Sri Srikanteshwara Temple (Nanjundeshwara Temple)

Lord Shiva (as Srikanteshwara / Nanjundeshwara)

Nanjangud

Sri Srikanteshwara Temple (Nanjundeshwara Temple) — Photo: Dineshkannambadi, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Folktale & Sacred Story

The name Nanjundeshwara comes from "Nanju" (poison) and refers to the episode of Samudra Manthan in which Shiva swallowed the deadly Halahala poison churned from the cosmic ocean to save creation, holding it in his throat and thereby earning the epithet Neelakantha or Nanjundeshwara. A local legend further recounts that the sage Parashurama, tormented by guilt after being made to kill his own mother on his father Sage Jamadagni's orders, came to this site on the Kapila river on the advice of the sage Narada to seek atonement, built a mantapa here, and worshipped the Shivalinga to relieve himself of the sin of matru-hatya (matricide). Another well-known local tradition credits the temple with curing Tipu Sultan's favourite elephant, Bhima, of blindness, after which the ruler is said to have donated valuable offerings including an emerald linga to the shrine.

Most Revered Practice

The elaborate multiple daily Abhishekams performed to the Shivalinga through the day, and the grand annual Rathotsava (chariot festival) in which the temple's large temple car is pulled through the streets, are among its most revered observances.

Prasadam & Offerings

Prasadam details not independently verified — confirm locally.

Temple Speciality

The temple is one of the largest temple complexes in the Mysuru region, with a tall gopuram, extensive pillared mantapas and inscriptions dating back centuries, reflecting continuous architectural contributions from multiple ruling dynasties across a millennium.

Why Pilgrims Visit

Visitors can experience one of South Karnataka's most historically layered Shiva temples, witness its elaborate daily abhishekam rituals, and, if timed well, take part in its major annual chariot festival.

History & Legend

The Srikanteshwara Temple stands on the right bank of the river Kapila (a tributary of the Kaveri) in the pilgrim town of Nanjangud in Mysuru district, and its history spans over a thousand years, with its earliest permanent stone structures generally attributed to the Ganga dynasty period around the 9th-10th centuries CE. Successive dynasties, including the Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara rulers, the Mysuru Wadiyars and Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan of Mysore, are all credited with adding to or patronising the temple over the centuries. Tipu Sultan is traditionally said to have gifted a jade linga to the temple after his favourite elephant was reportedly cured here, illustrating the shrine's cross-community reputation for healing. The temple today is one of the largest temple complexes in Mysuru district, reflecting this long history of continuous royal and public patronage.

Divine Significance

Nanjangud is popularly called the "Kashi (Varanasi) of the South," and the temple is revered for its association with Lord Shiva as the divine healer and remover of poison, drawing pilgrims who seek relief from illness and affliction alongside general worship of Shiva.

Darshan Timings

The temple is generally open around 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM on regular days, with extended hours on Sundays and festival days (please confirm exact timings with the temple before visiting, as they vary by season and festival).

How To Reach

Nearest airport: Mysuru Airport (about 25-30 km); nearest railway station: Nanjangud Town railway station, with Mysuru Junction (about 23 km) offering wider rail connectivity.

Where To Stay

Nanjangud has some local lodges, while Mysuru city, about 23 km away, offers a much wider range of hotels across all budgets.

Local Food Nearby

Nanjangud and nearby Mysuru are known for traditional Mysuru-style vegetarian cuisine, including Mysore pak and other local sweets, along with typical South Indian tiffin fare available around the temple.

Contact & Official Info

Enquiries can be directed to the Srikanteshwara Temple Trust/management or the Muzrai (Religious and Charitable Endowments) Department of the Karnataka government.

Location Map

View on Google Maps → (12.1189, 76.6925)