About a month back, I went on a study tour visiting temples of Karnataka with my class mates. I will be writing series of two articles about the temple tour.
Part one: Bhog Nandeeshwara
In Nandi village, at the foothills of Nandi hill of Karnataka, Indian sacred history and temple architecture encode coalition of various empires, histories and synthesis among different social groups and cultural systems. At Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple, one finds assimilation of different histories beautifully entwined, each bringing fragments of architectural style that proclaim their character yet resonate with the other styles in perfect harmony.
According to the inscriptions, the temple was built in 9th century AD by the native Kannada Nolamba dynasty and many additions were made over centuries under respective ruling dynasties like Ganga, Chola, Rashtrakuta, Hoysala and Vijayanagara. Patrons from these dynasties contributed great deal adding value to the original architectural style without violating its aesthetics which was reflection of not only gesture of mutual respect but also social cultural milieu of the times. Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple is believed to be first most ornate Dravidian temple in entire Karnataka, that played pivotal role in socio-cultural activities in the village and surrounding areas.
The temple has a vast open area and as one enters the huge courtyard, one instantly gets engulfed in silence! The chirping of birds, the giant rain trees that seem to have witnessed eternity, the robust summer blooms and their divine aroma calm all the neurosis and one gets the feel of ancient times dripping with soothing serenity.
Architectural, archaeological and sculptural wonders are distinct characteristics of Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple. The intricacy of ornate carvings on countless statues depicting different deities, the geometrical patterns on the walls, the minute details on the carvings, design of the temple, inscriptions in ancient languages are sight to behold!
The main enclosure of the temple has three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva; each representing different stages: Arunachaleswara(childhood), Bhoga Nandeeshwara(youth) and Ardhanareewara; also known as Uma Maheshwara (after marriage), along with several other shrines on the rear side of the temple. The large mantapa in front of the main shrines have brilliant art work with each pillar showcasing beautifully carved images of gods, animals, puranic characters, sages and scenes depicted from Hindu mythology.
The Uma-Maheshwara temple, known for its intricate carvings made in soap stone (as opposed to the granite used in rest of the temple) was built by the Hoysalas between the 12th and the 13th century and has Uma and Maheshwaram in the sanctum. This shrine is particularly sought after by the newlyweds to seek divine blessings.
The highlight of the temple is the Vasantha mantapa built in front of Ardhanareeswraa shrine. The temple has four intricately carved pillars, each depicting divine couple, richly ornate artistic roof and intricately designed and carved images of Shiva-Parvathi, Vishnu-Mahalakshmi, Brahma-Saraswathi, Surya and his consort on different corners of the mantapa.
Shrines of Bhoga Nandeeswaraand and Arunachaleswara have large mahamantapas followed by the sanctum housing Shivalingas. The large Nandi situated opposite Bhoga Nandeeswara temple is beautifully carved with a small mantapa.
The temple also has a big pond surrounded on all four sides by a walkway and a running mantapa. Legend has it that the pond was created by Nandi, plunging his horn into ground to draw out water from the divine Ganga. The Shringi Teertha is believed to be the source of the South Pinakini (South Pennar) river.
The Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple is believed to be a "rough draft", a drawing board for the chief architect of Hoyasala architecture style temples before building Belur and Halebidu and other structures.
According to the inscriptions, the temple was built in 9th century AD by the native Kannada Nolamba dynasty and many additions were made over centuries under respective ruling dynasties like Ganga, Chola, Rashtrakuta, Hoysala and Vijayanagara. Patrons from these dynasties contributed great deal adding value to the original architectural style without violating its aesthetics which was reflection of not only gesture of mutual respect but also social cultural milieu of the times. Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple is believed to be first most ornate Dravidian temple in entire Karnataka, that played pivotal role in socio-cultural activities in the village and surrounding areas.
The temple has a vast open area and as one enters the huge courtyard, one instantly gets engulfed in silence! The chirping of birds, the giant rain trees that seem to have witnessed eternity, the robust summer blooms and their divine aroma calm all the neurosis and one gets the feel of ancient times dripping with soothing serenity.
Architectural, archaeological and sculptural wonders are distinct characteristics of Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple. The intricacy of ornate carvings on countless statues depicting different deities, the geometrical patterns on the walls, the minute details on the carvings, design of the temple, inscriptions in ancient languages are sight to behold!
The main enclosure of the temple has three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva; each representing different stages: Arunachaleswara(childhood), Bhoga Nandeeshwara(youth) and Ardhanareewara; also known as Uma Maheshwara (after marriage), along with several other shrines on the rear side of the temple. The large mantapa in front of the main shrines have brilliant art work with each pillar showcasing beautifully carved images of gods, animals, puranic characters, sages and scenes depicted from Hindu mythology.
The Uma-Maheshwara temple, known for its intricate carvings made in soap stone (as opposed to the granite used in rest of the temple) was built by the Hoysalas between the 12th and the 13th century and has Uma and Maheshwaram in the sanctum. This shrine is particularly sought after by the newlyweds to seek divine blessings.
The highlight of the temple is the Vasantha mantapa built in front of Ardhanareeswraa shrine. The temple has four intricately carved pillars, each depicting divine couple, richly ornate artistic roof and intricately designed and carved images of Shiva-Parvathi, Vishnu-Mahalakshmi, Brahma-Saraswathi, Surya and his consort on different corners of the mantapa.
Shrines of Bhoga Nandeeswaraand and Arunachaleswara have large mahamantapas followed by the sanctum housing Shivalingas. The large Nandi situated opposite Bhoga Nandeeswara temple is beautifully carved with a small mantapa.
The temple also has a big pond surrounded on all four sides by a walkway and a running mantapa. Legend has it that the pond was created by Nandi, plunging his horn into ground to draw out water from the divine Ganga. The Shringi Teertha is believed to be the source of the South Pinakini (South Pennar) river.
The Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple is believed to be a "rough draft", a drawing board for the chief architect of Hoyasala architecture style temples before building Belur and Halebidu and other structures.
"A concerted effort to preserve our heritage is a vital link to our cultural, educational, aesthetic, inspirational and economic legacies- all of the things that quite literally make us who we are. " - Steve Berry
Ive been to the temple in my young age, when we lived in Bengaluru. You made it come alive for me. The detailed description and the style of writing is so interesting and immensely readable.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the next two instalments.
Thanks Vaishali. I'm glad the article had that impact on you. The article on Halebidu and Belur is coming soon.
DeleteMy comments:
ReplyDeleteTraversing 'bylanes' n dipicting places seeped in history, is indeed very challenging. You have tried to capture in a cusp all that you may have absorbed n more through your erudite research. Great one - this Bhoga Nandeeshwara! Many more thanks for the pictures.
Thanks a lot.
DeleteSuch a sharp and concise description of the beautiful temple Simi. Great pictures too. This series of temples are indeed poetry in stone.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot Sangeeta. Yes these temples are indeed poetry in stone.
ReplyDeleteSuch a intricate description, want to visit this temple soon
ReplyDeleteThanks Aparna. Do plan a soecial tempke your of Karnataka. The temples are mind blowing!
DeleteLoved your beautiful pics in sync with the written info 🌺
ReplyDeleteThanks Payal. Glad you liked the post. Next is on Belur and Halebidu.
Delete:)