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Outer View of Nandi Teertha Temple |
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Nandi idol with engraved figures of Shiva and Parvati with family |
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Flowing water from Nandi's mouth |
To know the rich cultural heritage of Bangalore you have to
visit the older quarters of this historic city. In Malleswaram located in
northwestern part of the city you will find a cluster of temples in the middle
of the busy market selling many varieties of vegetables, flowers, banana
leaves, fruits and whatnot. A complete change from the dusty, crowded multi-storied
buildings of I.T. hub. Small houses with
tiny windows in the narrow lanes will make you remember the olden times. It is
the locality where many Tamil Brahmin families settled. So we feel a clear
resemblance to that of a small colony in a town.
We saw a small
entrance with the idol of a big Nandi on the top of the western entrance. As we
entered we saw a small pond in the center within an enclosure. Nobody is
allowed to wash their limbs there. We saw many black turtles and white fish in
the crystal-clear water. A corridor with many pillars is seen at an elevated
level around the pond. A stream of water flows from the mouth of a stone idol
of south-facing Nandi perched on a higher level. Just below a Shiva Linga is
seen over which water falls from a brass vessel hung over the idol. The stream
of water from Nandi’s mouth flowing through a pipe and falling into the vessel
over the Shiva Linga collects into the water tank (called Kalyani in Kannada).
The water from Kalyani is evacuated into the open well
outside the temple. This water is considered very pure with herbal properties
and is taken as holy teerrtham by devotees.
Nobody knows the origin of this water flow. It might be a natural spring
behind from where water is flowing through Nandi’s mouth. On the left side of
Shiva Linga the shrine of Ganesh is seen and a Navagraha platform is found on
the right side. Just behind Nandi’s idol the figures of Lord Shiva with
Parvati, Ganesha and Subrahmanya are engraved on gold-coated brass panels. In
many temples Nandi is seen at a lower level facing Shiva Linga. But here Nandi
is seen above the Shiva Linga.
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Devotees standing in front of Shiva's shrine |
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Black turtle on the steps |
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fish seen under water |
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Navagraha Shrine |
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Ganesh's shrine |
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Garden in front of the temple premises
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This temple is
considered to be a part of the nearby Kadu Malleswara temple. According to archeological Survey of India, this Nandi Teertha temple was built in 17th century in
Maratha style without any decorative designs. The Maratha king, Venkoji,
stepbrother of Shivaji built this temple. The temple is below ground level and
has no gopuram or tower. For many years it was buried under mud. In 1990’s when
construction work was started, it was discovered by chance. No changes or additions were made to this
temple except the western entrance with a huge idol of Nandi on the top of the
arch. A beautiful garden with many shady trees adds charm to this historic
temple. The temple timings are from 7.30 a.m. to 12.00
p.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Many special poojas are held during Maha
Shiva Rathri and during Kartik month.
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18th April, 2018 Somaseshu Gutala
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