JOIN USNestled amidst the sylvan and picturesque environment of the Sahyadri ranges in Karnataka, Kalasa and Horanadu are two popular pilgrimage centres located in close proximity to each other. Here’s a look at what the temples here offer.
Kalasheshwaraswamy Temple
Kalasa is a typical small town in Mudigere taluk situated on a small hill. It is about 300 km from Bengaluru. Kalasa is famous for the ancient shrine of Kalasheshwara (Lord Shiva) located here. The name Kalasa originates from the Sanskrit word for water jug, kalasha. In mythology, kalasha is normally used by the sages. It is believed that Lord Shiva manifested himself as a Shivalinga inside the kalasha of Sage Agasthya, and hence the name.
According to a legend, when the wedding of Parvati and Parameshwara was being held in Kailash, most of the gods, goddesses, demigods and sages assembled there. This is said to have caused the northern side to tilt and go down by the sheer weight of those congregated. In order to restore the balance of the world, Lord Shiva is believed to have requested Sage Agasthya to proceed south and halt at the place now called Kalasa. The sage agreed, but expressed his desire to witness the wedding. Lord Shiva granted him a boon giving him the ability to witness the wedding from Kalasa. After the ceremony, a Shivalinga emerged out of Sage Agasthya’s kalasha. Agasthya thereafter built a temple there and installed the linga in it. Thus, Kalasheshwaraswamy Temple was established.
A few steps from the road takes us to an arched doorway to the temple complex. At the top, on both sides, there are gigantic statues of dwarapalakas in a crouching position. A Mangaluru-style tiled building stands at the entrance, at the right of which is the way to the temple. This ancient temple is a simple structure with a few statuettes of Shiva-Parvati, Ganesha and Karthikeya on top of the front canopy, and some carvings on the doors. Inside the main mantapa, the small garbhagriha is decorated partly with silver plating and the linga is placed at the centre. There is a small temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati, known here as Sarvanga Sundari, by the side of the main shrine.
Sri Kshetra Horanadu
From Kalasa, Horanadu is just about eight kilometres away. Amidst a large clearing in the forest is the shrine of Goddess Annapoorneshwari. This shrine is also known as Sri Kshetra Horanadu and the deity is also called Adishakthyathmaka Sri Annapoorneshwari Devi.
The walkway from the parking lot takes us first to a small Anjaneya Swamy temple on the left. At the entrance to the main shrine, there is a beautifully sculptured archway decorated with colourful statuettes on both sides of the top canopy and around the pillars. Large statues of four lions standing on their rear legs guard the entrance. A statuette of Goddess Annapoorneshwari on top is also flanked by two seated lions. On the left and the right, there are statuettes of goddesses Saraswati and Mahalakshmi seated on lotus pedestals, and on the sides, there are statuettes depicting Annapooreshwari Devi serving food to Maheshwara.
A few steps take us to the parikrama and the doorway to the mukhamantapa, which is decorated with floral garlands. The tall and beautiful gold-plated idol of Sri Annapoorneshwari is placed in the garbhagriha. She stands with an enchanting smiling face on a lotus-shaped pedestal. Annapoorneshwari Devi is considered to be the goddess who feeds all, and true to this name, all the devotees are served food at specified timings at the Annapoorna Hall in the premises.
A visit to these two ancient shrines is a must for those seeking divine blessings and peace of mind.