Nestled amid the mesmerizing ruins of Hampi, Karnataka, the Virupaksha Temple is far more than an architectural wonder—it is a living, breathing spiritual center. Dating back to the 7th century, this sacred temple is one of the oldest continuously functioning temples in India, standing strong for over 1,300 years.

Recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi, the temple reflects the grandeur, devotion, and artistic brilliance of the Vijayanagara Empire, one of India’s most culturally rich kingdoms.

A Journey Through History

The origins of Virupaksha Temple predate the Vijayanagara Empire itself. While inscriptions from the 9th and 10th centuries provide historical evidence, historians believe that a smaller shrine existed even earlier.

Major expansions took place during the reign of King Krishna Deva Raya (15th–16th century), transforming the temple into a grand architectural complex. Contributions from local chieftains like Lakkan Dandesha further enriched its artistic and structural beauty.

Fact:Unlike many structures in Hampi that were destroyed during the Battle of Talikota (1565), the Virupaksha Temple survived—allowing its rituals and traditions to continue uninterrupted to this day.

[Virupaksha Temple’s gopuram rises majestically over Hampi’s ruins.]

Architectural Marvels of Virupaksha Temple

A masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, the temple is filled with fascinating features:

Eastern Gopuram:

Standing 165 feet tall with 11 storeys, this towering gateway is richly adorned with intricate carvings.

Pinhole Camera Effect:

A small opening projects an inverted image of the gopuram onto an inner wall nearly 300 feet away—a marvel of ancient engineering.

Three-Headed Nandi:

A rare and unique sculpture of Lord Shiva’s divine bull, symbolizing strength and devotion.

Intricate Stone Carvings:

Panels depicting mythological stories, deities, and local legends decorate the temple walls.

The sanctum is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha (Shiva) and his consort Goddess Pampa, offering devotees a deeply immersive spiritual experience.

Spiritual Significance

Girija Kalyana Festival:

An annual celebration reenacting the divine marriage of Virupaksha and Pampa, drawing pilgrims from across India.

Daily Rituals:

Morning pooja begins at 6:00 AM, with evening rituals continuing until 9:00 PM.

Festivals & Ceremonies:

Traditional music, lamp-lit processions, and sacred chants fill the temple during festive seasons.

Best Time to Visit

Early Morning 6:30 AM to 6 PM

Tip: Avoid afternoons during summer—the heat can be intense.

Location 

From Bengaluru :- 350 km

From Bellary :-64 km

From Hospet :-13 km

Sree Kodandarama Temple, Hampi: A Sacred Legacy from the Ramayana Era

On the serene banks of the Tungabhadra River in Hampi stands the Sree Kodandarama Temple, a quiet yet profoundly sacred monument that continues to hold immense religious and cultural importance. Situated at the far end of the ancient Virupaksha Bazaar and facing the Chakrathirtha bathing ghat, the temple forms an integral part of Hampi’s living heritage landscape.

Unlike the grand ruins that dominate Hampi, this small temple remains active and deeply rooted in devotion. It is regarded as one of the oldest surviving places of worship in Karnataka, with local tradition tracing its origins back to the Ramayana period. For pilgrims, this belief alone elevates the temple beyond a historical structure into a sacred witness of epic times.

According to legend, this is the very site where Lord Rama crowned Sugriva as the king of Kishkindha after the defeat of Bali. It is believed that Sugriva himself carved the idols of Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita housed in the sanctum. A rare and striking feature of the temple is the presence of Sugriva’s idol bowing before Lord Rama—an exceptional iconographic detail, as Hanuman usually occupies this role in Rama temples.

The temple’s rectangular garbhagriha contains imposing 15-foot-tall standing figures of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, carved directly from a natural boulder on the hillside. Rama and Lakshmana are depicted holding bows, symbolising righteousness and divine protection. From the temple courtyard, a series of stone steps descends to the Tungabhadra River and the Chakrathirtha ghat, reinforcing the temple’s close relationship with sacred water. During heavy monsoons, these steps and pathways are often submerged, a reminder of nature’s enduring presence in this ancient setting.

Adding a fascinating layer to its mythological associations, the area surrounding the temple is inhabited by two distinct monkey groups—Vali, represented by black-faced grey langurs, and Sugriva, represented by red-faced monkeys. Their frequent territorial clashes are often viewed by locals and pilgrims as a living echo of the legendary rivalry described in the Ramayana.

The Sree Kodandarama Temple stands not merely as a monument, but as a living confluence of faith, folklore, and landscape. In a land where mythology and history seamlessly intertwine, this humble shrine continues to preserve the sacred memory of Kishkindha and the enduring legacy of Lord Rama.

Nimishamba

Nimishamba Temple

Nimishamba is a revered temple situated on the banks of the holy River Cauvery, about 3 km from Srirangapatna, near Mysuru in Karnataka. The temple is believed to have been constructed around 400 years ago by Raja Wodeyar of Mysore.

Goddess Nimishamba is considered an incarnation of Goddess Parvathi, the consort of Lord Shiva. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Sri Aksheeswara. The name Nimishamba is derived from the words Nimisha (minute) and Amba (Parvathi), signifying the belief that the Goddess removes the worries and obstacles of sincere devotees within minutes.

A Sri Chakra is carved on a stone in front of the Goddess, and regular poojas are performed. Devotees firmly believe that sincere prayers offered here bring swift relief and positive changes in life.

The temple is located at a higher elevation on the riverbank, with the River Cauvery flowing below. Well-laid stone steps lead devotees down to the river.

The shrine is relatively small but majestic, featuring a seven-tier Rajagopuram. Goddess Nimishamba is beautifully adorned with exquisite jewelry and garlands made of flowers and lemons. Adjacent to the Goddess’s sanctum is the shrine of Lord Aksheeswara (Shiva), and there is also a shrine dedicated to Lakshminarayana.

Offerings and Rituals

Devotees commonly offer:

Lemon garlands

Madiluakki (turmeric powder, kumkum, betel leaves, betelnut, flowers)

Green saree with border (strictly no black) and blouse piece

Green bangles

Five measures of rice

Jaggery

Copra (cut into two pieces)

Dakshina

If the priest gives one or two lemons as prasada, devotees take them home and worship daily. Once the lemon dries, it is immersed in a flowing river or lake.

Unique Feature

A unique aspect of this temple is the Bali Peeta and a large brass bell hanging from the ceiling. After placing Bali Bhojana on the Bali Peeta, the priest rings the bell, inviting birds—especially crows—to partake of the offering.

Festivals and Special Poojas

Durga Homa

Chandi Homa

Navaratri Pooja

Fresh vegetables grown in nearby villages are also sold outside the temple premises.

Temple Timings

 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM

Distance

Bangalore to Nimishamba: 125 km

Mysuru to Nimishamba: 22 km

Srirangapatna to Nimishamba: 3 km

Karighatta

Karighatta – The Sacred Abode of Lord Srinivasa.

Karighatta is a sacred hill shrine nestled near Srirangapatna, rising to an altitude of about 2,697 feet. At the summit stands an ancient and divine temple of Lord Venkateshwara, the supreme form of Sri Maha Vishnu, worshipped here as Sri Srinivasa. The majestic black stone idol, standing over six feet tall, is believed to have been consecrated by the great sage Bhrigu Maharshi. Devotees firmly believe that sincere prayers and poojas offered here bring positive transformations, peace, and divine grace into their lives.

The hill is adorned with sacred Dharbe (Darbha grass), long and sharp in form. Legend says that during the Varaha Avatar, when Lord Vishnu shook His divine body, a few strands of His sacred hair fell upon this hill, giving rise to the revered Dharbe grass that still grows here today.

Lord Venkateshwara of Karighatta is lovingly known as Bairagi Venkataramana, Karigirivasa, and Srinivasa. Along with the main deity Sri Srinivasa, the temple houses shrines of Yoga Srinivasa, Bhoga Srinivasa, Goddess Padmavathi, and Lord Hanuman. Owing to its spiritual significance and resemblance to Tirumala, devotees fondly call this holy place “Chikka Tirupati.”

A visit to Karighatta fills the heart with devotion, serenity, and divine bliss, making it a cherished pilgrimage for seekers of Lord Vishnu’s grace.

Darshan Timings:

10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Distance:

Bangalore to Karighatta – 125 km

Srirangapatna to Karighatta – 8 kms

Hemagiri Sri Venkataramana Swamy Temple/ Ranganatha Swamy temple

Hemagiri Ranganatha / Sri Venkataramana Swamy Temple

Hemagiri is a small and scenic hillock situated about 8 km east of Krishnarajapete (K. R. Pet) in Mandya District, Karnataka. The hill is embraced on most sides by the sacred Hemavathi River, from which it derives its name—Hema meaning gold and Giri meaning hill.

Surrounded by lush greenery, flowing waters, and nearby waterfalls, Hemagiri stands as both a spiritual and ecological landmark.

Devotees reach the hilltop temple by climbing around 50 to 60 stone steps, making the ascent short yet deeply devotional. At the summit stands the shrine of Lord Sri Ranganatha / Sri Venkataramana Swamy, a revered form of Lord Vishnu. Though the present temple structure is modern, the sanctity of Hemagiri is ancient, preserved through centuries of oral tradition and uninterrupted worship.

Within the temple prakara is a separate shrine dedicated to Sri Lakshmi Devi, enhancing the spiritual completeness of the sacred site. At the foothill lies a temple of Lord Anjaneya, where devotees traditionally offer prayers before ascending the hill to seek the blessings of Sri Ranganatha Swamy.

Local legends narrate that Lord Vishnu frequently visited Hemagiri from Vaikuntha, drawn by the purity of the Hemavathi River and the divine energy of the hill. Because of this belief, Hemagiri is regarded as a divinely chosen and sanctified place. The importance of this kshetra has been lovingly preserved through village traditions and devotional lore across generations.

The temple’s Rathotsava, held annually on Ratha Saptami, is a unique and vibrant celebration. A deeply rooted local belief holds that devotees who sincerely pray while holding a banana and successfully aim it to touch the chariot’s kalasha will have their wishes fulfilled. This tradition draws large crowds, with devotees bringing numerous banana bunches, creating a scene of faith, devotion, and collective celebration that attracts people from surrounding villages.

 Timings  From 6AM to 12PM

Location Approximately 170 kms from Bangalore 

67 kms from Mandya 

Sripada Sri Vallabha

Sripada Sri Vallabha is revered as the first incarnation of Lord Dattatreya in Kali Yuga. Lord Dattatreya embodies the divine trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara—and Sripada is worshipped as the Kamadhenu of Kali Yuga, whose mere remembrance is believed to remove obstacles and bestow divine grace upon devotees.

For countless seekers, Sripada Sri Vallabha is not a historical figure alone, but an ever-living spiritual presence.

Birth and Divine Origins

Sripada Sri Vallabha was born on 25 May 1320 AD in Pithapuram, a sacred town in present-day Andhra Pradesh, India. His parents, Gandikota Appalaraja Sharma and Sumati, were a deeply pious couple who were blessed with this miraculous child after intense devotion.

From infancy itself, Sripada displayed extraordinary divine qualities. By the age of one, he was already performing supernatural acts. As a child and young youth, he was known for his playfulness, sharp wit, boundless compassion, and miraculous powers. Through these divine acts, he transformed the lives of many in and around Pithapuram and gently corrected rigid and outdated ritualistic practices.

Renunciation at the Age of Sixteen

At the age of sixteen, when his parents urged him to marry, Sripada calmly replied:

“I have greater purposes to fulfill. I seek your permission to leave the house.”

His mother Sumati, heartbroken, explained that Sripada was their only able-bodied son. His elder brothers were blind and lame.

Moved by her pain, Sripada touched both his brothers. Instantly, one regained eyesight and the other was cured of lameness. He then said:

“Now your two sons are eligible for marriage. Please permit me to leave.”

With this assurance, Sripada renounced worldly life and embraced the path of an ascetic.

Pilgrimages and Divine Mission

After renunciation, Sripada travelled extensively across India, sanctifying every place he visited. His journeys spanned Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and even Northeast India.

Some of the most sacred places associated with his travels include:

Varanasi (Kashi)

Gokarna

Srisailam

Eventually, he settled at Kuruvapuram (present-day Kurugaddi or Kuruvapur), an island in the Krishna River, located on the border of Telangana and Karnataka. He lived there until the age of thirty, blessing devotees, healing the afflicted, imparting spiritual wisdom, and revealing profound metaphysical truths.

Divine Disappearance

In his 30th year (1350 AD), Sripada Sri Vallabha declared at Kuruvapuram:

“My form will be concealed, but Sripada Sri Vallabha will remain an eternal reality.”

Soon after, he disappeared into the waters of the Krishna River. He assured devotees that he would continue to live incognito in Kuruvapuram, eternally protecting sincere seekers and guiding them on the spiritual path.

He also proclaimed that whenever dharma declines, Lord Dattatreya would incarnate again. In accordance with this divine assurance, Datta manifested in the following successive incarnations:

Sri Narasimha Saraswati

Sri Manik Prabhu

Swami Samarth of Akkalkot

Shirdi Sai Baba

Power of Worship

Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Datta with purity of mind, speech, and action invokes Sripada’s grace immediately. Scriptures state that Siddhas in subtle realms move invisibly wherever Sripada’s siddha mangala stotra is recited, magnifying its spiritual power.

For many, simply remembering Sripada Sri Vallabha during times of distress brings clarity, protection, and inner peace.

Temple Timings and Sacred Locations

Pithapuram

Temple Timings

5:00 AM – 12:00 PM

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Distance

Bangalore: 875 km

Bidar: 639 km

Hyderabad: 486 km

Kuruvapuram

Temple Timings

4:30 AM – 12:00 PM

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Location

Kuruvapuram is situated on an island in the Krishna River, near Raichur, Karnataka.

Distance

Bangalore: 471 km

Raichur: 63 km

Bande Mahakali Temple Bangalore

Shri Bande Mahakali Temple is one of the oldest and most revered temples of Bengaluru, located in Gavipuram Guttahalli. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahakali, who is worshipped here in a unique form on a massive rock (Bande in Kannada means “rock”). This divine connection to the rock is how the temple got its name – Bande Mahakali.

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahakali, a powerful form of Goddess Durga. The term “Moola Udbhava Devi” means that the goddess is self-manifested, which adds to the temple’s spiritual significance.

It is believed that the divine presence of Goddess Mahakali was discovered here many years ago. Over time, the temple has become a popular place for devotees to seek protection and blessings

Temple Design of Moola Udbhava Devi

The temple’s design beautifully combines traditional South Indian architecture with modern features. The walls are decorated with carvings that show different forms of Goddess Mahakali and stories from Hindu mythology. The main area where the goddess’s idol is kept is very peaceful and filled with divine energy.

Poojas and Rituals

The temple is famous for its rituals and poojas, which bring people closer to the goddess. Some of the main rituals include:

Abhishekam: A ritual where the idol is bathed with milk, honey, and other holy items.

Kumkum Archana: Devotees offer prayers with vermilion powder for good health and success.

Special Poojas on Tuesdays and Fridays: These are considered special days to pray to Goddess Mahakali.

Rituals: A key ritual is the "lemon remedy," where a lemon is offered to, and returned by, the priest to banish negative energy. "Thade hodiyodhu" is another service done to eliminate bad drishti.

Timings :6AM to 9PM

Location: Kempabudhi Kere Yeri, Kempegowda Nagar, Bengaluru.