Nanjundeshwara (Srikanteshwara) Temple

This ancient temple, situated on the banks of the Kabini River, is an ASI-protected monument and a prominent example of Dravidian architecture.

The temple’s heritage traces back to the Chola period, with its foundations laid by the Ganga dynasty and later expansions by the Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara rulers, and Devarajammanni, the queen of Mysore King Krishnaraja Wadiyar III.

The presiding deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Nanjundeshwara or Srikanteshwara. The sanctum also houses Goddess Parvati, Narayana with consorts, Natya Ganapathi, Chandikeswara, Nandi, and an Emerald Shivlinga, making it a spiritually significant destination for devotees.

The temple is renowned for its elaborate daily poojas, including Usha kala Abhishekam at 6:30 AM, Pratha kala Abhishekam at 9:00 AM, Sangama kala Abhishekam at 11:00 AM, Madhyana kala Abhishekam at 12:00 PM, Pradoshkala Abhishekam at 6:30 PM, and Ekanta kala Abhishekam at 8:00 PM.

Special sevas like Nithya Kalyanothsava, Utsavagalu, Prasadothsava, and Kumkumarchana Seva (Friday) are also performed, with poojas conducted in Kannada and Sanskrit.

Darshan at Nanjundeshwara Temple is available through both free and special entry options, with special darshan tickets priced at INR 100. The temple is open Monday to Saturday from 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and on Sundays from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

The best times to visit include early mornings, during the annual brahmotsavam, festival seasons, winter months (November–February), and evening aarti.

Pilgrims are required to follow a traditional dress code: men must wear dhoti or veshti and remove shirts and vests before entering the inner courtyard, while women should wear sarees or salwar kameez, with western attire and sleeveless tops prohibited.

Reaching the temple is convenient from Mysuru via NH-766, with frequent KSRTC buses and easy access by taxi or private vehicle. The nearest railway station is Nanjangud Town (1 km), and Mysuru Airport is just 12 km away. Parking is ample and the temple is accessible for all visitors.

Accommodation options include temple-managed dormitories, guest houses, and several budget hotels on Rastrapathi Road, while Mysuru offers more luxurious stays.

The temple also provides prasadam such as Panchamrutha, Shaliyanna, Pongal, laddus, and dry coconut with sugar powder, and free annadanam on special occasions.

Major festivals celebrated here include Dodda Jathre (March-April), Chikka Jathre (November-December), Mahashivratri (February-March), Girija Kalyana (July), Lakshadeepotsava (Karthika masa), and others.

Nearby attractions include the temple pond (Kalyani), Kabini River bathing ghats, Sri Raghavendra Swamy Moola Mata, Lord Shiva Statue, Chamundi Hill, and Mysore Palace. For more details, visit the temple’s official website at https://itms.kar.nic.in.