Friends, if I tell you about a temple which is related to Lord Rama and Lord Parshuram, wouldn’t you like to visit visit it. I am talking about Shri Kodandarama Temple which is situated at Hiremagalur village in Chikmagalur town of karnataka.
Kondand means bow and arrow. And since lord Rama’s idol is with bow and arrow, this temple is called as Kodandarama Temple.
Shri Kodandarama Temple is a thousands of year old temple, but the legend behind the temple goes back to the times of Lord Rama and Lord Parshurama.
It is said that the idol of Lord Rama here with Ma Sita and Lakshman is from that time and the worship tradition followed here is more than thousands and thousands of year old.
This beautiful Lord Rama temple is a must visit Lord Rama temple in country and one of the prominent temples of the region.
The construction of this temple seems to have been done during different times and different dynasties. And hence you can see both Hoysala architecture and Dravidian Architecture.
The village pond is known as Siddha Pushkarini because it is said that nine siddhas performed penance here.
Since Lord Vishnu’s incarnation, Parashurama, is said to have lived here, the town is also known as Bhargavapuri.
Legend behind shri Kodandarama Temple
As per local legend , Lord Rama subdued bhagwan Parshuram at this place of Hiremaglur.
Lord Parshuram requested Lord Rama to show him the scene of his (Lord Rama’s) marriage. Lord Ram granted him this wish.
And this is why we see here that Ma Sita is on the right hand side of Lord Rama, as it is in Hindu marriages.
This is probably the only idol where you see Ma Sita on the right hand side of Lord Rama.
Kodandarama Temple Architecture
The temple premises is surrounded by brick and mortar wall. The temple is a very ancient one and what we see today is the main temple where pooja is done.
The Garbhagraha i.e the main place where Lord Rama, Ma Sita and Lakshmans idol is placed was constructed during Hoysala times while others during Chola and Chalukyas times. The navaranga and mukhamandapa were constructed later.
Inside the sanctum, on a Hanuman pedestal, there are the figures of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita.
Figures of Vishnu in various forms, such as Hayagriva, Narasimha, and Krishna, are sculpted on the outer walls of the Garbhagraha and Sukhanasi. Lakshmi, Hanuman, Garuda, and Ganapati are also depicted.
Shri Kodandarama Temple timings
The temple is open from 5.00 AM to 12.00 in the noon. Temple is closed till 4.00 PM and then again remains open from 4.00 PM to 9.00 PM in the evening.
How to reach Kodandarama Temple
Kodandarama Temple is in Hiremaglur locality of Chikmaglaur.
Chikmaglur is very well connected to Bangalore / Mangalore and many other cities. You can take bus to reach Chikamaglur or you can also drive down.
The Bangalore – Mangalore highway is a nice drive and if you are travelling from Bangalore it will not take more than 5 to 6 hours and from Mangalore, it can be covered in 4 hours.
The temple is approximately 9 kms from KSRTC bus stand. You can easily get an auto from bus stand to the temple. The fare is approx Rs 80 /- to and fro.
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