Hasanamba Temple

About

It was constructed before the 12th centuryThere is an ant-hill representing the presiding deity inside the temple premises and because the temple is open for only one week every year, it is considered special to obtain a darshan during the Deepavali festival.

Archeological experts consider the Hasanamba Temple to be an example of the epitome of temple architecture in Karnataka. The city of Hassan dates to the 11th century and the temples around Hassan signify the various dynasties that have ruled ever since the 11th century. It was originally built by the Hoysala dynasty in their tradition, reflecting their faith in Jainism. The temples in the Hassan district are some of the examples of the Hoysala tradition of temple architecture.

Once when the seven Maatrukes (Brahmi, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vyshnavi, Varahi, Indrani and Chamundi) came floating to the South of India, they were taken aback by the beauty of Hassan and decided to make it their home forever. Maheshwari, Kaumari, and Vyshnavi took residence in the three anthills inside the temple; Brahmi in Kenchamma’s Hoskote, while Indrani, Varahi and Chamundi chose the three wells in Devigere Honda.

The town of Hassan was named after the presiding deity at the Hasanamba Temple. She is called Hasanamba as she is perceived to be ever smiling, bestowing all riches on her devotees.

While she is worshipped for being benevolent, she is also harsh to those who choose to harm her devotees. There is a belief that Amma Hasanamba turned a mother in law, who tortured Devi’s devotee the (daughter in law), into a stone in front of her. It is believed that the stone moves an inch every year and when it reaches the lotus feet of Hasanamba the period of Kali Yuga will end.

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Once four robbers attempted to rob jewels of Hasanamba and Devi turned them into stones. And these four stones can be still seen in Kallappa Gudi.