Hiremagalur Temple

Introduction to the Hiremagalur Temple

Kodandarama Temple, or Hiremagalur Temple, is a famous Hindu shrine at Hiremagalur near Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka. The term 'Kodandarama' means the bow of Rama. The principal deity is Rama, with a bow in his hand, which is how the Hiremagalur Temple got its identity. It is now under the Karnataka State administration.

Legend of the Hiremagalur Temple

The Hiremagalur Temple is one of the most ancient temples in Karnataka. It has many legends associated with it. According to the locals, the Temple stands at the exact spot where Rama killed Vali. After the event, Rama crowned Sugriva as the King of Kishkindha.

Another legend states that Rama subdued the proud Parashurama at Hiremagalur. He requested Rama to show him the scene of his marriage. Hence, Sita Devi stands to Rama's right side and Lakshmana to his left, as per the tradition in Hindu marriage ceremonies. It is the only temple where one can find Sita Devi and Lakshmana in this position.

The Architecture of the Hiremagalur Temple

The Hiremagalur Temple features the Dravidian and Vijayanagara architectural styles. The Garbhagriha displays typical Hoysala architecture. The Navaranga and Mukha Mandap were constructed later. A heavy brick wall surrounds them.

The temple was built in several stages. Supposedly, nine Siddhas performed penance at this temple. Hence, the village pond is called Siddha Pushkarini. Parashurama, an incarnation of Vishnu, is believed to have lived here. So, the town is called Bhargavapuri.

Besides its religious significance, the Hiremagalur Temple is well-known for its intricately carved idols and temple architecture. The Garbhagriha is in the central area of the temple. Huge idols of Rama, with Sita Devi towards his right and Sri Lakshmana towards his left, are in the Garbhagriha. Rama and Lakshmana hold their bows and arrows.

There are small shrines of Sugriva, Kalinga Narthana Krishna, Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya, and Vedanta Desika in the prakaram. Visitors can see a 4-foot-high Yoga Narasimha idol in his shrine.

Hayagriva, Narasimha, and Krishna idols are sculpted on the outer walls of the Garbhagriha and Sukhanasi. The Hiremagalur Temple walls also have the sculptures of Lakshmi, Hanuman, Garuda, and Ganapati.

A beautiful Murti can be seen on the Gopuram near the entrance of Agni Bhagavan, with two heads, seven tongues, and three legs.

Festivals in the Hiremagalur Temple

The Hiremagalur Temple celebrates Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Sri Rama Navami, and Sri Krishna Janmashtami grandly. A Yatra of Hiremagalur Temple is held for one day between February and March each year, attracting thousands of devotees across Karnataka.