Monday, December 03, 2007

Nagamangala Temple

Nagamangala Temple, Rahu-Ketu Dosa Nivaran, Nagamangala Direction, Dew Drops, Ravichander Rao

Having just come back from my vacation in India, and with my memory still fresh of the beautiful experiences, I could not hold back but research about the places I visited this time. Specially about a temple in Nagamangala - an ancient one believed to be over 1000 years old. The temple dedicated is to Lord Soumyakeshava (Vishnu), and is about 150 km from Bangalore, off of NH4 on the way towards Hassan.




(Lord Soumyakeshava - presiding diety at Nagamangala)
Ancient temples are generally associated folklores or have some mysticism surrounding them. This helps in kindering desire in some to explore the place and in some to seek the blessings to solve their problem or bring good luck. It is believed that this temple solves the Rahu-Ketu dosha (astrological significance) and removes any blockade that is currently affecting someone. The temple was built by Hoysala around 12th century and carries their characteristics such as a star shaped base around a central pillared hall. Later, the Vijaynagara kings added "Garuda sthumb" to the temple. The central hall has an intricately carved dome - Mandala, which has intricately carved Adhi Shesha and 108 Shankus (Counches). It is amazing to see how no two Shankus look alike. The Adhi Shesha sitting on a big Shanku which appears as if it is placed on heap of 108 Shanku, is a unique feature and is believed that no where in the world you find this particular form.


(Mandala - In the center Adhi Shesha wraps around big Shanku. Surrounding it is 108 Shankus)



During the course of over 800 years, the temple seems to have suffered a lot of neglect. The dieties on the main gopuram leading towards the central hall are crumbling. The sculptures carved on the stones are getting worn out. Importantly, a piece of history is getting lost because of the neglect and lack of attention from the government.



(A diety on the main Gopuram)

But all doesn't seem to have been lost. Some form of restoration work has already been started on the Gopuram, and there is also a plan to restore the Garuda Sthamb. All of this would not been possible merely by the government's help. Some people have already come forward, and helping restore this beautiful historical monument. Hopefully the next time we see the temple, it would have been restored to its old glory - if not completely then at least to somewhat extent.

If you wish to find more about the temple, please do contact the temple priest Sri Thiru Narayana Bhattar at:

Sri Sowmiya Keshava Temple. Nagamangala Post, Nagamangala Taluk, Mandya District, Karnataka, India. Pin: 571432. Cellphone: 9448-750603, Landline: (082)-34286529. (Thanks to Seshadri for the phone numbers.)

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Ravi,

Good description and clear photos.

This is the first site I hit when I looked up nagamangala, temple and has served the purpose.

Ravichander Rao said...

I am glad that it helped.

Raghavan said...

Thanks for this info. Is there any contact phone no.. It would be great if I can get it.

Ravichander Rao said...

Unfortunately, I don't have the phone number. But if you happen to get it, please do let me know. I would like to update that information.

Raga said...

Very good description about this temple. I'm going to this temple next Monday (12/28). I was able to get the phone number from Kumudham Jothidam November edition in which an article was written by Sri A.M.Rajagopalan about this temple's history and greatness and its present condition today. Looks like a Trust was formed to renovate this temple and they are also collecting contribution. Here is the address as well as the contact numbers.

Sri Sowmya Keshava Kaingarya Sabha,
Nagamangala post,
Karnataka - 571 432.

Phone:
9448750603
(082)34286529.

Will update any next week after my visit to temple.

Regards,
Seshadri

Ravichander Rao said...

Thank you for sharing the phone number Seshadri! I have updated the information. This is going to be very helpful to many.

The temple was in a dilapidated state during my last visit a few years back. Hopefully things are improving there. Can you please share any pictures from there that you take in your trip? I would like to add more pictures of the garuda stambh, the chaupad carved on the angans, carvings on the temple and anything that looks historically interesting within the temple.

injamaven said...

That certainly is a beautiful Garuda!

Ravi said...

I visit this temple once a month. My kids health has improved since we started going to this Temple. Special temple 0 with Rahu and Kethu - STALAM.
My careeer has also taken a step forward with the visit .

Anonymous said...

Ravi,this is a wonderful job.

mohan.,m.v. said...

sir u done a good job sir its help to all

Yogesh said...

Good job

Anonymous said...

Thanks Ravi for sharing the contact details of the purohit of the temple. Your information is really helpful in planning a trip to this place. The temple is 1000 years old and worth a visit.

Ravichander Rao said...

Thank you! Can you please share information on hotels and restaurants and some pictures from your trip? I would like to update the information and share with others.

Anonymous said...

I am from Chennai. I planning to visit the temple for Dosha nivaran. Can u plz advice on which day I need to go there? Is it on my star day or any of the days? Thank

Ravichander Rao said...

Hi, Please call up the temple at these numbers:

+91 94487 50603
+91 9448750603
(082)34286529