On the outskirts of Bangalore, sits a complex of shrines dating back to the early 9th century. This temple with its distinct Dravidian style of architecture is said to have been constructed by the Nolamba and Rashtrakuta dynasties. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) classifies this complex dedicated to Lord Shiva as one of the oldest temples in Karnataka.
Located at the base of Nandi Betta (hills), the complex houses the Arunachaleswara which signifies the presiding deity’s childhood, Bhoga-Nandeeshwara signifying his youth, Uma-Maheshwara signifying his marriage to Goddess Parvati and the Yoga Nandeeshwara which talks about the final renunciation. Out of the four shrines, Yoga Nandeeshwara sits away from the complex, on top of Nandi betta.
At the right wall entrance of the complex is Mahanavami Dibba, the ceremonial throne of the rulerFurther ahead to the left are sprawling green lawns adorned on the sides with the temple’s dharmashalaThe structure is in much need of maintenance but still manages to glow in the morning lightTowards the right are massive stone wheels of the temple’s chariot (seen in the background). In its heydays, this would have been attached to the wooden chariot, but now languishes in a bed of grassThe wooden chariot at the left of the temple’s main entrance has intricate carvings all aroundCarvings on the back of the chariotThese feminine faces adorn the front of the chariot. It is interesting to see that voluptuousness was considered a symbol of beauty in ancient IndiaBehind the chariot hides an obscure Darbar Hall. Here a horse rider is carved on the stone pillars at the structure’s entranceThe archway to the temple complex that houses the Arunachaleswara, Bhoga-Nandeeshwara, and Uma-Maheshwara shrinesAn Apsara figurine at the temple entranceIn the courtyard of the temple stands this tall stone obelisk. Obelisks are said to draw in the energy of the universeTiered pyramidal gopurams of Arunachaleswara and Bhoga-Nandeeshwara templesThe Uma-Maheshwara shrine is located behind the south wall of Arunachaleshwara shrineIntricately carved pillars of the Arunachaleshwara shrineGoddess Durga standing on a buffalo head on the north wall of Bhoga Nandeshwara shrine (figurines to the left)Dancing Shiva carvings on the south wall of the Arunachaleshwara shrineOrnate structures like this are all around the temple plinths and are used to discharge the water offering on the Shivling – the universal symbol of Lord Shiva, signifying creationCarving of rising Kundalini on the south wall of Arunachaleshwara shrineTwo sets of Nandi Bull statues sit on the pavilion facing the two shrines of Arunachaleswara and Bhoga-NandeeshwaraThe Navagraha pedestal – a regular feature at all South Indian templesEarthen lamps waiting to be lit after sunset at the temple pavilionThe ceremonial umbrellaThis is the Tulabhadra Mantapa – large weighing scales would be attached to the ceiling and devotees would weigh their offerings on this, proportionate to their body weightShringi Thirtha – the temple’s magnificent kalyani or pushkarniReflections in the waterAs above, so below
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