Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Nandi – The Temple Complex

Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Nandi – The Temple Complex

The temple complex has two large shrines namely Arunachaleswara shrine & Bhoga Nandeeshwara shrine and a minor shrine namely Uma Maheshwara Shrine. There is another shrine situated on hill top dedicated to Yoga Nandeeshwara. The Temple was surrounded by compound walls on all sides. The Temple measures about 112.8 m x 76.2 m with two entrances. The large temple complex has a vast open area in front of entrance. There is a second compound with a navaranga mantapa (pavilion) with Yali pillars to the north of the major shrines. A Stone Umbrella in the temple premises is one of most viewed architectural marvel.

Bhoga Nandeeshwara Shrine:

Bhoga Nandeeshwara Shrine is situated to the north of the Temple complex. The shrine was built by the Cholas. There is a sculpture of a Chola King in this temple, believed to be of Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola. This Shrine has a sanctum (garbhagriha), a vestibule (sukanasi) and a closed hall (navaranga or mantapa). The vestibule and hall are provided with perforated stone screens called Jali. The sanctum houses a majestic Shiva Linga and Nandi facing the sanctum.

The Bhoga Nandeeshwara form of Lord Shiva represent youth stage in the life of the Lord Shiva. As youth is the time to rejoice and enjoy life, there are many festivals held in this temple throughout the year. The Nandi Idol here is more attractive than the one in front of the Arunachaleswara Temple. Kalyana Mandapa and the Tulabhara Mandapa are new additions made to this shrine during Vijayanagara period. The wall linking the two major shrines was constructed in such a way that it is in-distinguishable from the two original shrines.

The pillars in the mandapa are carved with sculptures of Hindu pantheons, Apsaras, animals, puranic characters, sages, divine wedding of Lord Shiva & Parvathy, musician playing drums, amorous couples, lotus motifs etc. A pillared pavilion was added in between the Arunachaleswara and Bhoga Nandeeshwara shrine during the 13^th century Vijayanagara period. The Temple premises have Chola period Tamil inscriptions on the walls. 

Arunachaleswara Shrine:

Arunachaleswara Shrine is situated to the south of the Temple complex. The shrine was built by the Gangas of Talakad. This Shrine has a sanctum (garbhagriha), a vestibule (sukanasi) and a closed hall (navaranga or mantapa). The vestibule and hall are provided with perforated stone screens called Jali. The sanctum houses a majestic Shiva Linga and Nandi facing the sanctum. The Arunachaleswara form of Lord Shiva represent childhood stage in the life of the Lord Shiva. This Shrine has a unique form of Lord Ganesha called Simha Ganapathi or Ugra Ganapathi.

The pillars in the mandapa are carved with sculptures of Hindu pantheons, Apsaras, animals, puranic characters, sages, divine wedding of Lord Shiva & Parvathy, musician playing drums, amorous couples, lotus motifs etc. The wall linking the two major shrines was constructed in such a way that it is in-distinguishable from the two original shrines. A pillared pavilion was added in between the Arunachaleswara and Bhoga Nandeeshwara shrine during the 13^th century Vijayanagara period.

Uma Maheshwara Shrine:

Uma Maheshwara Shrine is a smaller shrine situated between Arunachaleswara Shrine and Bhoga Nandeeshwara Shrine. This Shrine consists of sanctum connected with a Kalyana Mandapa. The Kalyana Mandapa is supported by four ornate pillars in black stone with reliefs depicting Lord Shiva with his consort Parvati, Lord Brahma with his consort Saraswathi, Lord Vishnu with his consort Lakshmi, the god of fire Agni with his consort Swaha Devi and decorative creepers & birds in bas-relief. The shrine was supposed to be built by the Hoysalas.

The sanctum houses Uma and Maheswara. Nandi can be found facing the shrine. The Uma Maheshwara form of Lord Shiva represent marriage stage in the life of the Lord Shiva. This Shrine has reliefs depicting this stage, Shiva's marriage to the goddess Parvati. Hence, this shrine is popular with newlyweds who come to seek blessing. The minor shrine has a procession of deities and sages in wall relief.

Yoga Nandeeshwara Shrine:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/12/yoga-nandeeshwara-temple-nandi-hills-karnataka.html

Devi Shrines:

The outer prakaram houses two minor shrines for Devi namely Girija Ambal, the consort of Bhoga Nandeeshwara and Abitha Kujalambal, the consort of Arunachaleswara. These shrines are situated on the western side of the main shrines.

Shringi Theertha:

There is a large stepped temple tank, known as Sringeri Teertha or Shringi Theertha, can be found in the temple premises. As per local folklore, this pond was created by Nandi plunging his horn into the ground to draw out water from the divine Ganga. It is situated on northern side of the main shrine. The tank was constructed during the Vijayanagara period by Krishna Deva Raya. The pond is surrounded on all four sides by walkway and a running mantapa. The pond has steps leading down to it on all four sides. This pond is considered to be the source of the South Pinakini (South Pennar) River.

Stone Chariot Wheels:

There are eight stone wheels of temple chariot can be found lying in the outer prakaram near the entrance. These wheels are beautifully carved and painted colorful.

Mahanavami Dibba:

Mahanavami Dibba can be found in the outer prakaram. It looks like a small hill like structure with stone pillars.