On my Visit to Sri Chandrashwarar 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.

                                     *********************

12th May 2026                                     Somaseshu Gutala