Shivagange Temple

Introduction to Shivagange Temple

The sacred mountain, Shivagange, is near Dobbaspet, Bengaluru rural limit. This mountain peak stands at the imposing height of 4488 feet. It is 25 km from Tumakuru town and 54 km from Bengaluru. Shivagange mountain appears like a Shivalinga, and a spring that flows near it is called Ganga. It is otherwise called Dakshina Kashi. Gangadhareshwara temple, Olakal theertha, Nandi Statue, Sri Honnammadevi Temple, and Patala gange are located in this place, which is collectively called Shivagange Temple.

Pilgrims can see a rock statue of Nandi or Basavanna carved on top of a steep rock which is a spell-binding sculpture. Devotees can worship the Sharadambe temple on the hill and several theerthas such as Kanva theertha, Kapila theertha, Agasthya theertha, and Pathala Gange.

Legend of Shivagange Temple

There is a legend behind the Shivagange Temple that Rishi Agastya visited the place, performed penance, and pleased Shiva. The place was under the control of Hoysala kings, and the wife of Vishnuvardhana, Queen Shanthala, committed suicide on this hill out of depression as she was infertile. Since then, the place got the name, Shanthala drop. Shivappa Nayaka later fortified the hill during the 16th century. However, these fortifications are currently in ruins. Magadi Kempegowda, the founder of Bengaluru, also improved the fortifications and kept a portion of his treasure here.

The Architecture of Shivagange Temple

Shivagange Temple has beautiful architecture. The temple is carved out of solid stones. The stone carvings speak of the temple architecture's antiquity. The Government of Karnataka preserves the architecture of the Shivagange Temple. The steep hill has man-made steps.

One of the main temples on the hill is Gavi-Gangadhara. 'Gavi' means 'cave' in the Kannada language. Since it is a Shiva temple, it is named Gavigangadhareshwara. This temple lies at the foot of the Shivagange hill. Pilgrims can climb steps to reach Gavigangadhareshwara temple after parking their vehicles. It takes only 15 minutes to get here. In the low-roofed temple, only an earthen lamp is the light source. The temple legends say that when performing Poojas with ghee, the ghee turns to butter. And they also mention a secret tunnel that extends from the sanctum sanctorum of the Gavigangadhareshwara temple.

The Nandi statue or Basavanna is reached by walking through the rock-cut steps. It lies on top of the hill, and the statue is positioned right on the steep hill.

When ascending a little further, Olakala theertha is found. The spring is considered to be sacred and flows amidst the rocks.

Festivals in Shivagange temple

Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara and Sri Honnadevi's (Parvathi Devi) marriage is grandly conducted during the Sankranti festival. The marriage is done when the holy water pours down from the River Ganga.

Benefits of Worshipping at Shivagange temple

Devotees can see a miracle during Abishekam to Shiva in Gavigangadhareshwara temple. Here ghee turns into butter. It contains medicinal powers and can supposedly cure many diseases.