Srikanteshwara Temple

Srikanteshwara Temple, also known as Nanjundeshwara Temple, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Nanjangud on the banks of the Kapila River in Mysuru district, Karnataka. Revered as Dakshina Kashi, it is among the largest temples in Karnataka and exhibits Dravidian architecture with a towering nine-storey gopuram. The temple received patronage from the Gangas, Cholas, Hoysalas and Wodeyars and remains a major pilgrimage centre near Mysuru.

Visitors can expect a large Dravidian-style temple complex with a towering gopuram, pillared halls, carved pillars and shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva as Srikanteshwara and Goddess Parvati. The temple is situated on the Kapila River with ghats nearby. Inside, visitors can see the main lingam in the sanctum, smaller shrines, sculptures and mural work, and observe daily pujas, aartis and rituals. The outer precincts have shops for offerings, prasad counters and open courtyards to explore.

The temple's origins are traced to the Ganga period (9th century) with later expansions by the Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara rulers and the Wodeyars of Mysore. Inscriptions and architectural styles reflect contributions from multiple dynasties. The temple was patronized by Mysore rulers including Tipu Sultan, who is recorded to have made endowments and referred to the deity as Hakim Nanjunda.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Srikanteshwara or Nanjundeshwara, believed to have consumed poison to save the world, and is revered as Dakshina Kashi. It is a major Shaivite pilgrimage centre in South India, especially significant during Maha Shivaratri and other Shaivite festivals, attracting devotees for rituals on the Kapila River.