteshwara temple is an ancient temple dedicated to lord Shiva in Nanjangud. It is located on the right bank of the Kabini river(a tributary of the Kaveri river). Nanju in kannada means "to poison" and the name Nanjundeshwara means the God who drank the poison.
This temple has nine-storied, 120-foot-tall temple gopuram. It's exterior was built by the queen of Mysore king Krishnaraja Wadiyar III, Devarajammanni.
Festivals:
The temple's Dodda Jaathre(jathara) festival is grandly celebrated in the temple attracts thousands of devotees. The chariots (Ratham) are pulled by devotees on a path called the ratha beedi.
History:
Nanjangud is mentioned as Sri Garalapuri, in the Shiva Purana. It is the place where god appeared at the plea of his devotees, the Devas, and sage Narada. The demon Keshi got a wish sanctioned from lord Brahma & Vishnu by which they would not be able to kill him.
He became immortal and began troubling the people, the Devas and the sages. At last, Narada and the Devas pleaded with Shiva to save everyone. He appeared in Garalapuri Sri Kshetra which is now called as Nanjundeshwara temple and killed the demon Keshi.
Sage Parashuram killed his mother following his fathee Jamadagni's orders and later he reached Garalapuri upon Narada's advice and prayed to Sri Nanjundeshwara Swamy. Then, Lord Shiva appeared and advised to build a mantapa and perform pooja to the Shivalinga.
While clearing the small plants, the axe hit the Sivalinga unintentionally and the tip of the linga started bleed. Then Parashuram thought of killing himself for this sin. At that time, lord Shiva advised to cover it up with wet mud which in result stopped bleeding.
The mud of Nanjangud has healing powers. Later Parashurama continued building mantapa and did worship. All his sins were relieved and he got blesses with immortality.
How To Reach:
Nanjangud bus stand is located at a distance of 2 KM from this temple. You can take a auto or a local taxi to reach the temple.
