Nanjangud – A Land of Temples

A small town in Mysore in Karnataka, Nanjangud is also known as Garalapuri. The town is famous for the Nanjundeswara temple located there. Nanjangud is only 23 kms from Mysore and is located on the bank of River Kabini.

The name has its origin from Lord Shiva who consumed poison to save the Earth.
It is believed that Nanjunda became Vishakanta after consumption of the poison. Hence, the name Nanjangud, it is also believed by the devotees that the Lord cures various diseases.

Nanjangud literally means the place where Nanjundeshwara lives. Nanjungud Rasabaley, is a popular variety of bananas found in the town. It has made the town famous across the region.

History of Nanjangud

It is believed that the temple was constructed by the Kings of Chola in the 12thcentury. A range of additions was carried out by the Hoysala Kings. The kings of Mysore carried out a range of renovations in the temple.

Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali were closely connected to the temple. Nanjangud is well known as Varanasi of the South. Hyder Ali has donated a necklace to the God because his eye was cured by the holy water of the temple

Nanjundeshwara Temple:

The town is extremely famous for Srikanteshwara or Nanjundeshwara Temple. People believe that the linga in the temple was installed by the Sage Gautama, who stayed here as well. The temple has a range of minor shrines that are of prominent importance, these include Natya Ganapath, Narayana with consorts, Chandikeswara and many more.

A car festival or Rathotsava is organized twice a year at the temple.  Idols of the Lord Ganapathi, Lord Chandikeshwara, Lord Subramanya, Lord Srikanteshwara and Goddess Parvathi are placed in separate chariots and a special pooja is performed.

Parashurama Kshetra:

Kaundinya and Kabini rivers meet to form a Sangam near Nanjangud. This place is known as Parashurama Kshetra, it derives the name from the Sage Parashurama who is believed to have cleaned himself in the river after beheading his mother.

Oldest Railway Bridge in India

The Bridge over the River Kabini is one of the oldest bridges in India. It has a railway line as well as a road over the bridge. The bridge is 281 years old and is located at the entrance of the town. It is considered as a Heritage Monument by the Government.

How to Reach Nanjangud

By Air

The nearest airport to Nanjangud is Mysore which is at a distance of 23 kms.

By Rail

Nanjangud has a railway station and various trains to Mysore are available from there.

By Road

The town can be reached by road. It is 163 kms from Bangalore and 23 kms from Mysore. There are buses plying from Mysore as well as Chamarajanagar.

Best Time to visit:

 Oct to Mar

Open Time:

6:00 AM - 1:30 PM 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM (for Sundays)

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