Hasanamba Temple — Attraction in Karnataka

Hasanamba Temple is located in Hassan city of Hassan district, Karnataka.The town of Hassan was named after the presiding deity in the Hasanamba temple.She is known as Hasanamba because she is ever smiling.The temple was built during the reign of Hoysala dynasty under Channa Krishnappa Nayaka Palayakar, around the 12th century.This happened when he went on a business trip, he came across a rabbit. This is considered inauspicious. Manifest Goddess Swaroopini said - build a temple in this place, I will settle here as Hassanambe.

This temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakti or Amba.Goddess Hasanamba is worshiped in the Linga form, and it is believed that this Goddess smiles calmly and shows mercy to the devotees, she is also harsh on those who choose to harm her devotees. It is believed that Mother Goddess protects her devotees from any trouble.From the epic Ramayana there is an unusual depiction of Ravana with nine heads, instead of ten, playing the veena. The reason for this image inside the garbhagriha is unknown but nevertheless very interesting. There are actually three shrines here dedicated to Hasanamba Devi, Darbar Ganapati and Siddeshwara Swamy.There is also a shrine dedicated to Kallappa.

According to the 114 AD inscription at Kuduru Gandhi, it is believed that seven Matrikyas, namely, Brahmidevi, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Indrani and Durga, Chamundi came here from Varanasi on a southward excursion. Inside the temple, Maheshwari, Kaumari, and Vaishnavi are present in symbolic forms residing in three anthills within the temple. Meanwhile, Varahi, Indrani, and Chamundi are believed to reside in a pond in the middle of the town.Brahmani is known as Kenchamma, who resides in Kenchamma's Hoskote about 35 kilometers away from Hassan.

Since the time of Krishnappa Nayaka, the temple of Hasanambe is opened on the Thursday following Ashwayuga Masa Pournami.As per wishes of Devi conveyed to him in his dream, the temple is opened once a year. Thousands of devotees come as darshan seekers on that day and get darshan of the goddess. It is a pure feeling for the devotees who gaze at the awe-inspiring scene of the Adisaktiswarupini Hasanambe at Huttadopadi in the sanctum sanctorum Thus once a year the door of the temple is opened in the presence of the important Tehsildars/ Commissioner MLAs etc. The temple opens only for 7 to 9 days in the month of Ashwayuja during Diwali. Tourists are allowed to visit the temple only once a year during the Hindu festival of Diwali in October. It is considered special to have a darshan during the festival of Diwali.

Temple's Miracle- 1.Sose Kallu :- Inside the main shrine of the temple, there's a stone called "Sose Kallu" opposite the idol of Hasanamba. It is believed that Amma Hasanamba, who tortured the devotee (son-in-law) of the goddess, turned her mother-in-law to stone in front of her. This stone moves forward about the distance of a grain of raagi (finger millet) every year. It is believed that the stone moves one inch every year and when it reaches Hasanamba's lotus feet the period of Kaliyuga ends. 2.Kallappa Gudi :- Once four robbers tried to rob Hasanamba and Devi's ornaments and turn them into stones. And these four stones can still be seen in the temple premises as Kallappa Gudi. 3.Once a daughter-in-law left her housework and meditated on the goddess, her mother-in-law took out the bowl of sandalwood in front of the goddess and poured it on her daughter-in-law's head. The daughter-in-law cried, "Amma Hasanambe." Save me, mother," she shouted. The goddess heard his devotional cry and became a stone in his presence. 4.One of the temple's unique wonders happens every year. Before closing the temple doors for the season, the priests light a lamp, place offerings like a flower,bangles and food, and close the doors.When the temple reopens the next year:-

(Continued to Siddheshwara...

Hasanamba Temple, located in Hassan, Karnataka, is a remarkable shrine dedicated to the goddess Hasanamba (a form of Durga). Built around the 12th century under the Hoysala dynasty, the temple is notable not only for its architecture but also for its mystical traditions and annual rituals.

Architecture & Environment The temple showcases Hoysala architectural features and retains many elements that reflect its long history. The main sanctum houses a simple yet potent idol of the goddess, and it includes intriguing carvings — for instance, a nine‑headed image of the demon‑king Ravana playing the veena. The surroundings of the temple provide a tranquil atmosphere — stone pathways, ancient walls, and a calm ambience that invites reflection and devotion. The forested environment and natural setting around Hassan add to the peaceful feel of the visit.

Unique Traditions & the Lamp of Wonder One of the most celebrated aspects of Hasanamba Temple is the tradition of the Akhand‑deepa (ever‑burning lamp). Each year, before the temple is closed for its annual period of rest, a ghee lamp is lit, fresh rice is offered, and flowers placed inside. The temple doors are sealed, and when reopened months later, the lamp is still burning and the offerings appear fresh — a phenomenon that amazes many devotees. The temple is open to the public only during a specific period around Deepavali (usually in the Hindu month of Ashwayuja). For the rest of the year, it remains closed, enhancing its aura of mystery and devotion.

Lighting & Festive Ambience During the period the temple is open, the entire space is beautifully lit, especially in the evening hours, creating a spiritual ambiance filled with lights, decorations, and devotional fervor. The lighting not only highlights the temple towers and carvings but also enhances the experience of pilgrimage for many. Large crowds gather, and colorful light decorations, festive lamps and traditional oil lights blend with modern lighting to create a serene yet celebrative atmosphere.

Devotee Experience The environment is deeply spiritual; many report a sense of calm and devotion on entering the sanctum. The reason for visiting often goes beyond darshan — the mysteries and traditions surrounding the temple add to the emotional and spiritual experience. Many devotees recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid the peak crowd and to spend quiet time in the temple complex.

Accessibility & Practical Information The temple is in the town of Hassan, well‑connected by road and rail from Bengaluru and other major cities. During festival time, large crowds are expected; special passes and crowd‑control measures are often in place.

Points to Consider Because the temple is opened only for a limited period each year, planning and timing is important. Although cleanliness and infrastructure are good, some parts of the temple complex may benefit from further upkeep especially given the ancient nature of the site. Parking can be tight during festival time, so arriving early...

THIS temple is unique,perhaps one among very few,open to darshan only for few days,around fortnight,during pre diwali period. History goes that temple is around 12th century,built by Hoysala king Krishna Nayaka,so architecture resembles Beluru Halebeedu temples.Though 700yrs old,well maintained.In its premises Lord Siddeshwara,Nagadevata,& four decoits temple who came to loot the valuables but reduced to stone. Sapthamatrikas while moving southwards,3 of them ,Mata Maheshwari,Mata Kaumari,Mata Vaishnavi were attracted by scenic beauty of this area n settled happily by inspiring Hoysala king in his dreams n others four matrikas moved further. These 3 mathrikas were so happy n smily,the place called Hassan by lapse of time,from Hasanamba,meaning divine smile. These dieties protected & blessed this area from all negativity,hence once called Poorman's Ooty,Hassan grew to this level. Hasanamba festival this year made arrangements par excellence,really hatsoff to organisers.Regularly more than 2.5lakhs devotees visit by way of free dharmadarshan,300 Rs SheegraDarshan n 1000Rs superfast VIP.Devotees donate buy tickets out of reverence to this temple. Flower decoration is really sooperb.Care n concern by police,homeguards,scouts boys n girls,medical facility in emergency,serving water,Laddu prasadam to ticket holders,Rice prasadam to one n all......highly commendable. Temple gets closed by Balipadyami,Sanctum sanctorium gets locked by an antique lock with no key but a lever. Dieities would be lit by huge ghee lamps,beutiefied by flower decoration,offered Naivedyam before Three Matrikas,.....alas..............

Next year while opening the temple doors,ghee lamp ,flower decoration ,food.....all would be found FRESH.

Sanatan dharma n its glory,people faith,fame of dieties.....perhaps no science has answer......however world developes technologically digitally.

Should there be any lapse of this miracle,flower / Naivedyam going bad,ghee lamps not burn.....wud be a bad omen....n...