Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple
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Introduction about the Shri Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple
Shri Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Sigandureshwari. The temple is located in the village of Sigandur, Shivamogga, Karnataka. Devotees here visit around the year and pay respect to the Goddess while seeking her blessings. It is believed that the Goddess was found on the bank of a holy river about 300 years ago. This was the Sharavathi river, and the Goddess was then installed in a shrine, and a temple was built for her.
History of the Temple
Shree Choudeshwari Temple is situated in Sigandur, the district of Shimoga. The small town has the Linganamakki dam and is surrounded by it from three sides. Holekoppa Ramappa is the temple committee's secretary and manages the temple.
The dam is built on the Sharavathi River, and here the main source of transportation remains the barges. These barges carry devotees, vehicles, and everything to the other end every day. These barges operate till 5 pm and then start the next day again. There is only one road to reach Sigandur as it is surrounded by water from three sides. This road can be reached via Kollur and Nagode.
The legend says that once there was a person named Sheshappa. Sheshappa went to the jungles for hunting, and he was lost in the woods. He then looked for a tree and was resting under it. While deep in sleep, Goddess sigandureshwari came into his dream and asked him to build a temple for her.
He then woke up and shared his experience with a Brahmin in his village. Both followed the Goddess's wish and built her a temple. The Brahmin Duggajja became the priest, and Sheshappa became the Managing Trustee.
People who have lost their valuables or are facing legal property issues visit this temple. It is said that the Goddess resolves such issues, blesses the devotees with financial abundance, and resolves their legal matters.
Annual Festival at Sigandur
Ashada (June–July) is a special month during which a great crowd of devotees visits the temple. Thousands of people come here and experience barge taking them to the Goddess. However, many devotees also get injured during this time as there is a lack of crowd management here.
Every year a fair is organized during Makara Sankranthi on the 14th and 15th of January. Devotees take a bath in the holy water of the river Sharavathi and pray to the Goddess for their wellbeing and prosperity. During this time, devotees visit here from many parts of Karnataka.
Devotees need to carry their food as no hotels or restaurants are nearby. The accommodation is only available to a limited number of people. Luckily, people can have the free prasadam meals:
- Afternoon Prasadam is available from 12:00 am to 3:30 pm
- Night Prasadam is available from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Daily Pooja Timings:
- Morning: 3.30 to 7.00
- Morning: 8.00 to 2.30
- Evening: 5.30 to 7.30
Address of the Temple:
Sigandur Shree Choudamma Temple Trust®
Sigandur, Kalasavalli (V), Thumari (P) – 577453
Sagara (T), Shivamogga (D).
Ph: Dharmadarshi: 08186 - 210522
Chief Archaka: 08186 – 210555
How to Reach Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple?
You must take a bus from Sagar to reach the temple and reach Sigandur. You can also reach the temple by ferry, as two ferries take devotees and their vehicles to the other end.
If you have a vehicle, you must drive to the Taluk headquarters, Sagar. This way, you will be on the bank of the Sharavathi River. From here, you need to take the ferry that will take you to the temple.
If you wish to have customized spiritual tours or pilgrimages arranged in India for yourself or for a group of people, please contact Brindavan Mystic Services
Email ID: [email protected] Toll free: 1800 102 9098
Nearby Places
There are many nearby places that you can visit after paying respect to the Goddess.
Jog Falls
These falls are about 101 km from Shimoga. There are about 1400 steps have been constructed that take you to the top of these falls. It might take you 2 hours to climb these steps and a bit less time to come down. You should carry a water bottle since it can be tiring. You may also find some snacks and refreshments there, but only till a point.
Ikkeri
This place has a beautiful 500 years old stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. You should go here from Varadahalli; one can also experience Lion and Tiger Safari from the Shimoga bus terminus. It will charge you around Rs. 15 and Rs. 50 for the camera; for foreigners, the entry fee is Rs. 400.
Mandagadde
This is the nearest bird sanctuary to Shimoga. You can see birds here that come from across the globe and migrate in search of food, shelter, and breeding. This is situated on the bank of the river Tunga; this is a great place if you are a bird watcher.
Mahishi
This is again situated at the Tunga river and is a beautiful location to explore. Here the sand formations are worth visiting; there is also a temple nearby.