About Srikanteshwara Temple, Nanjangud
The Srikanteshwara Temple, also known as the Nanjundeshwara Temple, stands on the right bank of the Kapila (Kabini) river in the town of Nanjangud, about 25 km south of Mysuru. Shiva is worshipped here as Nanjundeshwara, which means the god who swallowed the poison, recalling the halahala that rose during the churning of the ocean. The town takes its name from the deity, and its holiness has earned it the title Dakshina Kashi, the Kashi of the south. With its huge courtyards and halls, it is one of the largest temple complexes in Karnataka.
Tradition calls the place Garalapuri. According to legend, Shiva appeared here to destroy the demon Keshi and promised to remain to bless devotees. Another story tells that Parashurama came here to atone for a sin, and when his axe accidentally struck the linga, it was healed with mud, which is why devotees regard the earth and water here as healing. Many come seeking relief from illness. Historically, the shrine is thought to go back to the Gangas, with the sanctum dating to the Chola period around the 11th century, a hall added under the Hoysalas, and later additions under Vijayanagara and the Wodeyars of Mysore, who were major patrons. The rulers Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan are also remembered for gifts to the temple.
The great gopuram over the entrance, about 120 feet tall, was built in 1845 by Devarajammanni, a queen of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III, and is crowned with gilded kalashas. Inside are long pillared corridors lined with many lingas and images of Shiva in different forms, a large stone Nandi installed in 1644, shrines of Parvati and Narayana, and a sculpture of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III with his queens.
Srikanteshwara Temple, Nanjangud timings & aarti
Usually open from about 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning abhishekam and puja | Around 6:00 AM (approx.) |
| Noon puja | Around midday (approx.) |
| Evening puja | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Srikanteshwara Temple, Nanjangud
By air
Mysuru Airport is about 18 km away; Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, is about 190 km away.
By train
Nanjangud Town station is about 1 km away; Mysuru Junction is about 25 km away.
By road
Frequent buses run from Mysuru, and the town lies on the highway to Ooty and Kerala.
Festivals at Srikanteshwara Temple, Nanjangud
- Dodda Jatre (chariot festival)Mar/Apr
- Chikka JatreNov/Dec
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Girija KalyanaVaries
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Traditional clothing is preferred; men may be asked to remove shirts for some sevas. Remove footwear before entering.
- Entry
- Free general darshan; tickets are charged for special darshan and sevas.
- Many pilgrims bathe in the Kapila river before darshan; use the marked ghats.
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the weekend crowd from Mysuru.
- Combine the visit with Mysuru Palace and Chamundi Hills.
- Leave footwear at the counter near the main gate.
Places to visit near Srikanteshwara Temple, Nanjangud
- Parashurama TempleShrine linked with the Parashurama legend, about 1 km away
- Suttur MathHistoric monastery on the Kapila, about 15 km away
- Chamundeshwari Temple, Chamundi HillsHilltop goddess temple of Mysuru, about 25 km away
- Mysuru PalaceGrand palace of the Wodeyars, about 25 km away
Frequently asked questions
Why is Nanjangud called Dakshina Kashi?
Because the Nanjundeshwara temple is regarded as being as holy as Kashi, and bathing in the Kapila and praying here is believed to remove sins.
What does Nanjundeshwara mean?
It means the god who swallowed the poison, referring to Shiva drinking the halahala during the churning of the ocean.
What are the Nanjangud temple timings?
It usually opens around 6:00 AM, closes in the afternoon, and reopens until about 8:30 PM. Check locally before visiting.
How far is Nanjangud from Mysuru?
Nanjangud is about 25 km from Mysuru by road.
What is the aarti time at Srikanteshwara Temple, Nanjangud?
Morning abhishekam and puja: Around 6:00 AM (approx.); Noon puja: Around midday (approx.); Evening puja: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Srikanteshwara Temple, Nanjangud?
Traditional clothing is preferred; men may be asked to remove shirts for some sevas. Remove footwear before entering.
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