Veeranarayana Temple, Gadag (Karnataka)

The Veeranarayana Temple in Gadag is a historic Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Narayana (Vishnu). Believed to have been built in the 12th century by the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana, the temple is a remarkable blend of Chalukya, Hoysala, and Vijayanagara architectural styles.

The temple complex features a Vijayanagara-style entrance courtyard that leads to the Ranga Mandapa, while a Garuda Sthamba, characteristic of Hoysala architecture, stands prominently before it. The inner mandapa, sanctum (garbhagriha), and the main tower (vimana) are constructed in the Chalukyan style, reflecting the layered architectural history of the site.

The main deity, Veeranarayana, is worshipped in a standing posture with four arms holding the Shankha (conch), Chakra (discus), Gadha (mace), and Padma (lotus). The deity is adorned in a veera kaccha–style dhoti, symbolizing valor. Smaller idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Garuda accompany the main image.

The temple is also culturally significant as the place where the renowned Kannada poet Kumara Vyasa is believed to have composed his epic retelling of the Mahabharata, known as the Gadugina Bharata.

According to legend, the Hoysala king Bittideva, originally a Jain, was deeply influenced by the Vaishnava saint Sri Ramanujacharya, who cured the illness of the Hoysala princess. Following this event, Bittideva embraced Vaishnavism and adopted the name Vishnuvardhana. He went on to build five major Vishnu temples, collectively known as the Pancha Narayana Kshetras:

Veeranarayana Temple – Gadag

Nambinarayana Temple – Tondanur

Chennakesava Temple – Belur

Kirtinarayana Temple – Talakad

Cheluvanarayana Temple – Melkote

Temple Timings

Morning: 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Distance

From Bengaluru: ~420 km

From Dharwad: ~80 km

From Hubballi: ~60 km

Kollur Mookambika Temple – A Seat of Supreme Shakti

Nestled in the serene Kollur valley of Karnataka, surrounded by the sacred Sauparnika River and the majestic Kodachadri peak, Kollur Mookambika Temple stands as one of India’s most powerful Shakti Peethas. Revered as a center of immense spiritual energy, this ancient shrine draws devotees seeking wisdom, strength, peace, and divine grace.

Divine Origins and Spiritual Significance

It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya meditated at Kollur and experienced a divine vision of Goddess Mookambika. He consecrated the deity by installing the Sri Chakra and a Panchaloha idol, firmly establishing the temple as a major spiritual nucleus of Shakti worship.

A unique and sacred  manifestation is worshipped here:

One half represents Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma

The other half represents Parvati, Lakshmi, and Saraswati

This rare union symbolizes the harmony of creation, preservation, destruction, and divine feminine power.

The Legend of Mookambika

According to legend, Sage Kola Maharishi was tormented by the demon Mookasura, whose arrogance stemmed from his inability to speak and seek boons from Lord Shiva. When Mookasura attacked the sage in rage, Devi Shakti descended, silenced his evil forever, and destroyed him.

By rendering the demon mooka (dumb), the Goddess earned the name Mookambika, embodying both compassion and fierce protection.

Kashaya Theertham – Devotion Meets Ayurveda.

A unique offering at the temple is 

Kashaya Theertham, a sacred herbal drink distributed after the night puja. Prepared using traditional Ayurvedic ingredients, it is believed to:

Boost immunity

Improve overall health

Cleanse the body and mind

This ritual beautifully blends ancient medicine with devotion.

Aksharabhyasa – The Sacred Beginning of Learning 

The temple is renowned for Aksharabhyasa (Vidyarambham)—the ceremonial initiation of children into education. Presided over by Goddess Mookambika in her forms as:

Saraswati (Knowledge)

Lakshmi (Prosperity)

Kali (Power)

The ritual is performed daily, often using a gold ring to write the first letters in rice or sand. It is especially auspicious during Navaratri, attracting families from across the country.

Sacred Geography and Heritage

One of the seven pilgrim sites created by Parashurama

Located amid lush forests and spiritual landmarks

The main idol is adorned with rare jewels, including:

Gajamutthu (Elephant Pearl)

Navarathna necklace

The Miracle of Inner Transformation 

Devotees often describe the greatest miracle of Kollur Mookambika Temple as the deep peace, mental strength, and wish fulfillment experienced after sincere prayer. Many leave with a sense of clarity, calm, and renewed faith.

Temple Timings 

Morning: 5:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Evening: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Location 

440 km from Bengaluru

72 km from Udupi

126 km from Mangaluru

48 km from Sigandur

Sri Guru Narasimha Temple Saligrama

The Sri Guru Narasimha Temple located at Saligrama, near Udupi in Karnataka, is one of the most ancient and spiritually powerful Narasimha temples in India. Its history is deeply rooted in Puranic legends as well as historical accounts, centering around the self-manifested (Swayambhu) idol of Lord Narasimha, believed to date back to the 8th century CE.

Puranic Origins of the Temple

According to the Padma Purana, the sacred idol of Lord Narasimha manifested on its own at the base of a pipal tree. The deity appeared holding the Shankha (conch) and Chakra (disc), seated in a serene yogic posture. A divine celestial voice (Akashavani) instructed Sage Narada Muni to install the deity, which he faithfully carried out.

Nirvairya Sthala – The Land Without Enimity

The region came to be known as “Nirvairya Sthala” (the place without hostility), named by Bhattacharya, a learned Brahmin leader. He observed a rare phenomenon here—natural enemies such as lions and elephants living in harmony. This divine symbolism is reflected within the temple complex through the presence of both Lord Narasimha (lion form) and Mahaganapati (elephant form) idols, representing unity and balance.

Historical Accounts from Skanda Purana

The Sahyadri Khanda of the Skanda Purana mentions that King Lokaditya of the Kadamba Dynasty invited a group of Brahmins from Ahichatra, led by Bhattacharya, to settle in his kingdom for prosperity and spiritual growth.

After performing grand Maha Yagnas, Bhattacharya received a divine vision. Lord Ganapati appeared in his dream and instructed him to re-install the idol of Lord Yogananda Narasimha. The Lord declared Himself as the sole Guru and supreme God for the Brahmins of the fourteen surrounding villages.

This sacred tradition continues to this day among the Kota Brahmins, who worship Lord Narasimha as their eternal Guru.

Unique Features of the Deity

The idol is two-handed, west-facing, and made entirely of sacred Saligrama stone

The Lord is seated on a Mahaganapati Yantra, making this temple extremely rare

A visible crack on the top of the idol is believed to be a scar from an incident where an angry Brahmin struck the idol with a plough to stop its intense Ugra (fierce) gaze, which was believed to scorch nearby crops

To further pacify the Lord’s energy, an idol of Anjaneya Swami (Hanuman) was installed opposite the temple

Sacred Theerthas and Their Benefits

The temple is blessed with two sacred water bodies:

Chakra Theertha – A holy dip here is believed to cure diseases and remove fear of enemies

Shankha Theertha – Bathing here cleanses devotees of sins

Devotees who take a dip in both Theerthas and worship Lord Narasimha are believed to attain health, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment.

Sevas and Devotee Beliefs

The temple performs numerous Sevas for:

Fulfillment of desires

Removal of obstacles and problems

Marriage and job prospects

Relief from illness and good health

Overall prosperity and peace

Devotees strongly believe in the grace of Sri Guru Narasimha, who acts as both protector and spiritual guide.

Temple Timings.

Morning: 5:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location & Distance

From Bangalore: 420 km

From Udupi: 25 km

From Kundapura: 15 km

Lepakshi

Lepakshi is a historic village in the Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh, located about 120–125 km from Bengaluru. It is renowned for its rich history, mythology, and magnificent Vijayanagara-style architecture, most notably the Veerabhadra Temple.

Mythological Significance

According to legend, when Ravana abducted Sita and was carrying her to Lanka in his Pushpaka Vimana, the bird Jatayu, hearing Sita’s cries, fought bravely with Ravana in an attempt to rescue her. Overpowered, Jatayu fell wounded at this spot. Later, Lord Rama, while searching for Sita, came across the injured bird and commanded him to rise — “Le Pakshi” (Rise, Bird). From this divine command, the place came to be known as Lepakshi.

Veerabhadra Temple 

Built in the 16th century, the Veerabhadra Temple is a fine example of Vijayanagara architecture. It is situated on Kurmasaila Hill, shaped like a tortoise. The temple complex includes shrines dedicated to Veerabhadra, Vinayaka, Shiva, and Vishnu.

Each intricately carved pillar narrates stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata

The temple is famous for its Hanging Pillar, which does not touch the ground — a cloth or paper can be passed beneath it

A massive Shiva Lingam is sheltered by a seven-headed serpent hood

The courtyard features an unfinished mandapa with exquisitely carved pillars

The ceiling displays stunning fresco paintings depicting scenes from the epics

Other Attractions

A giant footprint on a rock near the temple is believed to belong to Mata Sita or Lord Hanuman, with a constant trickle of water emerging from it

A majestic monolithic Nandi, carved from a single granite stone, sits in a beautifully maintained garden

The temple houses a rare Maragatha (Emerald) Lingam, holding immense religious significance

Culture & Festivals

The annual Brahmotsavam festival is celebrated with great devotion and features the traditional Unmaththa dance, reflecting the vibrant local culture.

Intricate motifs such as peacocks, swans, and elephants, inspired by Lepakshi carvings, are also seen in Kanchivaram silk sarees, showcasing timeless craftsmanship.

Visitor Information

Temple Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Distance:

Anantapur to Lepakshi: ~125 km

Bengaluru to Lepakshi: ~125 km

Sri Harake Hanuma Temple

Sri Harake Hanuma temple is located in the ITI Layout near Vidhyapeeta, Bangalore. The temple opened with a small Hanuman diety over 42 years ago, and by the anugraha of the Lord has grown multifold. Along with ‘Moola’ Hanuma, the temple is home to ‘Dodda’ Hanuma, Vinayaka and Sri Rama Parivara.

Here Anjaneya grants every devotee wishes come true whoever makes harike (Vow) to him in a procedure after the completion of vow they offer their harike in form of different sevas to him like vade hara, sindoora alankara, villedele hara, kadaliphala alankara, benne alankara.

Harake Procedure 

We should offer Rs.147/- in the Hundi placed in the Temple in our name with any wish.

Archak will help us in the sankalpa for 5 or 7 or 9 or 11 weeks darshan of Sri Hanuman at the same temple. We need to visit the temple for such an number of weeks as per our interest.

We should select any two days of the week namely Tuesday or Saturday.

Once we select any day, we are supposed to visit the temple on the same day of every week.

As per archak’s words, so many people have witnessed good growth in their career and as well as personal and professional life after completing their Harake.

For more details contact 

Address

NO.10/27, I.T.I Layout, Temple Street, Kathriguppa Main Road, Banashankari 3rd Stage, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560085

Phone: 080 26917652

Temple Timings

Morning 6:30am to 10:30am Evening 6:00pm to 8:30pm

Sri Marakatha Durgaparameshwari

Sri Marakatha Durgaparameshwari Temple is located in Nalkuru village, Sullia Taluk, in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the temple is surrounded by arecanut and coconut plantations and dense forests. The serene Kallaje stream, flowing beside the temple, adds to its divine and tranquil atmosphere.

The presiding deity, Sri Marakatha Durgaparameshwari, is widely revered as a powerful goddess known for fulfilling devotees’ wishes.

Legend and History

According to legend, Goddess Durgaparameshwari originally resided in Rathnapura of Balagodu. Over time, she left that place and came to the banks of the Kallaje stream. While Sage Markandeya was meditating near the stream, he heard an Ashariravani (celestial voice) of the Goddess, informing him that she had settled there. Following this divine message, the sage installed the idol at this sacred location.

The temple is situated close to Kukke Subramanya and is believed to be spiritually connected with Kukke Subramanya Temple, Samputa Narasimha, and Harihara Pallathadka Temple.

The rulers of the region later installed the idol of Chaturbhuja (four-armed) Goddess Durgaparameshwari. The area is known for ‘Marakatha’ (emerald), one of the Navaratnas, from which the Goddess derives her name.

Spiritual Significance

It is believed that Theerthodbhava occurs in the Kallaje stream on the auspicious day of Makara Sankramana. Taking a holy dip in the stream on this day is said to wash away sins.

Devotees strongly believe that after bathing in the stream and praying to the Goddess, wishes related to marriage, health, and employment are fulfilled. Local tradition narrates that in ancient times, those who wished to get married would place a Harivana (plate) on the banks of the Kallaje stream beside the temple, and the next morning all the required marriage jewellery would miraculously appear on the plate.

Renovation

The temple was renovated under the guidance of Sri Vidya Prasanna Theertharu, Swamiji of Kukke Subramanya.

Prasadam

Prasadam is offered to devotees on:

Tuesdays

Fridays

Sankramana of every month

Temple Timings 

7:00 AM – 1:00 PM

3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Distance

From Bangalore: 295 km

From Kukke Subramanya: 8 km

From Sullia: 32 km

Nanjangud

 Nanjangud Sri Srikanteshwara Temple 

(Dakshina Kashi – Varanasi of the South)

Nanjangud is home to the ancient Sri Srikanteshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Nanjundeshwara, the divine healer who removes poison and cures diseases.

Temple Highlights

Legend says the Lingam was installed by Sage Gautama. The temple complex houses shrines of Ganapathi, Subramanya, Goddess Parvathi, Chandikeshwara, and Lord Vishnu. This sacred place is also known as Parashurama Kshetra.

Mythological Significance

During Samudra Manthana, Lord Shiva consumed the deadly Halahala poison to save the universe. Goddess Parvathi held his throat, turning it blue—earning him the name Srikanta / Vishakanta. Since he digested (Nanju) the poison, he is worshipped here as Nanjundeshwara.

Historical Glory

Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan were ardent devotees. Tipu Sultan called the Lord “Hakim Nanjunda” after his elephant’s eye ailment was cured by the temple Theertha. As gratitude, he donated a sacred Maragatha (Emerald) Lingam.

Rathotsava

Celebrated twice a year, where beautifully adorned chariots of the deities are pulled through the streets by thousands of devotees—an unforgettable divine spectacle.

Temple Timings

Weekdays: 6:00 am – 1:30 pm | 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Sunday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm

Distance

Mysuru – 27 km | Bengaluru – 163 km