Srikanteshwara – A Bhavaroga Vaidya
Nanjangud, one of the ancient and
well-known pilgrimage centers of Karnataka is at a distance of about 25kms from
Mysore and is famous for its temple dedicated to Shiva described as Nanjundeshwara.
Nanjunda means one who has consumed poison and this legend relates to the
churing of the ocean when Shiva had to consume haalahala. Nanjunda became Visha
kanta and also Srikanta for having digested it. Hence the deity is also
known as Srikanteshwara, one cures diseases.
The town is situated on the banks
of the Kapila or Kabini River where a dip in its waters on any momentous
occasion is considered to be more meritotious than a dip in the Ganges. It is
therefore hailed as Dakshina Kashi. In addition, the waters and the soil around
the banks are believed to possess curative properties and thus, Sri
Nanjundeshwara is also worshipped as bhavaroga
vaidya. Tippu Sultan called him Hakim
Nanjunda and gifted an emerald Linga and a valuable emerald necklace as
votive offerings for having cured his favourite elephant of an eye disease.
A Holy Abode
Reffered to as Garalapuri in the
Puranas, Nanjangudu has been praised as a holy place sanctified by Parasurama
and Gauthama. Parashurama, it is said, prayed for the grace of Srikanteshwara
to expiate himself of the sin of beheading his mother Renuka. Folk legends call
the place as the dwelling of Nanjayya
later identified as shiva with ballads on Nanjayya describing his romantic interlude
with Chamundi of Mysore.
The Srikanteshwara temple of
Nanjangudu is the biggest temple in Karnataka. A thousand – year old history
has made a signal contribution to the massive proportions of the temple as
kings and rulers endeavored to surpass the other in building and extending this
abode of Shiva, the protector of the land. Chola Kings in the 11th – 12th
century are considered to have set in motion the construction of the temple
with significant additions by the Hoysalas and the Vijayanagara kings. The
temple was developed on a full scale during the era of the Mysore rulers and
reached its mammoth proportions due to devotion of Krishna Raja Odeyar towards
the deity.
On the banks of the kapila are the
Parashurama Kshetra, and people firmly believe that a pilgrimage to Nanjangudu
would be incomplete without a prayer here. There are other temples dedicated to
Gauthama, Ganapathi, Dattatreya has also Raghavendra Swami Mutt and Virasaiva
Mutts.
Sevas and Festivals
Sri Srikanteshwara is worshipped everyday through Abhisheka and Pooja conducted as per Shaivagama. Mondays, New Moon days and full Moon days are of special significance. Girija Kalyana held in the month of Mithuna (July) is a grand celebration of the marriage of Shiva with Parvati and it is a feast to the eyes to witness both these bejeweled deities resplendent in all their finery. The temple possesses five exquisitely carved wooden chariots and three among them are pulled on the occasion of Chikka Jathra held in the month of Vrischika (November) and all the five chariots during the Panchamaharathotsava in the month of April. This festival lasts for 10 days. Maha Shivarathri and Navarathri are other festivals celebrated with devotion and fervor on a very grand scale.