Being an unusual construction, not much is known about the history and inception of the Veerabhadreshwara Temple except for the confirmed fact that it was established during the reign of the Vijayanagara period. It is believed that the cave shrine was built during the reign of Krishna Deva Raya, the sixth ruler of the Sangama Dynasty in the Vijayanagara Empire.
Veerabhadreshwara
Temple is dedicated to an avatar of Lord Shiva- Veerabhadra. According to
mythology, Veerabhadra was created from the wrath of Lord Rudra after his wife
Goddess Sati self-immolated herself during the great Yagna in the palace of her
father King Daksha.
In tune with the location of most of the temples of Lord Shiva and his avatars, the Veerabhadreshwara Temple also stands on a pristine landscape near Kalhattipura, around 20 km south of Tarikere town in the Chikmagalur and about 10 km from Kemmannagundi. The temple stands quaint and mystic against the backdrop of the gorgeous Kalhatti Falls.
The metallic idols of Lord Veerabhadreshwara and Goddess Bhadrakali rest inside an ancient cave carved out between gigantic rocks. The entrance of this ancient temple is skirted with interesting stone carvings of three elephants. The sculptures of the deities as well as the indigenous art displayed on the rock carvings are a must see.
One must cross a small and shallow pool of water from the Kalhatti Falls to reach the temple. The raw and untampered nature of the temple, untouched by the artistic and scientific hands of men, lends the Veerabhadreshwara Temple a cabalistic and spiritual appeal. Devotees throng this temple seeking wealth, knowledge, salvation, and relief from chronic ailments.