Sri Kalabhairaveshwara Swamy Temple, Adichunchanagiri
Folktale & Sacred Story
Legend holds that the god Adi Rudra granted this kshetra to a Siddha Yogi, who established the Siddha Simhasana here, giving rise to the Math. A separate local legend explains the place-name: during a period of penance, the deity is said to have devoured two troublesome demon brothers, Chuncha and Kancha, after which the hill came to be called Adichunchanagiri and a nearby locality Chunchanakote.
Most Revered Practice
Kalabhairava Ashtami is observed monthly, while Kalabhairava Jayanti, on Karthika Bahula Ashtami, draws especially large crowds; Mahashivaratri and Navaratri are also major observances. Pilgrims climb the rock-cut hill path past the Jwala Peetha and Pancha Lingas to the Akasha Bhairava shrine at the summit and to the sacred Bindu Sarovara tank.
Prasadam & Offerings
Prasadam details not independently verified — confirm locally.
Temple Speciality
The hilltop complex includes the Pancha Lingas, Jwala Peetha and Sthambamba shrines, the Akasha Bhairava shrine at the hill's summit, and the sacred Bindu Sarovara tank; the surrounding hill is also home to the Adichunchanagiri Peacock Wildlife Sanctuary and the large educational campus run by the Math.
Why Pilgrims Visit
Adichunchanagiri combines an important Natha-tradition and Vokkaliga pilgrimage site with a scenic rock-cut hill climb, a peacock sanctuary, and one of Karnataka's few dedicated Kalabhairava shrines.
History & Legend
Adichunchanagiri hill, referenced in the Shivapurana and in local inscriptions and folklore, has long been the spiritual headquarters of the Natha Parampare (Jogi cult) and, in more recent centuries, of Karnataka's Vokkaliga community, administered as the Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math. The present Kalabhairaveshwara temple structure on the 3,300-foot hill was built between 1993 and 2008 under the 71st pontiff, Padma Bhushan awardee Sri Balagangadharanatha Swamiji (head from 1974-2013), and the Math is now led by the 72nd pontiff, Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji.
Divine Significance
Adichunchanagiri is revered as one of the principal centres associated with Kalabhairava worship in south Karnataka and as the ancient seat of the Natha yogi tradition atop a rocky hill overlooking the surrounding countryside.
Darshan Timings
Approximately 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily (please confirm exact timings with the temple before visiting, as they vary by season and festival).
How To Reach
Adichunchanagiri is about 110 km west of Bengaluru, roughly 6 km off the Bengaluru-Mangaluru NH 48 near Bellur Cross. The nearest railway stations are at Channarayapatna and Mandya, and the nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru; the hill is well served by KSRTC buses from Bengaluru, Mandya and Mysuru.
Where To Stay
Guesthouses and choultries operated by the Math are available at Adichunchanagiri itself, with additional lodging in Nagamangala and Mandya town.
Local Food Nearby
Simple vegetarian meals are available in the township at the base of the hill and in nearby Nagamangala; the Math's institutions in the area also run canteens for students and visitors.
Contact & Official Info
Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math office, Adichunchanagiri, Nagamangala taluk, Mandya district.
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