The divine temple of Srikanteshwara is based in the Nanjangud region near the Mysore city and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The architecture of the temple is purely Dravidian style. Another name of this temple is Nanjundeshwara temple and it is believed that the town of Nanjangud has been the resident place of Lord Shiva, since time immemorial.
The present structure of the temple was built under the Kingship of Hoysala King and the original structure of the temple was constructed during the Ganga period. The temple has existed from 325 to 1000 centuries. Two famous personalities closely associated with this temple are Tipu Sultan and Woodeyar Kings. Historical evidences reveal that the most loved elephant of Tip Sultan was blessed with eyesight at this temple and after that the main deity of the temple was called Hakim Nanjundeshwara by the devotees.
The visitors and devotees still have full faith in the healing properties of the temple and owing to this belief the temple is visited by the devotees and believers from all across the globe. Excluding the main worshipping unit of the temple, there are shrines devoted to Narayana with his consorts, Parvathi, Natya ganapath and Chandikeswara and are truly worth visiting. Gopura, or the tower, with amazing decoration all over it is another reason the temple is worth visiting. It stands 125 feet high and carries seven Kalash made of pure gold and various other pictures.
The perfect time to be here is during the celebrations of Rathutsava or Dodda Jathre, which is held twice in a year. The idols of five main gods, including Lord Srikanteshwara, Goddess Parvathi, Lord Subramanya, Lord Ganapathi and Lord Chandikeshwara, are placed in their individual chariots and a great Puja is also performed here. Thousands of pilgrims participate in this occasion.
The temple is open between from 6 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and later from 4 PM to 9 p.m. During the weekdays and for Sunday the timings are 6 a.m. To 10 p.m. The temple is 163 Kms from Bangalore city and mere 25 Kms from Mysore.
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