Sri Dakshinamukha Nandi Tirtha Kalyaani Kshetra

To know the rich cultural heritage of Bangalore you have to visit the older quarters of this historic city. In Malleswaram located in northwestern part of the city you will find a cluster of temples in the middle of the busy market selling many varieties of vegetables, flowers, banana leaves, fruits and whatnot. A complete change from the dusty, crowded multi-storied buildings of I.T. hub. Small houses with tiny windows in the narrow lanes will make you remember the olden times. It is the locality where many Tamil Brahmin families settled. So we feel a clear resemblance to that of a small colony in a town.

We saw a small entrance with the idol of a big Nandi on the top of the western entrance. As we entered we saw a small pond in the center within an enclosure. Nobody is allowed to wash their limbs there. We saw many black turtles and white fish in the crystal-clear water. A corridor with many pillars is seen at an elevated level around the pond. A stream of water flows from the mouth of a stone idol of south-facing Nandi perched on a higher level. Just below a Shiva Linga is seen over which water falls from a brass vessel hung over the idol. The stream of water from Nandi’s mouth flowing through a pipe and falling into the vessel over the Shiva Linga collects into the water tank (called Kalyani in Kannada).

The water from Kalyani is evacuated into the open well outside the temple. This water is considered very pure with herbal properties and is taken as holy teertham by devotees. Nobody knows the origin of this water flow. It might be a natural spring behind from where water is flowing through Nandi’s mouth. On the left side of Shiva Linga the shrine of Ganesh is seen and a Navagraha platform is found on the right side. Just behind Nandi’s idol the figures of Lord Shiva with Parvati, Ganesha and Subrahmanya are engraved on gold-coated brass panels. In many temples Nandi is seen at a lower level facing Shiva Linga. But here Nandi is seen above the Shiva Linga. This temple is considered to be a part of the nearby Kadu Malleswara temple. According to Archeological Survey of India, this Nandi Teertha Kalyani temple was built in 17th century in Maratha style without any decorative designs. The Maratha king, Venkoji, stepbrother of Shivaji built this temple. The temple is below ground level and has no gopuram or tower. For many years it was buried under mud. In 1990’s when construction work was started, it was discovered by chance. No changes or additions were made to this temple except the western entrance with a huge idol of Nandi on the top of the arch. A beautiful garden with many shady trees adds charm to this historic temple. The temple timings are from 7.30 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Many special poojas are held during Maha Shiva Rathri and during Kartik month.