Sri Kalabhairaveshwara Swamy Temple Adichunchanagiri

Introduction to Sri Kalabhairaveshwara Swamy Temple

Kalabhairaveshwara Swamy temple is dedicated to Lord Gangadhareshwara. The place is also called Mayuravana, as there are free-roaming peacocks everywhere, making this place even more appealing. Situated in the Adichunchanagiri hills, Mandya, Karnataka, the temple is 3,300 ft above sea level. In the moonlight, the hill seems similar to Lord Shiva wearing the crescent moon.

Since the temple is around 2000 years old, it holds a great deal of significance. This temple was given to Siddha Yogi by Adirudra. Sri Sri Sri Nirmalanandanantha Swamiji currently heads the temple.

Legend of Sri Kalabhairaveshwara Swamy Temple

According to legend, Lord Shiva killed the demons Chuncha and Kancha. The Lord then bestowed this place to Siddha, who found the Natha tradition. Shiva also guided the Siddha to use his wisdom to spread virtue in society.

There are many folk stories about this place. There is a place as well where Siddhas used to perform penances. Many inscriptions say that the kings like Salva Narasimharaja Wodeyar, Cholas, and more all used to worship Lord Gangadhareshwara and Kalabhairaveshwara.

The place where Lord Shiva sat and performed his penance is Jwala Peetha. Devotees often visit this place during the festivities of Lord Shiva, such as Shivaratri; they also visit the place during Navaratri and Jatrotsava.

The Architecture of the Sri Kabbalamma Temple

The temple is surrounded by a granite wall that makes it look like a fort. There is a sanctum made for Lord Kalabhyrava, which looks massive and is 35 feet from the ground. A sanctum,' Sanctorum,’ is made on a high pedestal. From here, one can easily see the Dwarapalakas from the entrance itself. There is a passage for encircling the temple as well, which is well-defined.

The temple comprises 128 pillars with refined panels representing many deities and their vehicles. This complex architecture also becomes the reason for attraction for the devotees here.

Rocks surround this temple, and devotees need to take a lamp along to see even at noon. This is also the temple where the Lord has a dog statue as his mount instead of Nandi.

To reach the main temple, you need to climb 200 steps which feels a great exercise if you are in sound health. Many devotees climb those steps, and it is not a difficult job to do so. You can also keep chanting the mantra of the Lord, and in no time, you will reach the top.

Once you have reached the temple, you can have a glance at God, and you can climb even higher. On the peak is a statue of Nandi; there is an interesting thing about this statue. If devotees can lift, it ensures that what they have wished for will come true. If you can't lift, you must wait for your wish to come true. The statue is about 10 kg, but not everyone can lift it.

There is also a statue of Big Ganesha there, which gives soothing vibes, and it is always fun to reach Ganesha here. You will find Ganesha on your way to the peak; this also makes a great place for beautiful pictures.

As we mentioned in the beginning, there are free-roaming peacocks here. There is a peacock sanctuary where peacocks are kept safe to conserve them. There are bats, mongooses, and cats as well. You can also encounter many species of Indian birds if you are a birdwatcher. You can experience safaris, and they run from 8 am to 5 pm. The place remains open from 6 am to 6 pm; the entry fee is just 15 rupees and 50 rupees for foreign tourists.

There are additional charges for photography; however, you should always ask before clicking the pictures of the Lord.

Festivals in Sri Kalabhairaveshwara Swamy Temple

Kalabhairava Swamy Jayanthi is a grand festival celebrated in this temple. It is celebrated every year on the birth anniversary of Kalabhairav. It takes place on Karthika Bahulashtami when a huge crowd gathers in the temple. It is an auspicious day. On this day, devotees worship Kala Bhairav with flowers, fruits and sweets. Devotees perform special rituals for their dead ancestors. People also recite Kalabhairav Katha on this special day. Traditional musical instruments are played during the midnight of Kalabhairav Jayanthi. People from all over the country visit the temple to participate in this festival.

Benefits of worshipping in Sri Kalabhairaveshwara Swamy Temple

Sri Kalabhairavehswara Swamy temple is known for its spiritual significance. Devotees who worship the Bhairva God can stay away from fear. It is also believed that the God in the temple has the power to create fear among people who create problems for His devotees. Worshipping Lord Bhairav and Lord Shiva on Kalabhairava Swamy Jayanthi can help devotees eliminate their sins. Lord Kalabhairav showers good health and prosperity when worshipped on this auspicious day. Devotees can nullify their doshas when they visit the temple on the birthday of Lord Kala Bhairav. Observing vrat (fasting) on Kalabhairav Jayanthi can remove problems in the life of His devotees.