Bherundeshvara Temple, Balligavi, Karnataka

Bherundeshvara Temple, Balligavi, Karnataka

Bherundeshvara Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Balligavi Town in the Shikaripura Taluk of Shivamogga District, in the Indian state of Karnataka. Bherundeshvara pillar is also called as Vijaya Stambha. The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

As per legend, Balligavi was the capital of Bali, an asura king. Hence, the place came to be called as Balipura (city of Bali). It is also said that Pandavas stayed in Balipura during their Vanavasa.

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/06/bherundeshvara-temple-balligavi-history.html

The Temple

The Bherundeshvara Temple is a huge pillar of 9.15m height. It is raised over a two-tiered masonry platform of 3.05 m height. The square base on which this pillar is standing has an enclosure housing the sculpture of a two headed mythical bird with human body, known as Gandabherunda. It stands in alidha posture. It is two armed, swallowing humans in their large, teethed beaks turned in opposite directions.

The upraised right hand is shown stuffing the human figure into the mouth while the left hand is shown lifting another human figure into its already stuffed mouth. The eyes were wide open showing its anger. The image is moderately decorated with various jewelry from shoulder to feet. The bird is decorated with feathers at neck and head. The rest of the circular shaft is held by median bands dividing it into many registers. An amalaka  cushion capital accommodates an octagonal or multi-faceted palagai.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 500 metres from Balligavi Bus Stop. Balligavi is located at about 2.5 Kms from Shiralakoppa Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Shiralakoppa, 23 Kms from Shikaripura, 23 Kms from Shikaripura Bus Stand, 24 Kms from Anavatti, 42 Kms from Sagar Railway Station, 50 Kms from Hangal, 60 Kms from Ranebennur, 61 Kms from Sirsi, 74 Kms from Shivamogga, 127 Kms from Hubli Airport and 353 Kms from Bengaluru. Balligavi is located at about 3 Kms from Shiralakoppa on Shikaripura to Hangal route.

Location