Kodandarama Temple – Hiremagalur

History of Kodandarama Temple

Kodandarama Temple is a Hindu shrine located at Hiremagalur near Chikkamagaluru, in Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka, India. The temple deity is called Kodandarama, as Rama, and his brother Lakshmana are depicted holding arrows.

The temple has been constructed in three stages, with its Garbhagrha and sukhanasi structures in the Hoysala style. The remaining portions are additions in Dravidian style. The present navaranga is of the 14th century. While the Mukha mandapa may be of the 16th century. The outer walls of the Garbhagruha and vestibule are raised on a square basement that consists of six cornices. The outer walls of the navaranga and Mukha mandapa are built with brick and mortar. The projection of the vestibule appears to be of the 17th century.

Sthalapurana says Purushottama was subdued at Hiremagalur by Rama and requested to show him the scene of his (Rama’s) marriage. Therefore Sita stands to Rama’s right side and Lakshmana to his left, as per the tradition in Hindu marriage ceremonies. Perhaps this is the only temple where Sita and Lakshmana are positioned like this, as popular renderings of the trio (Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita) depict Sita to Rama’s left.

The idols are best described by the poet Sri. Da. Ra. Bendre: “All the three idols appear to be walking towards the viewer looking at the placement of their feet. The sculptor has carved intricately the crown, jewelry, and the positions of the bodies. Sita’s posture, eyes looking down, her jewelry are sculpted well.”

This place was the residence of nine Siddhas who performed penance near a pond in the village known as Siddha Pushkarni and that as Parashurama too lived here, it was called Bhargavapuri, or “town of Bhargava (Parashurama).

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Timings to Visit

5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM To 8:30 PM

Visiting Duration : 1-2 hrs

Important Festivals: Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Sri Rama Navami, Sri Krishna Janmasthami

How to Reach

By Air: Hubli – Bangalore International Airport – 143 km, Mangalore International Airport – 160 km.

By Train: Hospet Railway Junction – 13.2 km, ChikMangalore Railway Station – 1.47 km.

By Bus: KSRTC Chykmangalore Bus station – 9 km, Hiremangalore Bus Station – 300 MTRS.

Address

Kodandarama Swami Temple, Double Rd, Sampangi Rama Nagara, Sampangi Rama Nagar, Hiremagalur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560027.

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