Now that the Devanahalli International Airport is almost ready, many foreigners/ tourists are expected to visit Bangalore. Among the various tourist places in and around Bangalore, there is one historical place dating back to the 9th century which is not known to many people.
It is very close to the international airport and about 60 km from Bangalore, in Devanahalli. Located about 2 km from the National Highway (NH-7), on the foot hills of Nandi Hills, is the Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple, one of the oldest temples in Karnataka.
Unlike the other Shiva temples where the Lord is worshiped in the form of Linga, here Lord Shiva is worshiped in the form of an idol with goddess Parvathi seated on his lap.
This is one of the masterpieces of Dravidian architecture. The temple was built in 9th century AD with subsequent additions up to 15th century AD. This temple was built by the Vijayanagara emperors, the Chalukyas, the Hoysalas and the Gangas. The carved stone pillars of the temple are worth seeing.
Measuring 370’ x 250’, the temple is enclosed in its own prakara with a double mahadwara. This temple has two shrines built side by side, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Bhoga Nandeeshwara (north) and Arunachaleshwara (south). Between the two is small shrine.
Shukhanasi and navaranga are provided with sculpted jalandharas. Both the temples have individual Nandi mantapas. In front of the central shrine is a kalyana mantapa built of black stone, very intricately carved with creepers and birds. Next to the kalyana mantapa is the beautiful kalyani.
It is unfortunate that this beautiful temple hasn’t got the kind of publicity Hampi, Belur and Halebeedu have. Each and every stone has wonderful carvings on them. Even though this temple is very close to the IT capital, its existence is not known to many people. This temple, with its varied styles of Dravidian architecture, is an excellent tourist spot.
The government should take necessary steps to develop this into a tourist place by improving the infrastructure to attract tourists.
