The Nanjundeshwara Temple (also called
Srikanteshwara Temple) is an ancient temple in the Hindu pilgrimage town of
Nanjanagudu. The temple is located in the town on the right bank of river
Kapila, a tributary of the Kaveri. Nanjangudu is also known as "Dakshina
Prayaga."
Nanju in Kannada means poison; the name Nanjundeshwara
means the "God who Drank the Poison" (haalahala), a word that
has its origins in the legend of the Great Churning of the Ocean of Milk; thus
the town got the name 'Nanjangudu' which means "the abode of the god
Nanjundeshwara".
The "Dodda Jaathre" festival at Nanjangud
by temple attracts thousands of devotees. The festivities in the fair include
five colorful chariots that are pulled by devotees on a path called the ratha
beedi. Parasurama temple is near to Nanjundeshwara temple.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Srikanteshwara_Temple,_Nanjangud
The temple is the focal point of many religious
festivals. The annual Panchamaha Rathothsava sees devotees from both
Srivaishnava and Vaishnava sects come together.
The Ganapathi Ratha is the first of these 5
chariots. It is followed by the Chandikeshwara Ratha, the Gautama Ratha,
Subramanya Ratha, and lastly the Parvathi Ratha. The Gautama Ratha is about 90
feet tall.
During the Mahashivarathri festival, devotees take
a dip at the Kapila river before visiting the temple.
How To
Reach
By Air
At a distance of 15.4 km, the Mysore Airport is the
best way to reach the temple by air. Visitors can get a taxi or drive from the
airport to the temple.
By Rail
The Nanjanagudu railway station is the closest
station to the temple and is a mere 12-minute walk.
By Road
There are a number of local buses that connect Nanjangud.