Godachi Veerabhadreshwara Temple

Introduction to the Godachi Veerabhadreshwara Temple

The Godachi Veerabhadreshwara Temple is in Godachi village, Ramdurg, Belgaum district, Karnataka. It is a renowned Temple dedicated to Shri Veerabhadra, a fierce form of Shiva. The temple is known for its historical and architectural significance. This ancient temple came under the patronage of many kingdoms of this region. People from across Karnataka and other states flock to the Godachi Veerabhadreshwara Temple for its two significant fairs yearly.

Legend of the Godachi Veerabhadreshwara Temple

Shiva created Shri Veerabhadra to destroy King Daksha. He is one of the most devoted attendants of Shiva. Once, King Daksha organized a Yagna, for which he invited everybody except his daughter Sati and Shiva.

King Daksha insulted his daughter Sati and Shiva in front of everyone. Since Sati could not tolerate it, she jumped into the sacred fire and self-immolated. Shiva was enraged and created Shri Veerabhadra and ordered him to destroy the Yagna and King Daksha.

All the Devas requested him to calm down to save the world from destruction. They asked him to forgive Daksha and Sati and give them their life back.

Thus, Shiva recreated Sati with his power, and she was later known as Parvati Devi. King Daksha also got his life back. Since then, Veerabhadra has been worshipped as the incarnation of Shiva. Devotees can worship him in all Shiva temples.

The Architecture of the Godachi Veerabhadreshwara Temple

The Godachi Veerabhadreshwara Temple is a blend of the Chalukya and Vijayanagara architectural styles. The doorway reflects the Chalukya style, while the Garbhagriha (sanctum) is in the Vijayanagara style of architecture.

There are shops and shrines of other deities on the temple premises. Stone-walled fencing guards the entire temple. A Mandap has been built for conducting Poojas, Yagnas, and marriages in recent times. The pillars in the Godachi Veerabhadreshwara Temple feature sculptures and other intricate carvings. On the top roof of the temple, there is a small minaret.

Visitors can see a giant statue of Shri Veerabhadra in a standing position. The statue of Daksha is lying below his right foot, and a long sword is on the neck of Daksha. Shri Veerabhadra is shown with ten hands holding a long sword, a trident, a damaru, a bell, a bow and arrow, and Agni on each hand. This multicolour-painted statue has a commanding aura.

Shri Veerabhadra graces his devotees in a standing position from the sanctum. His idol is covered with the silver Kavacham. Garlands and flowers are offered to the deity. There are idols of other deities in the sanctum.

The Godachi Veerabhadreshwara Temple offers free meals to the devotees between 12.45 pm and 2.45 pm daily.

Festivals in the Godachi Veerabhadreshwara Temple

Annu Godach fair, or Jatra, is the famous fair of the Godachi Veerabhadreshwara Temple organized by the Karnataka Government every year between November and December. It is held as a mark of respect to the temple's primary deity, Shri Veerabhadra. It is observed in the Godachi village for one month.

Sri Shidlingappa's fair is another fair observed on Shivratri. On this day, the deity is taken in a palanquin accompanied by Dollu and Majalu musical instruments from several neighboring villages to the river. People gather on the river banks to worship him.

On Amavasya and Purnima days, the Godachi Veerabhadreshwara Temple draws huge crowds.