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. 

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