amalgamated architecture Archives

04/Oct/2022

Location of Shree Bhoga Nandishwara Temple

Nandi Hill is a famous historical mountain fort in South India, located in the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka. Nandi Hill is also known as Nandidurga. It is about 60 km from Bangalore city. It is 4700 feet above sea level. There are several temples in Nandi Hills and one that one must visit is Shree Bhoga Nandishwara Temple in Nandi village. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Here Lord Shiva is worshiped in three different forms. One was as a child (Arunachaleshwarar), then as a brahmachari (Bhoga Nandishvara), and the third was as a married man (Uma Maheshwari). The wonders of this 9^th-century temple do not end here. Every kingdom that ruled from the 9th century till now has added something to its heritage in this temple. This amalgamated architecture is a must-visit for all those art, culture, history, and temple lovers.

Beautiful Sculptures on the Walls of Shree Bhoga Nandishwara Temple

The original structure was built in the 9th century under the rule of the Nolamba dynasty, and several additions were made in later years by the Rashtrakutas, Gangas, Cholas, Yelahankas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagara kingdoms. If one has explored the temples of South India, they will realize that it is similar to the Vittala Temple at Hampi, the Hoysaleshwara Temple at Halebid and the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur. The similarity is not in its entirety, but present in fragments.

Grand sculptures at Shree Bhoga Nandishwara Temple

Arunachaleswara Tirtha built by the Gangas of Talakad, Bhoga Nandishvara Tirtha built by Cholas, Ume Maheshwari Temple, and its front mandapa built by the Hoysala dynasty and outside Vasantha Mandapa, Yali Pillar, Large Mandapa. Kalyani and many other mandapas were built by the Vijayanagara Empire.

Stunning Sculptures at Shree Bhoga Nandishwara Temple

All these additions from different eras give a special look and feel to the Bhoga Nandishwar Temple. And then there is the grand-looking Kalyani (Pushkarni) or temple stepwell where one can sit and feed the fishes and turtles and in front of the main temple entrance is the huge courtyard which is surrounded by trees.

Kalyani or Temple Pond in Shree Bhoga Nandishwara Temple

It is hard to believe that such an amazing place exists just an hour away from the traffic and chaos of Bangalore. Further north from Bangalore International Airport, Bhoga Nandishvara Temple situated at the foothills of Nandi Hills. You can simply take a quick day trip to this temple or make it a full day trip that includes the vineyards and fields of rural Chikkaballapur, Gudibande Fort, and the stunning Lepakshi Temple on the Karnataka – Andhra Pradesh border.

The beauty of Shree Bhoga Nandishwara Temple

One can easily spend 2 to 3 hours in the art, history, and culture present here and even more if one like to take a nap on the green lawn of the temple grounds which covered by a tree canopy. The temple opens at or around 7 am. Hence, one can catch the sunrise from the top of the Nandi hills and can head straight to this temple for quite a serene experience. The road connecting the 3 temples of Lord Shiva to the Shree Bhoga Nandishwara Temple.

As one wash your feet and enter the main temple, it is the Vijayanagara-style pillars with the mythical Yali creature that will catch your attention, but since you are just entering the temple. It is also the place where you will witness the most cultural manifestation through rich carvings and illustrations.

Stunning Sculpture, Carvings, and Inscriptions at Shree Bhoga Nandishwara Temple

The main attraction is the Vasant Mandap or Divya Vivah Parivartan which situated in front of Uma Maheshwari Temple. This 13th-century addition during the Hoysala region has ornate pillars in black stone depicting the main deities and their consorts (Shiva and Parvati, Vishnu and Lakshmi, Brahma and Saraswati, Agni and Swaha Devi) and ornamental creepers and birds depicts great creation. This Uma Maheshwari Temple and Vasant Mandap is the reason why many newlyweds visit this temple to seek the blessings of God.

Side view of Shree Bhoga Nandishwara Temple

There is also a large Vasantha Mandapa without any temple right next to this temple complex which built by the Vijayanagara Empire. Here many people actually get married in a traditional destination wedding-like setup. This mandapa is in between the main temple complex and Kalyani.

Hoysala-style pillars at Shree Bhoga Nandishwara Temple

Whether it is the Yali pillar at Vasant Mandap, the window art and relief work at the back of the main temple complex, ornate sculptures, pillar carvings, temple Kalyani, or any other temple, you are never too far from it. Combination of our rich Hindu heritage, our mythological stories, and some of the best temple architecture in South India.

How To reach Shree Bhoga Nandishwara Temple

Nandi Temple is easily accessible by public transport from any part of Nandi village.

The nearest railway station is Chikaballapur railway station which is about 7 km from the temple complex. Tourists can easily take public transport to reach the site.

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