Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple - Uncover this ancient temple at the base of Nandi Hills

Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple - Uncover this ancient temple at the base of Nandi Hills

It was a regular lousy Sunday on a weekend and suddenly we (family of enthusiastic travelers) decided to go on a long drive around Bangalore not more than 4-5 hours and return back same day. One of my good friend cum trek enthusiast had been on a Nandi hills trek previous weekend and had told me about this beautiful temple which is at the base of the hill. So without a second thought, we set off on a long drive to visit this temple and it was really worth it.

Distance from Bangalore to this place is around 60 km, which might take around 1.5-2 hours by car (one-way journey). We had started immediately after lunch and were there by 3:30 PM. Drive until Nandi hills is a known route for everyone. However, once you reach the junction to take left to Nandi hills, drive straight on national highway and you can put on google maps now, which will take you right outside temple.

This is a temple located in Nandi village at the base of Nandi hills. Initially from outside you will not be having slightest clue what is going to uncover now. The moment you enter the temple premises from a tiny gate, you will see a large green lawn and a huge Pipal tree. 

You will see many people relaxing on the lawn and children playing almost like a picnic spot. Off course lot of monkeys also around. So be careful of your belongings. We decided to take pictures here later and headed towards the temple.

It is a very old temple and architecturally one of the most important specimens of Dravidian style dated back to 9th century. Inscriptions indicate that it was under the rule of Chola followed by Hoysala and Vijayanagara Empire. Hence, you will see the styles from all the dynasties in the architectural styles of this temple. There is a granite stone kept outside the temple and you can read more about the history of the temple.

This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and you will find a Nandi right in front of the idol as an indication of the same. The sculptures are very clear and preserved really well by the archaeological department.

We took a round of the temple and the carvings on the wall are magnificent including on the Gopura.


While taking round we saw people taking left and entering a small door. We followed them, reached another side of the temple, and were surprised to see what uncovered in front of us. You will see a large pond (Kalyani or Pushkarani) surrounded by rock carved steps and stone carved pillars above them.  It was like a postcard perfect picture. 

We dipped our legs in the pond and relaxed for a while. It was so calm and soothing.

We clicked some more pictures around the temple and came out. 

Outside the temple entrance, you will get an amazing view of Nandi Hills. 

We also saw a big wooden chariot on the left side of the temple.

We took a walk around the temple premises and clicked some more pictures. 

 

This really turned out to be a perfect weekend getaway for us. Honestly, we were surprised that being a Bangalorean why we were not aware of the existence of such a beautiful place. Hence decided to write this blog to let everyone know what amazing places we have around Bangalore.

 


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