A great example of ancient architecture, Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to lord Shiva. It is located at the base of Nandi hills in Karnataka, India.
With its architectural Dravidian style, it attracts diverse artists and devotees. The temple is considered to be one of the earliest ones in Karnataka and its construction dates back to 9th century.
Yali pillars in the vasantha mantapa, a Vijayanagara era addition at Bhoga Nandeeshvara temple, at the base of Nandi Hills#Travel #KarnatakaWorld #IncredibleIndia pic.twitter.com/BMOlblgweC
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Archaeological survey of India found the oldest inscriptions from Nolamba dynasty, Rashtrakuta and Bana emperors. It was later under several south Indian dynasties – Ganga, Chola, Hoysala, Vijayanagara and so on. After Tipu Sultan’s death, the temple came under British rule.
The temple is at a distance of 60 km from Bengaluru which makes it convenient for tourists.
It will take a traveller about 1 to 2 hours to explore the place. Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple has been rated 4.5 on trip advisor.
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A wonder for history lovers, there are green lawns, historic carvings and chariots, tall trees to provide soothing shade and plenty of fresh vibes. People living their hectic lives in Bengaluru can visit this place on Sundays to revive their souls and feel rejuvenated. It is a well maintained place with proper cleanliness and calm environment. Most tourists have listed it as a “must visit” when in Bengaluru.
Architecture
The temple consists of two vast shrines, Arunachaleswara and Bhoga Nandeeshwara. The former shrine was built by Talakad and latter by Cholas, which has a sculptor of king Rajendra Chola. An intermediate shrine is also present in between these two and it is called the Uma-Maheshwara. It is believed that it was added in the post Vijayanagara period when the rulers were Gowdas and Yelahanka.
In Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple #karnatakaworld #bengaluru #nandhihills
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A marriage alter, kalyana mantapa, is present in Uma-Maheshwara with magnificent black stone pillars surrounding it, depicting Lord Shiva with Parvati, Brahma with Saraswathi, Vishnu with Lakshmi and Agni with Swaha Devi.
This is Hoysala architecture with its typical features of creepers and decorative birds in bas relief. From these two major shrines, pyramidal towers and tiered towers rise. Each major shrine consists of a large linga with nandi’s sculpture.
It is believed that during Vijayanagara period in the 16th century, there was an addition of a pavilion of ornate pillars in between the two major shrines. Each large shrine has a sanctum and a mantapa, which is a closed hall. Facing the sanctum, there is a nandi mantapa.
The hall and the vestibule have jali, perforated stone screens. There are two minor shrines outside the bounding wall dedicated to devi, divinity’s female form. Sringeri Teertha is a stepped temple tank where lamps and diyas are lit on festivals.
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Significance of shrines
Arunachaleswara shrine depicts the childhood stage of life of Lord Shiva and the Bhoga Nandeeshwara shrine depicts their youth as per hindu legend. Uma-Maheshwara shrine depicts lord Shiva’s marriage to goddess Parvati. On the top of nandi hills, Yoga Nandeeshwara temple, which is devoid of any festivals, depicts the renunciation stage of lord Shiva’s life. Thus, the temple is purely dedicated to hindu God shiva.
Monuments and ancient architecture has always attracted travelers and it is a must and a convenient visit for people traveling to Bengaluru. Click some glorious pictures with this wonder behind.
Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple at the base of Nandi Hills #karanataka #bengaluru #nandhihills
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