Sri Bhoga Nandishwara Gudi — Attraction in Karnataka

🏛️ Historical Background Origins (9th century): Built around 806 CE by Nolambadi rulers (Nolambadiraja) and Rashtrakuta emperor Govinda III, as per inscriptional evidence gotirupati.com +7 templeinkarnataka.com +7

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Dynastic contributions: Successively enhanced by the Bana, Ganga, Chola, Hoysala, and Vijayanagara dynasties—each adding unique features while preserving its Dravidian aesthetic the-deccan.in +10 gotirupati.com +10 kevinstandagephotography.wordpress.com +10 .

ASI protection: Recognized as a national monument by the Archaeological Survey of India hindutemples-india.blogspot.com +2 en.wikipedia.org +2 economictimes.indiatimes.com +2 .

🏗️ Architectural Features Twin shrines: North shrine – Bhoga Nandishwara (Shiva in youth), South shrine – Arunachaleshwara (Shiva in childhood), flanking a central Uma-Maheshwara shrine templeinkarnataka.com +10 en.wikipedia.org +10 kevinstandagephotography.wordpress.com +10 .

Marriage hall (Kalyana Mandapa): Finely carved black stone hall between shrines with depictions of divine couples and mythic scenes wanderlog.com +8 en.wikipedia.org +8 kevinstandagephotography.wordpress.com +8 .

Stepped tank (Sringeri Teertha): A grand temple pond believed to be source of the Pinakini River; illuminated with lamps during festivals like Deepavali karnatakaexplore.com +4 atmanirvana.com +4 sachetwalker.com +4 .

Intricate carvings & pillars: Navalangoes (jali screens), yali‑pillared pavilions from Vijayanagara era, musical pillars that resonate when tapped in specific spots wanderlog.com +6 kevinstandagephotography.wordpress.com +6 sachetwalker.com +6 .

Electric temple chariot & gateway: Majestic wooden chariot near the main entrance, massive courtyard (approx. 370 × 250 ft) framed by towering gateways lbb.in +3 myind.net +3 bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com +3 .

🗓️ Visiting Info Location: SH 74, Nandi, Karnataka 562103—about 60 km from Bengaluru, ~8 km from Chikkaballapur sachetwalker.com +8 templeinkarnataka.com +8 wanderlog.com +8 .

Timings: Daily 7:30 AM–7:00 PM templeinkarnataka.com +1 wanderlog.com +1 .

Highlights: Ideal time is early morning—fewer crowds, gentle light for photography, and a peaceful ambience .

Visitor reviews: Described as serene, well-maintained, with stunning craftsmanship—a top heritage spot near Bengaluru wanderlog.com +1 yappe.in +1 .

💡 Insider Tips Festival visit: Experiencing the tank lit with hundreds of lamps during Deepavali or other celebrations is magical kevinstandagephotography.wordpress.com +1 kevinstandagephotography.wordpress.com +1 .

Photography: Early arrival ensures best lighting for the carved mandapas and tank colonnades kevinstandagephotography.wordpress.com .

Musical pillars: Ask the temple priest to demonstrate the resonant pillars—it’s a testament to ancient craftsmanship bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com .

Nearby attractions: Combine the visit with nearby Nandi Hill trek or a tour of the Yogandeshwara temple atop the hill.

In essence, Sri Bhoga Nandishwara Gudi is a jewel of Karnataka's temple architecture: a timeless Dravidian complex with layered dynastic artistry, intimate spiritual ambiance, and captivating features—from musical pillars to a...

നന്ദി hills പോയി വരുമ്പോൾ ഇവിടെ നന്ദി വില്ലേജിൽ അടുത്ത് ആണ്......ഇങ്ങോട്ട് വരുന്ന വഴി മുന്തിരി പ്പാടങ്ങൾ കിട്ടും...വശങ്ങളിൽ.......

ഈ ക്ഷേത്രം....ആയിരം വർഷങ്ങൾ പഴക്കമുള്ള ഒരു ക്ഷേത്രം.... അഹിന്ദുകൾക്കും എല്ലാവർക്കും വരാം....

The original temple, identified as one of the oldest temples of Karnataka, dates back to the 9th century A.D. and was later renovated successively as in the Dravidian style of architecture. It is located at a distance of 60 km from Bangalore and 5,6km from Nandi hills to this Nandi Village which is at the bottom of Nandi Hills.

Real Estate booming on either side of the roads towards Nandi hills, lot of villas coming up, People selling grapes will be a sight towards your right and left. Couples everywhere going towards Nandi hills not giving a damn to anyone.

We reached the temple at 10 AM approximately, I parked my car infront of temple.

As i entered the temple there was huge space towards the left and right like a fort and park on either sides. A path way leading to the temple, very few people sitting on the grass.and some ladies taking some prayers and pooja near to naga statues.

The Chariot festival had just got over so we could see the chariots side by side been handled by some people trying to disassemble it.

Bananas were lying there beside the chariot which means they had a good splash of bananas on to the chariot on Shivaratri, I regretted i wasnt there at that time but there wont have been peace.

I left my shoes on front side of temple gate where a lady keeps chappals and shoes for a small payment.. place there, otherwise chappals may lost. Then We went inside to find the gopuram which is very small and similar to that of thanjuvur, Architecture was a bliss it was renovated a bit so i could easily find.

The temple consists of three temples, one of a huge Linga and then there is Umamaheshwara which is rare of Goddess parvati sitting on the Lap of Lord Shiva, which looked like a twin to me.

Then there is Arunachaleshwara which is beside these which is not taken care of. All these temples do not have lights but sunlight which comes exactly from a window designed for its purpose. A beauty to watch if they have lamps lite everywhere.

On the right going towards the pond you will find two stages one opposite to eachother which is like a court most probably for a performance and a place for the king to sit. The huge pond which is a beauty to watch where i found several fishes and a turtle as well.

I sat there for almost for an hour which so peacefully. And taken full visit , pradakshina of temple inside..

This place also is the birthplace of M.Vishveshwariah the great scientist from Karnataka(Muddenhalli)

This is an awesome outing for family as well as for people who like architecture, Just around 70 kms from bangalore gives a...

The Shri Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, located near Nandi Hills in Bengaluru, is an architectural marvel and a spiritual haven with a rich history spanning over 1,200 years. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the oldest temples in Karnataka and a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and spiritual seekers alike.

History and Architecture

This temple reflects the craftsmanship of several dynasties, including the Banas, Gangas, Cholas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara rulers. It showcases distinct Dravidian architecture, with intricate carvings and beautiful mandapas. The temple has three primary shrines:

Arunachaleswara Shrine - Symbolizing Lord Shiva’s childhood, this shrine was built by the Ganga dynasty. Bhoga Nandeeshwara Shrine - Representing Shiva's youth, this shrine was constructed by the Cholas. Uma-Maheshwara Shrine - Built by the Hoysalas, this shrine symbolizes the marriage of Shiva and Parvati. It features ornate pillars and sculptures of divine couples.

The temple also includes a Kalyana Mantapa, a hall for weddings, and the Tulabhara Mandapa, both added during the Vijayanagara period. The exquisite stepped tank, known as the Pushkarini, is another highlight, offering a serene setting for reflection and photography.

Visitor Experience

The Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple is more than a place of worship; it is a testament to India's rich cultural heritage. Visitors are captivated by the detailed stonework, tranquil atmosphere, and the temple's historical significance. The sanctity of the temple attracts devotees year-round, with special significance during festivals like Maha Shivaratri. The surrounding natural beauty of Nandi Hills adds to the experience, making it a popular day-trip destination from Bengaluru.

Accessibility and Timing

Located approximately 60 km from Bengaluru, the temple is easily accessible by road. Public transport options, including buses to Nandi Hills and local auto-rickshaws, make the journey convenient. The temple is open daily from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM, allowing ample time for exploration.

Tips for Visitors

Plan your visit during early mornings or weekdays to avoid crowds. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the architectural details and serene landscape. Combine your trip with a visit to nearby attractions like Nandi Hills for a complete experience.

The Shri Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple offers a blend of spirituality, history, and art, making it an unforgettable destination...