Sri Dakshinamukha Nandi Tirtha Kalyaani Kshetra — Attraction in Bengaluru

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...

The Sri Dakshinamukha Nandi Tirtha Temple, also known simply as Nandi Tirtha, is a historic and unique temple located in the Malleswaram area of Bangalore, Karnataka, India. This temple is notable for its distinctive architectural design and the natural water spring that plays a central role in its worship practices.

Key Features and History:

Nandi Statue and Water Spring: The temple is built around a Nandi statue (the bull mount of Lord Shiva) facing south (hence "Dakshinamukha" meaning south-facing). Water continuously flows from the mouth of the Nandi statue, creating a small stream that feeds into a tank (pushkarni) below. This phenomenon is considered sacred and miraculous by devotees.

Architectural Design: The temple is constructed in a traditional South Indian style, with intricate carvings and stone pillars. It is situated below ground level, creating a serene and cool environment within the temple premises.

Historical Significance: The temple is believed to be centuries old, though its exact date of establishment is unclear. Local legends and historical references suggest that it could be several hundred years old. It was discovered relatively recently in the late 20th century when the area around it was being developed. The temple had been buried and forgotten over time.

Religious Practices: Devotees visit the temple to offer prayers to Nandi and Shiva. The water flowing from the Nandi's mouth is considered holy and is used for ablution and purification rituals. Festivals such as Maha Shivaratri are celebrated with great fervor at the temple, drawing large crowds.

Location: The temple is located in the bustling residential and commercial area of Malleswaram, which is known for its cultural and historical heritage.

Visiting the Temple:

Accessibility: The temple is easily accessible by road and public transport within Bangalore. Malleswaram is well-connected and has ample amenities for visitors. Timings: Like most temples, it typically opens in the early morning and closes in the evening, with a break in the afternoon. It’s advisable to check the specific timings before visiting.

The Sri Dakshinamukha Nandi Tirtha Temple is a fascinating blend of spirituality, history, and architecture, making it a must-visit site for those interested in the cultural and religious heritage...

Dakshinamukha Nandi Tirtha Kalyaani Kshetra is located at Malleshwaram of Bangalore Urban district, Karnataka.

About the temple- As the name suggests, Sri Dakshinamukha Nandi Tirtha Kalyani Kshetra has idols of Nandi and Shiva facing south. Such south facing idols are a rarity and therefore the Shiva here is also called as 'Dakshinamurthy". The idol of Nandi is situated on a platform above the Shivalinga and there is a continuous flow of water from Nandi's mouth onto the Shivalinga.The source of water from Nandi's mouth is unknown and it falls directly on the Shivalinga. The water is said to possess medicinal properties. Several devotees have benefitted from consuming this water as teertha.

History of the temple- The temple is over 400 years old. The whole temple was submerged under the soil and only the upper part of the Nandi's head was visible. In 1997, with the help of the residents of Malleshwaram, politically influential people helped in saving the temple plot from those with real estate interests and excavated the land.To their surprise, they discovered an elaborately built temple tank with idols of Shivalinga, Nandi with fish and turtles in the tank. When the mouth of the bull was cleaned, a small miracle happened and water started pouring out uninterruptedly.All the Vastu principles for building Hindu temples have been followed. Carvings of snakes, tortoises and fish can be seen on the steps of the Kalyani.

Poojas & Festivals- Special Poojas and festivals are observed, namely Dakshinamurthy Pooja, Pradosha Kaala Pooja, Kartika Maasa Pooja, Maasa Shivaratri, Mahashivaratri, Special Poojas on Monday and Sankranti Special Poojas

During Dakshinamurthy Pooja, a sacred thread called "Dakshina Murthy' thread is tied to devotees'wrists. This thread is believed to bestow 'Guru Bala', meaning, helping in overcoming hurdles of professional, marriage and other important aspects of life. During Kartika Maasa, the steps in front of the deities are light with oil lamps and devotees witness the divine form of Shiva and Nandi in the oil lamps' light, without any electricity.

Morning 8 to 11 and evening 5 to 8 temple is open.After darshan you get an option to buy temple prasadam (Obbattu, boondi laddu and theerta jala) - INR. 50 In total there are 4 temples near to this temple, a nice place for devotees to spend some time in a...