On my visit to Maha Pratyangira Kali temple, Hosur (Krishnagiri Dist), Tamilnadu

                     

Statue of Pratyangira Kali Devi on the tower

Raja Gopuram

                       

Sculptures on the main temple tower

               

                               

Pratyangira kali devi in the sanctum

                                               

Statue of Pratyangira Devi in the lion-mouthed cave

                                               

Statue of Shiva in the temple cave

                                                 

Lord sarabheshwara

                       

The holy trident

This temple is in Maranapalli, Hosur, and is in close proximity to SIPCOT Industrial Area. It is nearly 7.5 kms from Hosur bus stand.  The way to this surrounding temple seems very scenic with a rural landscape comprising fields, vegetable cultivation and mango orchards. According to legends, this temple was first established by Sage Durvasa to overcome his anger and obtain inner peace.

 On the Gopuram one can see the biggest Pratyangira Devi statue in the world. In this temple one can see the bright painted awe-inspiring statues of Pratyangira Devi, Sarabheshwara, Mariamman, Kali, Lord Narasimha and Bhagalamukhi. The entrance to see these statues is shaped like the mouth of a lion wide open. 

This temple is a Tantric-based temple, and devotees offer red chilies during Homas to destroy negative energy.  In the sanctum one can see a black stone-idol adorned with precious stones and jewelry. Pratyangira Devi is a fierce form of Shakti with the head of male lion and the body of a woman symbolizing ferocity and maternal grace. She protects her devotees from dark and evil forces and from black magic.  She was born from Shiva’s third eye to calm the intense anger of Lord Narasimha.  According to tantric texts, she is the wife of Lord Kala Bhairava or Lord Sarabheshwara.  In some legends she manifested herself emerging from Lord Narasimha’s body. She embraced Him to   calm His fury and restore peace. As Atharvana Bhadra Kali she is also the bestower of salvation and spiritual freedom and the destroyer of Karmic forces. Her lion -head represents courage, power neutralizing the bad effects of karma of negative forces.

 

In the main sanctum she is shown as seated with four arms, holding a trident, serpent, drum and another trident. There are sub-shrines where one can see the idols of Lord Narasimha, Sharbha, and Mariamman. In her other forms she is shown as having eight or more arms wielding weapons like sword, noose, shields, and skull bowls. Adorned with serpents around arms and a necklace, She represents mastery over fierce elements protecting her devotes from snake-related afflictions and Sarpa doshas. The lion beside her shows control over wild and demonic forces. She is closely associated with the Atharvaveda from which protective mantras are chanted to invoke her blessings.

 

Many devotees visit this place to seek relief from dark evil forces and overcome obstacles, evil effects of sorcery and black magic and achieve success and prosperity. They believe that worship of Pratyangira Bhadra Kali gives protection to them against evil effects of evil eye, health problems, legal disputes, obstacles, black magic, and from planetary doshas of Rahu and Ketu.

The temple timings are from 6.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and from 3.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Abhishekam is done daily at 7.00 a.m. and Maha Mangala Aarati is at 8.30 a.m. Special poojas are performed on Amavasya, Poornima, Ashtami Tithi and on Fridays and Tuesdays. Urad dal, red bananas, pomegranates, dates and jaggery Kheer are offered to this Goddess.

 Here Rahu kala Poojas are done on every Tuesday between 3.00 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. and on Friday between 10.00 a.m. and 12.00 p.m. The ritual to drive away evil eye is done every day. It costs only ten rupees for a lemon and ten rupees for tying a yellow thread around the wrist after chanting mantras. The devotees also tie yellow threads to a spear to help resolve family issues and delay in marriage. The nearby temples worth- visiting are Sri Laksmi Venkata Ramana temple, Dakshina Tirupati, and Ayyappan temple.

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24th May 2026                                            Somaseshu Gutala

On my Visit to Sri Chandrachudeshwarar Temple, Hosur (Krishnagiri Dist)

 

  

Sri Chandrachudeshwarar temple Hosur

                                    

A view of Hosur from the hill- top

                   

Architecture on the temple tower

Main Entrance Tower

                                   

                                

Temple Pushkarini

                               

Chandrachudeshwarar and Maragadhambika

                                              

Sculptures on the walls

                                              

Sri Chandrachudeshwarar in the sanctum

                                               

Sri Maragadhambika Ammal

                                                   

Lord Ganapathy

                                          

Idol of Nandi 

                                        

Mahamandapa

                                        

A Pool seen on the way

Inscriptions on the stone 

                                                

Golden Chariot

This famous temple is located on a 250-feet high rocky hill in Hosur, Krishnagiri dist, Tamilnadu and one can have a scenic view of the entire city from this hill-top.  The name of Chandrachud means one who has a moon on his crown. Shiva with His spouse, Maragathambika is seen here. One has to climb 108 steps to reach this temple, or one can also reach this temple by car. The name of Hosur is mentioned in “Bhadragiri Mahatyam”, a part of “Brahmanda Puranam”.

 Though this temple was expanded by the Hoyasala king, Tirubhuvanamalla Parvatharaja Anthiyazhvhar in1260, this temple dates back to Chola era. The eleventh century Chola stone inscription here mentions the glory of Raja Raja Cholan and Kulottunga Cholan. The eleventh-century stone inscriptions in the temple also tell us about the contributions made by the Hoyasala kings who ruled Hosur around 1200 A.D.  In those days Hosur was known as “Murasu Nadu”. From sixteenth century onwards it came to be known as “Hosur.” Later it came under the rule of Vijayanagara kings.

The thirteenth century inscription found in Perumal temple and Bangalore Shiva temple, tell the detailed donations made to this temple by the Chola kings. This temple was renovated by Azakiya Perumal Aathimoolam. There are one hundred three carved sculptures in this temple.

This temple mainly built of soapstone has a seven-tiered Rajagopuram with intricate carvings. Both the shrines of Chandrachudeswara Lingam and Maragadhambika are east facing. Outside the sanctum around in niches are seen idols of traditional deities such as Dakshinamurty, Narthana Ganapthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma and Durga. In the inner periphery are seen the idols of sixty-three Nayanmars, Kashi Vishweswara, Chandikeshwara, Agni, Vayu, Kala Bhairava and Veerabhadra. A special shrine features Vallabha Uchchista Ganapthy with goddess on His lap.  The Navagraha enclosure is seen near a well from which water is used for daily rituals. Outside the temple there is Vasantha Mandapam, a grand-pillared hall, used for special festivals.

The main entrance towers are painted in vibrant colors and can be seen even from several kms away. The Garuda Stambha in this temple depicts the history of royal guards who committed suicide upon their master’s death. At present this temple is maintained by the Municipal Corporation of Hosur.

The temple timings are from 6.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Special festive poojas for Pradosham, Mondays, Annabhishekam during Aippasi month (Oct-Nov), Arudra Darshanam, Maha Shiva Rathri, Nava Rathri, and the grand annual festival (Rahtosthavam) in March-April. Special Rahu-Kethu poojas are done daily for astrological relief. Devotees throw rock salt and pepper into the temple pond to get rid of physical ailments.

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12th May 2026                                     Somaseshu Gutala

             

On my visit to Sri Nageshwara Swamy Temple, Begur (Bangalore Urban)

 

                            

Shiva with Parvati and His Children

               

                                       

Carved Figures at the Gateway

                                                

Sculptured elephant at the entry way

                          

Sri Panchalingeshwara Swamy Board

                                             

Shrine of Ganesh with Serpent Goddess

               

                                        

Nandi Scuplture at the base of the pillar

   

                              

Nageshswara Temple

                                  

Nandi Mandapa

                           

Sri Kali Kamateshwara swamy

                                               

Sri Nagareswara swamy

            

Nandi Mandapa

                                   

Ganesha with Two hands

                                                 

Sri Karneshwara Swamy

                                     

                                               

Mukha Mandapa

                        

Carvings on outer temple wall

                                         

Hero-Stones in the temple compound

                                 

Hero-Stone depicting Bengalur War

This is a Panchalinga Kshetra (also called Nageshwara Swamy or Naganadeshwara Temple) just 15kms from Bengaluru, is situated in a small town within Bangalore urban District. This very ancient 1300-years old temple is about four kms from Begur road from the Bommanahalli junction on Hosur road. A 9th century inscription was discovered here with the earliest reference to Bengalur.

This temple was built by Western ganga kings, Ereganga Nitimarga I (843-870) and Ereyappa Nitimarga II (907-921). On behalf of the Ganga Kings, Nagattara, the famous Jain Chieftain of Begur and Commander of the Western Ganga dynasty (which ruled present day Karnataka and Tamilnadu from 4^th century to 11^th century) constructed this temple in Begur. The remaining shrines were built by Chola, Hoyasala and Vijayanagara kings. The Panchalingas are:

1 Sri Nageswara with Parvati is the oldest temple. Worship of this Linga fulfills the desires of the devotees.

2.  The worship of Sri Choleshwara Swamy cures skin ailments.

3.  The worship of Sri Nagareswara Swamy solves business problems and court cases.

4. The worship of Kalikamateshewara swamy blesses devotees with children.

5.  The worship of Sri Karneshwara Swamy gives good health.

The temple timings of this historic temple are 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. in later times four new temple towers or Rajagopurams have been built on four sides. Special poojas are performed in this temple during Kartik Month (Nov), Mahashiva Ratri and Brhama Rathostva in the month of April.

 

According to the legends, Ravana after losing his Atma Linga in Gokarnam visited this temple during his return journey to Sri Lanka and worshipped Nageshwara Lingam here. The Nageshwara temple has a simple square sanctum with a Vestibule (Antarala). Next to Antarala, there is or Navaragna Artha Mandapa) which leads to an open hall or Agramandapa or Mukhamandapa.. This open hall has six unequally placed pillars. This leads to Nandi Mandapa with an idol of Nandi placed on a lotus platform (Padma Pitha). The Nandi Mandapa is supported by four white granite pillars. In the Navaragna or closed hall, the western Gangas set up eight panels in square grid shape around the ceiling with a beautiful sculpture of four-handed Uma Maheswara. Likewise in the open hall or Mukhamandapa there are sculptures of the seated sculptures of Shiva and Parvati, Mahishasuramardini, a unique two-handed Ganesha and Kalabhairava. Near the entrance door there are carvings of Shiva Ganas and loops of lotus flowers. At the top the entrance on the lintel is seen the figure of Gajalakshmi with elephants on either side. The shrine of Nagareshwara is another shrine built by Western Ganga kings. The other shrines of Choleshwara, Kali Kamteshwara and Karaneshwara are seen.

One can also see Kannada inscription dated 890 A.D. which refers to Bengaluru wars.  This is the earliest evidence of the existence of a place called Bengaluru. Besides there are many hero stones set up in memory of war heroes who died fighting in the war.

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 Note :

When Nolamba king, Vira Mahendra, attacked Gangas neat Tumkur at Tumbepadi or Tumbadi with elephant troops, Nagattara bravely encountered them and struck seven arrows on the head of the mighty royal elephant. But unfortunately, he was trampled by the elephant to death.  His successor Irugumaiah erected hero stones in memory of Nagaratta in Begur temple. Nagaratta’s daughter Tondayabbe performed the Jain vow of Sallekhana (fasting unto death) following the death of her husband in the war. In this battle of Bengaluru (890 A.D.) Nagattara’s son, Bhuttanpati or Perumadi, and many other relatives died. Twelve villages were given to Nagratta’s family of which Begur was the chief village. Nagaratta served under the Ganga king, Ereyappa Nitimarga II. Ultimately Gangas won the war. Gangas continued their rule till they were defeated by Rajendra Chola I. Begur, also called as Veppur or Bempuru, was once an important center of business, Vedic learning and administration of Ganga, Chola and other dynasties. At a short distance away from this temple is seen a broken circular mud fortress in which the Kashi Visveshwara temple is seen.

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  4th May 2026                        Somaseshu Gutala

 

 

On my Visit to Bhavanarayana Temple, Sarpavaram (Kakinada, East Godavari Dist.)

  

Sri Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple Tower

  

Beautiful idols on the tower

                                               

Pradakshina Marga around the temple

                                  

Entrance to the temple

                                

Sri Bhavanarayana Swamy in the sanctum

                             

The image of Tirunamam with divine discus and Conch

                                     

The figure of Lord Krishna

                                           

The statue of Lord Hanuman

                                            

Statue of Narada near Narada Kundam

                                   

Garuda Stambhamu

                                    

This temple is located just five kms from Kakinada. This temple is one of the one hundred and eight sacred Vaishnava Khetras. One who stays here for three days will get the merit of performing a hundred horse-sacrifices.  The name of the Lord “Bhavanarayana” means that the Lord bestows salvation just by thinking about Him. As per Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Sage Agashtya narrated the story of Adisesha to Saunaka and others in Nymisaranya. Here Adisesha did penance about Vishnu to get rid of his mother, Kadruva’s curse that all serpents who disobeyed her order would die in the serpent sacrifice to be performed by the king Janamejaya. Pleased with his penance, Lord Vishnu absolved him from Kadruva’s curse and accepted him to serve as His bed and as His seat. He also declared that the place where Adisesha did penance will be named after him as Sarpapura, and that he would stay there with his spouses Lakshmi and Bhudevi.

 

This is also the place where Sage Narada got salvation from his pride and arrogance. According to Devi Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana, Narada felt proud of his penance and boasted before Brahma that he would not be deluded by Vishnu Maya. Later when he came to Sarpapura, he bathed in a lake and became a damsel. At that time Nakunda, the young prince of Pithapuram came and fell in love with the young lady and married her and took her to Pithapuram. There she gave birth to sixty sons named as Prabhava, Vibhava etc later taken as the names of Telugu years. Later another king Ripunjaya invaded Pithapuram and all the sons of the lady and her husband died in the battle. Narada in lady’s form was very much filled with grief and decided to end her life. Lord Vishnu appeared before her in the form of a Brahmin and asked her to take bath in the lake. When the lady took a dip, she became Narada again. Narada a realized his mistake and prayed to Lord Vishnu to forgive him. Lord Vishnu forgave him and named that lake as ‘Muktikasara” the lake of salvation. He also declared that they who take bath here would be freed from their sins. Kartika, Margasira and Magha are auspicious months and Sunday and Saturday are auspicious days for taking holy bath.  Besides, Muktisara there is another temple tank called “Narada Kundam”.  The water from this tank is used in the daily sacred preparation of the temple Prasad.

 

This temple has a five-tiered Raja Gopuram with a wooden door and a compound wall around. The entrance of the temple is east-facing with a stone Dwajha Stambham on the top of which the miniature idols of Garuda and Anjaneya are seen. The sanctum is seen on an elevated platform. Beside the main shrine, there are sub-shrines for Rajya Lakshmi Ammavaru and for twelve Alwars. Another important sub-shrine houses a Swambhu (self-born) idol of Patala Bhavanarayana Swamy mounted on Garuda Vahana, seen below the ground level. Adjacent to this shrine is seen the shrine of Manavala Mahamuni. On the opposite side there is Lakshmi Devi Sannidhi believed to be installed by sage Vedavyasa. On the outer wall of the temple is seen an idol of Ganapathy. On the outer side of the peripheral wall is seen the Nakshatra Vanam with 27 trees representing twenty-seven stars.

 In the open space of this temple, we can see the beautiful painted figures of Lord Krishna dancing on the hoods of the serpent Kaliya and a Thirunamam flanked by divine Chakram and divine Conch. At its two ends of these figures are seen the idols of Anjaneya and Garudalwar. A separate platform for lighting lamps is also seen. A temple garden with stone benches is another attraction here.

 

This temple is also considered as a Rahu, Kethu Dosha Parihara Kshetram and Sarpa Dosha Nivarana Sthalm. A row of serpent-stones is seen in the temple compound.

The architecture of the temple is a harmonious blend of both Chalukyan (7^th to 12^th centuries) and that of Cholas (11^th century). The temple gopuram was designed out of a single rock and the internal walls of the temple were made of sandstone. On the gopuras idols of Gopikas, Apsaras (divine damsels) and ten Incarnations of Lord Vishnu are seen. There are stone inscriptions of the Chola Kings (1022-1122) and Kataya Vema Reddy (1395-1414 A.D.). This temple was first renovated by Kulottunga Chola II in 1465 and later by Vasireddy Venkatadri Naidu of Amaravati in 1856. This temple is a protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. The greatness of this temple was mentioned by the 15^th century famous poet, Srinatha, in his work “Kasi Khandam” and in “Bhimeswara Puranam”. The nearby tourist places are: Draksharamam, Pithapuram, Kotipalli and Uppada Beach. The temple timings are: 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 P.M. (noon) and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Those who go to Kakinada should not miss this sacred Vaishnava Kshetra with so many holy shrines.

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   26th April 2026                               Somaseshu Gutala