Information of Srikanteshwara Temple (Nanjundeshwara Temple), Nanjangud, Mysore, Karnataka

Srikanteshwara Temple also known as Nanjundeshwara Temple in Nanjangud is an ancient important Shiva Temple. This temple is famously known as the Shivalayam of Najangud in Mysore District of Karnataka State in India. The name Nanjangud is also came from the Temple's main deity. The skin of lord Shiva became blue color, when he drank the poison in the making process of ambrosia in the ancient times. Nanj in Kanada means poison and the drinker of poisons place is called as the Nanjangud. This temple houses his entire family members in this temple. His wife Parvathi, the two sons named as the Ganesha and the Karthikeyan's idols are built here in a separate portions of this temple areas. The most important feature of this temple is that it doesn't have a Linga sculptor of lord Shiva here.

Srikanteshwara Temple Religious Significance

Srikanteshwara is the other name of Lord Shiva. Neela Kandan or Neelakanteshwar name is called due to the blue color of his skin. Shiva is known to be the transformer of this world and also acknowledges as the destroyer of the evils. He is worshiped in the highest order of life and death by the Hindu's. The word Shivam means great god. Shivam is also known as dead in Sanskrit. So the worshipers of Shiva or the Shivik's are known to be well disciplined in attitude. Peoples visit here in the August month of the new moon day to pay homage to the departed souls. Since Lord Shiva is known to be the heavens mighty. The Hindu peoples come here from many palaces to perform this special pojas and give offering to this god. This is also a famous milligram place know as the Dakshina Kashi. The Dodda Jaathre festival is celebrated here very grandly. Most of the Hindus join this festival. The ornate chariot pulling is the important event that a devotee likes to do in this festival.

Srikanteshwara Temple Mythology & History

Shiva is mostly known as the heavenly god. Since his abode is in the mount Kailash in the Himalayalas. He is also known to be the Yogi of ancient times. He meditates in the mountains for a longer period of time. He is a house hold god and there are many mythical sorties related to his family members. He is known to drink poison to save the other members who joined to make ambrosia. The first solution came out was poison and lord Shiva drank it to safe guard others.

Srikanteshwara Temple Architectural Significance

Srikanteshwara Temple is built in the period of Western Gagnga Dynasty some were around 350 AD. This was built in the Dravidian pattern of architecture. This is a complete stone structure of the ancient times. This temple is built in a rectangular shape with a main arched entrance. This entrance is huge and supported with strong single stone pillars. It towers are beautifully carved with many small splutters on it. This tower raises high in the steps like formations. The main deity place is also having a small similar tower. A beautiful Mandap is built her with support of monolith stone blocks. These are very uniquely carved in the Hindu style. This temple is totally roofed with stones slabs. There are many single stone sculptures found here. The main deity is of Shiva. It does have sculptures of Ganesh, Karthikaya and Parvathi in this temple. These are life size splutters and very beautifully carved. The stone art of this temple is highly appreciated. In the 17th and 18th century the Mysore Kingdom and the Wodeyar Kings renovated this important temple in Mysore kingdom. The Islamic ruler Hyder Ali was also an important patronage of this temple.