Today let me take you Shri Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, which is at the foothills or Nandi Hills.
We all are quite well aware of Nandi hills. A very popular weekend destination for many Bangloreans.
However many of us don’t know that there is a very old temple dedicated to lord Shiva at the foot of Nandi hills ( at the height of around 4851 ft ). The temple is called as Shri Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple.
This is one of the oldest temples of Karnatka and is more than a 1000 years old.
The temple premise has 3 main temples – Arunachaleswara, Uma Maheshwara and Bhoga Nandeeshwara.
The temple premises is around 55 to 60 Kms from Bangalore ( based on the part of city you live in )
Bhoga Nandeeshwara is the main temple and has a majestic Shiva Linga in the Sanctum. This temple is said to have been built by the Cholas.
The pillars are covered in beautiful carvings. The Nandi Idol in front of the Sanctum in this temple is very attractive.
The temple was originally constructed during the 9th century AD by Bana Queen Ratnavali ( Bana dynasty and was around 806 AD )
So this temple stands out when it comes to its architectural beauty and is adorned with engravings.
According to the Archeological Society of India ( ASI ), engravings from Nolamba traditional ruler Nolambadiraja and Rashtrakuta head Govinda III can be found at Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple.
Copper plates of the Bana rulers Jayateja and Dattiya will is also on display.
So this temple in Chikballapur, Karnataka, is a fantastic example of Nolamba architecture, with pilasters on the outer walls and a dancing Shiva and Durga on a buffalo head. A large Shiva linga and Nandi sculpture can be found at each of the major shrines here.
The original temple was extended during the successive five dynasties under Chola, Hoysala, Pallava and Vijayanagara kings.
Uma-Maheshwara Shrine
Lord Shiva’s marriage to the Goddess Parvati, is depicted in the Uma-Maheshwara Shrine at this beautiful temple. Many newlywed couples from all over the country travel here to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.
How to reach Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple
This temple is around 60 Kms from Bangalore city center.
It is a very easy to reach here. Take NH7 towards international airport. Come to Hebbal and head towards international airport.
Go straight to Devanhalli. As soon as you cross Devanhalli, you will find a left marking for Nandi hills (its second signal on the NH7).
Once you take left, keep driving till dead end (almost 15 kms). Take right at “T” junction and travel for another 4 Kms and you will find Bhoga Nandeeswara temple there.
So that was if you are in Bangalore / near by areas and are driving to the temple.
By Air: If you are travelling to Bangalore by air, then this temple is around 30 Kms from BKempegowda International Airport and is in Chikkabalpur district. You can easily get a cab/taxi from airport to reach this temple.
By Train: If you are travelling by train, the Chikkabalpur has a railway station. But remember Bangalore is much well connected to other parts of country to travelling to Bangalore would be a nice idea and you can get down at the sub urban railway stations of Bangalore like Yeshwantpur, Doddabbalapura or Yelahanka and take a cab / taxi from there.
Bhoga nandeeshwara temple timings
Monday 7:30 AM–7 PM
Tuesday 7:30 AM–7 PM
Wednesday 7:30 AM–7 PM
Thursday 7:30 AM–7 PM
Friday 7:30 AM–7 PM
Saturday 7:30 AM–7 PM
Sunday 7:30 AM–7 PM
Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple Gallery
Lawn in front of Shri Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple
You may also like: Temples in Chikkaballapur ( Temples near Bangalore )
[…] Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple […]
[…] Living in Bengaluru (Bangalore), one of the first thing which comes to our mind we think of a weekend trip is Nandi Hills. What most of us do not know that Nandi hills was known for two ancient temples. One at the top of the hill and one at the bottom. The one at the bottom of the hill is known as Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple. We have written about this beautiful and historically important temple before. You can read more about it here. […]
This is quite old temple and is very impressive. Club it with your Nandi hills trip.