Thursday, 11 December 2025

नमक्कल अंजनयार मंदिर

 नमक्कल अंजनयार मंदिरइतिहास, वास्तुकला और दर्शन-मार्गदर्शिका

तमिलनाडु के नामक्कल शहर में स्थित नमक्कल अंजनयार मंदिर दक्षिण भारत के सबसे भव्य और प्रमुख हनुमान मंदिरों में से एक है। यह मंदिर अपने विशाल 18 फीट ऊँचे एकाश्म (एक ही पत्थर से बने) भगवान अंजनयार (हनुमान) की प्रतिमा के लिए प्रसिद्ध है।

यह प्रतिमा नमागिरी पहाड़ी पर स्थित नरसिंह स्वामी के मंदिर की ओर मुख करके खड़ी है, और हाथ जोड़कर निरंतर उनकी उपासना करते हुए दिखाई देती है। इस प्रतिमा की भव्यता और आध्यात्मिक उपस्थिति मंदिर को अत्यंत विशिष्ट बनाती है।


इतिहास और पौराणिक कथा

मंदिर की कथा गहरी भक्ति और पुराणों से जुड़ी हुई है। मान्यता है कि यहां देवी लक्ष्मी ने तपस्या की थी, जहाँ भगवान विष्णु ने नरसिंह अवतार में प्रकट होकर उनका वरदान स्वीकार किया। उसी समय अंजनयार एक शालिग्राम लेकर देवी लक्ष्मी को दिखाने आए ताकि वे विष्णु की उपस्थिति का अनुभव कर सकें।

अंजनयार शालिग्राम को कुछ समय के लिए लक्ष्मी को सौंपकर चले गए। इसी दौरान वह शालिग्राम बढ़ते-बढ़ते एक विशाल पर्वतनामागिरी पहाड़का रूप ले लिया, और भगवान नरसिंह ने वहीं रहने का निर्णय लिया।

जब अंजनयार लौटे, तो वे शालिग्राम को वापस नहीं ले सके, और स्वयं पर्वत के नीचे खड़े होकर नरसिंह की सदैव उपासना करते रहने लगे।

इसी कथा के आधार पर:

  • नरसिंह मंदिर पहाड़ी पर स्थित है
  • अंजनयार मंदिर नीचे मैदानी क्षेत्र में है
  • और विशाल हनुमान प्रतिमा का नरसिंह मंदिर की ओर मुख होना पौराणिक रूप से महत्वपूर्ण है।

मंदिर परिसर के कई हिस्सों का निर्माण प्राचीन काल में विभिन्न दक्षिण भारतीय राजवंशों द्वारा करवाया गया माना जाता है।


वास्तुकला और भव्य प्रतिमा

मंदिर का सबसे मुख्य आकर्षण है:

🔹 18 फीट ऊँची एकाश्म हनुमान प्रतिमा

  • यह प्रतिमा एक ही पत्थर से तराशी गई है।
  • प्रतिमा खुले स्थान पर स्थित हैइसके ऊपर कोई छत नहीं है।
  • सूरज की रोशनी प्रतिमा पर सीधे पड़ती है, जिससे यह दिनभर अलग-अलग आभा प्रदान करती है।
  • हनुमान जी की मुद्राअंजलि हस्त’ (हाथ जोड़कर) है, जो नरसिंह भगवान के प्रति निरंतर भक्ति का प्रतीक है।

मंदिर में सुंदर स्तंभों वाला मंडप, द्रविड़ शैली की वास्तुकला और त्योहारों के दौरान सजावट देखने योग्य होती है। प्रतिमा का आकार, भाव और सौंदर्य श्रद्धालुओं को अत्यंत प्रभावित करता है।


पूजा-पद्धति, उत्सव और आध्यात्मिक महत्व:-

मंदिर में वैखानस अगम परंपरा के अनुसार पूजा की जाती है। प्रतिदिन चार मुख्य आरतियाँ होती हैं:

  1. सवेरे
  2. दोपहर
  3. शाम
  4. रात्रि

त्योहारों के समय मंदिर में विशेष पूजा, अलंकरण और शोभायात्राओं का आयोजन किया जाता है।

प्रमुख उत्सव:

  • पंगुनी ऊथिरम (मार्चअप्रैल)

       – इस दिन नगर भर में भव्य शोभायात्रा होती है।

  • अंजनयार जन्मोत्सव (हनुमान जयंती)
  • हजारों भक्त दर्शन और प्रार्थना के लिए आते हैं।

भक्त यहाँ विशेष रूप से:

  • विवाह में सफलता
  • संतान प्राप्ति
  • शिक्षा-सफलता
  • ग्रह-दोष शांति

के लिए प्रार्थना करने आते हैं।

मंदिर का प्रबंधन तमिलनाडु के HR&CE विभाग द्वारा किया जाता है।


दर्शन का समय, पहुँच और यात्रा जानकारी

समय (सामान्यतः):

  • सुबह: 6:30 AM – 1:00 PM
  • शाम: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM

(त्योहारों में परिवर्तन संभव है)

कैसे पहुँचें:

  • नामक्कल शहर तमिलनाडु के मध्य-दक्षिण भाग में स्थित है।
  • नज़दीकी बड़े रेलवे स्टेशन: सेलम, इरोड
  • नज़दीकी हवाई अड्डा: सेलम एयरपोर्ट (लगभग 60 किमी)
  • नामक्कल बस स्टैंड से मंदिर पैदल दूरी पर है।

सबसे अच्छा समय:

  • सुबह सूर्योदय के समय
  • या शाम को सूर्यास्त से पहले
  • फोटो लेने के लिए यह समय विशेष रूप से सुंदर माना जाता है।

मंदिर पहुँचने पर क्या अनुभव होगा

मुख्य द्वार से अंदर प्रवेश करते ही विशाल, खुले आकाश के नीचे खड़ी हनुमान प्रतिमा श्रद्धालुओं को अभिभूत कर देती है। त्योहारों के समय प्रतिमा फूलों की माला, हल्दी, चंदन या मक्खन से सजाई जाती हैजो दक्षिण भारत के कई हनुमान मंदिरों की पारंपरिक शैली है।

भक्त आमतौर पर:

  • मालाएँ
  • नारियल
  • प्रसाद
  • और विशेष पूजा के लिए आवेदन

साथ लेकर आते हैं।

ड्रेस कोड:

साधारण, संयमित वेशभूषा रखना बेहतर माना जाता है।

अंदर फोटो-ग्राफी कुछ क्षेत्रों में प्रतिबंधित हो सकती है (स्थानीय निर्देश देखें)


यात्रियों और फ़ोटोग्राफ़रों के लिए सुझाव

  • प्रतिमा सुबह के समय सुनहरे प्रकाश में बेहद सुंदर दिखती हैफ़ोटोग्राफी के लिए श्रेष्ठ समय।
  • सप्ताह के कामकाजी दिनों में भीड़ कम रहती है।
  • यदि शांति चाहिए, तो बड़े त्योहारों वाले दिन जाएँ।
  • यात्रा को और अर्थपूर्ण बनाने के लिए नरसिंह स्वामी मंदिर (नमागिरी पहाड़ी) की यात्रा भी शामिल करें।
  • पानी, कैप और आरामदायक जूते साथ रखें।
  • यदि रुकने की योजना है, तो आसपास कई धर्मशालाएँ और बजट होटल उपलब्ध हैं।

आज का महत्व

नमक्कल अंजनयार मंदिर भक्ति, पौराणिक इतिहास और कला का अद्भुत संगम है। विशाल एकाश्म

हनुमान प्रतिमा, खुला गर्भगृह, और पहाड़ी पर स्थित नरसिंह मंदिरयह त्रिवेणी इस स्थान को असाधारण बनाती है। चाहे आप आध्यात्मिक शक्ति के लिए आएँ या वास्तुकला और भव्यता देखने, यह स्थान हर आगंतुक के मन पर गहरा प्रभाव छोड़ता है।

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Friday, 5 December 2025

Big Bull Nandi Temple Bangalore

 

What is Bull Temple:-

The Bull Temple — also known as Dodda Basavana Gudi — is a historic Hindu temple in the Basavanagudi area of Bengaluru.

It is dedicated to Nandi — the sacred bull and vehicle of Shiva.

The temple houses a massive monolithic statue of Nandi, carved from a single granite boulder. This statue is one of the largest of its kind — about 4.5-5 m tall and 6–6.5 m long (or roughly 15 ft height, ~20 ft length depending on measurement).

Over the years, due to devotees applying oil and charcoal, the statue has turned dark (blackish).

🏛️ History & Legend:-

The temple was constructed in the 16th century by Kempe Gowda I — the founder of Bangalore — around 1537 AD.

According to local legend: the region around Basavanagudi was rich in ground nut cultivation. A bull (Nandi) used to roam and destroy the crops. Farmers — in despair — built the temple to appease it. After consecration, the bull allegedly stopped damaging crops.

To commemorate this, farmers began offering the first yield of ground nuts to Nandi — a tradition that continues today as the annual fair/festival.

🔱The History of Sri Bull Temple:-

The Big Bull Temple picturesquely located in Bengaluru is the first of its kind in India which is why it attracts thousands of pilgrims from India and abroad. It has fascinating story attached to it.

About five hundred years back, there was a hill now known as Bugle Rock, around were fields where groundnuts grew in abundance. There was a host of villages around this spot like Sunkenahalli, Guttahalli etc.,

Once there was a heavy downpour and the fields yielded a bumper peanut crop. After the day-long toil in the fields, the farmers were in deep slumber. On very full Moon light, the full moon light, the Big and beautiful Bull ravaged forcefully through the fields where the bumper harvest and enriched. Thereafter, He disappeared into the night like a divine shadow.

Next Morning, the villagers were naturally shocked and distressed at the sight of the sight of the ruin and destruction which greeted them. Next full Moon Day they appointed a farmer to guard the fields and discover the architect of the ravage. As usual, the big Bull visited the fields. Its body was shining like gold and its eyes sparkled like diamonds. The farmer witnessed this amazing spectacle and reported it to the farmers. He excitedly described the unearthly Bull he had seen. One farmer was so provoked that he hit Bull with a club. The Bull sat there and miraculously transformed into a stone stone Bull.

Thenceforth Bull began to grow day by day. The terrified farmer prayed to lord shiva who directed him to a place a trident on the head of the Bull. The farmer did so, and the Bull's growth stopped miraculously.

Since then, it has become a custom for farmers to make an offering of the first crop to Lord Basavanna at the festival. This is the origin of the Kadlekayi Prishe or the Groundnut Fair, generally held in November (on the last Monday of Kathika Masa), in honour of the sacred Bull.

Once Kempegowda, the founder of Bengaluru came here in disguise. He saw people hurrying to temple and enquired where they were hastening. They told him that they were going to offer worship to Lord Nandi. Kempegowda also offered worship to Nandi. The same night Nandi appeared to him in a dream and indicated a spot where there was a treasure.

Kempeowda built a Nandi Temple on top of nearby hillock and dedicated it to the Big Bull (Dodda Basavanna). A remarkable thing about this temple is that every day Abhishekam (Sacred bath) is performed with milk, butter, ghee and coconut oil.

Special worship is performed and naivedya (Sacred Food) is offered. The people were grateful and happy as the land received sufficient rain.

The Vrishabhavathi:

It is said that this river, Vrishabhavathi sparan from the right foot of Lord Basava. It Flows west ward to the "Garbhagudi" (the sanctum sanctorum) of the Gavigangadhareshwara Temple and joins the Arkavathi river near Kanakapura.

In south India there are 4 Nandi's Carved out of Single Stone, and this is the 2nd biggest Nandi statute. This Nandi is-out-12 feet height and 20 feet in length.

🕉️ Cultural & Religious Significance

The temple doesn’t only draw devotees but also tourists — because of the grandeur of the monolithic bull and the interesting mythological backstory.

Behind the Nandi statue, there’s a Shivalingam — giving the temple direct association with Shiva worship.

Around the temple complex, you’ll find other ancillary shrines/statues (Sun-God, Moon-God, etc.), and nearby attractions, making it part of a larger cultural/spiritual zone.

🎉Festival&Annual Fair: KadalekaiParishe(Groundnut Fair):-

Each year — usually in November or December (Hindu month Karthika) — the temple and surrounding area host the lively “Groundnut Fair”. Farmers bring their first groundnut harvest and offer to Nandi.

On this occasion, the temple area becomes very festive — with stalls selling ground nuts (boiled, fried, honey-roasted, etc.), clay/stone toys, street food, and lots of local flavors.

It’s a good opportunity to experience both religious tradition and local culture.

🌿 Nearby Attractions & What Else to Explore:-

If you visit the Bull Temple, you can also check out nearby places:

Bugle Rock Park — a large rock garden / green space close by.

Dodda Ganapathi Temple — another temple near Basavanagudi, often visited by the same travelers.

Walking around Basavanagudi neighborhood (Basavanagudi vibe) a blend of old-Bangalore charm, culture, local shops and eateries.

Sunday, 30 November 2025

Dakshina Tirupati Temple Hosur

Dakshina Tirupati Temple, also known as Shree Venkateshwara Swamy Temple, is one of the most popular spiritual destinations near Hosur in Tamil Nadu. Situated in the peaceful surroundings of Gopasandram–Kamandoddi, Shoolagiri Taluk, this temple is widely regarded as the southern counterpart of Tirumala Tirupati, hence the name “Dakshina (South) Tirupati.”

The temple is located on a small hillock, giving it a serene, elevated atmosphere that attracts thousands of devotees from Hosur, Krishnagiri, Bangalore, and other surrounding regions.

Historical Background & Significance:-

While not as ancient as the main Tirumala temple, Dakshina Tirupati has earned immense respect due to its spiritual environment and the presence of a beautifully crafted idol of Lord Venkateshwara, closely resembling the deity at Tirupati.

Many devotees believe that visiting this temple brings blessings equivalent to visiting the original Tirumala temple, especially for those who cannot frequently travel there. Over the years, this belief has made Dakshina Tirupati an important spiritual alternative for the local population.

The temple was built with the intention of providing a peaceful devotion space away from the crowded pilgrim centers. Its simplicity, purity, and calmness give it a divine charm. With increasing visitors and its beautiful hilltop location, it has gradually become one of the most cherished temples in the Hosur–Krishnagiri belt.

Location & Scenic Beauty:-

One of the most attractive aspects of Dakshina Tirupati is its scenic surroundings. The temple sits atop a modest hill that offers a 360-degree panoramic view of green fields, rocky landscapes, and distant hill ranges. During monsoon and winter, the area becomes even more breathtaking, with mist and cool winds adding to the mystical feeling.

The climb to the temple is short and easy, usually about 200–300 meters, making it accessible to people of all ages. The path is well maintained, and many visitors have described the walk as refreshing, especially during early mornings and evenings.

Temple Architecture & Deity:-

The architecture of Dakshina Tirupati Temple follows a more traditional South Indian style, with clean, simple lines, a sacred dwelling (garbhagriha), and a peaceful courtyard. The sanctum houses the idol of Lord Venkateshwara, decorated with flowers, jewelry, and traditional ornaments. The idol’s design, posture, and appearance strongly resemble the Tirumala Venkateshwara idol, which is the primary reason the temple is referred to as Dakshina Tirupati.

The temple complex includes various smaller shrines dedicated to other deities such as Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Hanuman, giving devotees multiple spaces for prayer and reflection.

Spiritual Atmosphere & Ritual Practices:-

One of the biggest highlights of the temple is its highly peaceful and divine atmosphere. Many devotees come not only for darshan but also to sit quietly for meditation or prayer. Because the temple is slightly away from town areas, the noise is minimal, providing a calm environment ideal for spiritual rejuvenation.

Regular pujas, alankaram, and archana are performed throughout the week. Special days such as Saturday, Ekadashi, Vaikunta Ekadashi, Brahmotsavam, and festival periods witness higher crowds, but even then, the environment remains orderly compared to larger temples.

Many families visit the temple to perform special prayers for health, career, marriage, and prosperity, believing that Lord Venkateshwara’s blessings here are powerful and fulfilling.

Accessibility & Travel Information:-

Dakshina Tirupati is easily accessible from:

  • Hosur town – approx. 15–17 km
  • Krishnagiri – approx. 25 km
  • Bengaluru (Electronic City) – approx. 50–55 km

The temple stands close to the Bengaluru–Krishnagiri highway, making it convenient for those traveling by bike, car, or taxi. Public buses also pass close to Kamandoddi village, from where autos and shared vehicles are available.

There is parking space at the foothill, and basic facilities such as drinking water are available, though devotees are advised to carry essentials, especially during hot months.

Visitor Experience:-

Visitors often describe the temple as:

  • Peaceful and quiet, perfect for a short spiritual break
  • Less crowded compared to major temples
  • Clean and well maintained
  • Scenic, especially good for family trips
  • Good for morning and evening visits due to weather

The cool breeze at the hilltop, soothing temple bells, and gentle chants of priests create a memorable

experience for anyone visiting.

Best Time to Visit:

The temple is open throughout the year; however, the ideal seasons are:

  • July to February – pleasant climate
  • Early mornings / evenings – best for photography and serenity

Festival days are spiritually vibrant, though slightly more crowded.

Saturday, 29 November 2025

Kotilingeshwara Temple Kolar

🛕 Kotilingeshwara Temple – Detailed Information

⭐ 1. Location

  • Situated in Kammasandra village, near Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), Karnataka.
  • Approx 100 km from Bangalore (2–2.5 hours’ drive).

2. History & Significance

  • Temple construction began in the 1980s by Sri Swami Sambha Shiva Murthy.
  • His vision was to install one crore (10 million) Shiva Lingas.
  • The temple is named “Kotilingeshwara” meaning Lord of 1 Crore Lingas.

3. Record-breaking Features

33-meter (108 ft) Shiva Linga

  • One of the tallest Shiva Lingas in the world.

 Nandi Statu

A massive 11-meter (36 ft) Nandi, facing the giant Shiva Linga.

 Nearly 90+ lakh Lingas installed

  • Installed by devotees, families, businesses, and pilgrims.
4. Temple Architecture
  • Unique layout with lakhs of Shivlinga rows spread across:
    • Open ground
    • Mandapas
    • Pathways
    • Elevated steps
  • The central section contains the giant Maha Shiva Linga, visible from far distance.

5. Worship & Rituals

👉 Regular Poojas

  • Abhishekam (Milk, Water, Honey)
  • Rudrabhishekam
  • Maha Aarti

👉 Special Seva

  • Devotees can install their own Shiva Linga with their name engraved.
  • Many families install linga for:
    • Prosperity
    • Health
    • Peace
    • Ancestral blessings

👉 Major Festival

  • Maha Shivaratri
    • Grand celebrations
    • Lakhs of devotees visit
    • Overnight Jagaran & cultural programs

6. Facilities in Temple

  • Drinking water
  • Large parking area
  • Restrooms
  • Annadanam hall
  • Rooms for stay (managed by temple trust)
  • Shops for pooja items and prasadam

7. Nearby Places to Visit

  • Antara Gange Temple & Caves – 30 km
  • Kolaramma Temple – 20 km
  • Bangaru Tirupati – 35 km
  • Someshwara Temple (Chola Architecture) – 20 km

8. Best Time to Visit
  • Morning: 6 AM – 11 AM
  • Evening: 5 PM – 8 PM
  • Peak season:
    • July–January
    • Shivaratri

9. Travel Information

From Bangalore

  • Route: KR Puram → Hoskote → Kolar → Kotilingeshwara
  • Drive time: 2 to 2.5 hours
  • Best travel mode: Car / Bike

From Hosur

  • Distance: 95 km
  • Route: Hosur → Bagalur → Sarjapur → Malur → Kolar