The Panchaling Nageshwara Temple complex also known as Naganatheshvara is located in Begur, a small town in Karnataka’s Bangalore urban district. Two shrines within the temple complex, the Nageshvara and Nageshvarasvami, were built during the reigns of Western Ganga Dynasty Kings Nitimarga I and Ereyappa Nitimarga II.

The remaining shrines are considered a later-day legacy of the region’s rule by the Chola Dynasty, the Hoysala Dynasty, and the Vijayanagara Empire. R. Narasimhachar, an epigraphist, discovered an Old Kannada inscription in this temple complex dated around 890 that describes a “Bengaluru war” (modern-day Bangalore).

Legend/Story Related to Panchaling Nageshwara Temple

According to legends, an 890 CE Kannada inscription commemorates a battle known as the “Bengaluru War.” This inscription sheds light on the history and events of that period, emphasising the temple’s cultural and historical significance. The legend surrounding this temple is quite intriguing. According to legend, a saint blessed a poor Brahmin with divine water, which had the miraculous power to turn anything it touched into gold. However, the saint warned the Brahmin not to tell anyone about this secret.

However, the saint warned the Brahmin not to reveal the secret to anyone. One night, while staying in a sugar cane storehouse, a small amount of holy water was accidentally spilt and came into contact with the sugar cane, instantly turning it into gold. The news of this miracle reached King Kulotunga II of the Chola Dynasty, who suspected that the Brahmins possessed magical powers that could transform objects into gold. Despite the Brahmin’s silence, the king arrested him, which resulted in his imprisonment and eventual death.

This tragic event inflicted the king with Brahma Hatya dosha, a Hindu concept associated with the sin of killing a Brahmin. To seek redemption and absolution for this sin, the king is said to have set out on a mission to build numerous temples. The temple you mentioned is one of the temples built by King Kulotunga II in his search for spiritual purity. Ultimately, the legend goes on to state that King Kulotunga II found salvation and atonement for his actions after he built the Thiruvidaimarudur Mahalingeshwarar Temple.

History of Panchaling Nageshwara Temple

The historical significance of the Nageshvara Temple is intriguing. Ereganga Neetimarga I, the Western Ganga Dynasty’s ruler from 843 to 870 CE, commissioned the Nageshvara Shrine. Additionally, the Nagareshwara Shrine within the temple complex was built by Ereganga Neetimarga II, a ruler from the same Western Ganga Dynasty who reigned from 907 to 921 CE.

Furthermore, the remaining shrines in the temple complex were constructed during the imperial Chola Dynasty’s reign. These shrines commemorate the region’s rich architectural and historical heritage. The temple’s historical significance is further enhanced by an 890 CE Kannada inscription commemorating the “Bengaluru War.” This inscription provides valuable insights into the history and events of that period, emphasising the temple’s cultural and historical significance.

The Architecture of Panchaling Nageshwara Temple

The Central Archaeological Survey of India protects this temple complex as a national monument due to its historical and cultural significance. The temple complex faces east and is distinguished by its five-tiered Rajagopuram (main entrance tower). There are additional gopurams on the complex’s western, northern, and southern sides. The temple grounds are enclosed by a 10-foot-high compound wall.

The temple complex includes five major shrines dedicated to Nageswara, Kali Kamateshwara, Nagareshwara, Choleshwara, and Karneshwara. As you enter the Rajagopuram, you will see a 30-foot-tall granite pillar, the Vrishabha Stambha, a wooden flag post, and a Bali Peetha (sacrificial altar).

The base of the Vrishabha Stambha is adorned with intricate carvings of Ganesha, Linga, Vrishabha (the sacred bull), and Brahma Rakshasa. Behind the Vrishabha Sthamba is a stone carving of Kulothunga Chola and his wife, accompanied by an inscription on a slab.

The temple grounds include a well with beautifully carved pillars. The water from this well is used in a variety of temple rituals. There is also a Shami Vriksham, or Vilwa Tree, within the temple complex. These elements enhance the temple complex’s overall spiritual and cultural ambience.

Important Facts About Panchaling Nageshwara Temple

• Nageshvara (Nageshwara) Temple is in Begur town in the Bangalore district of Karnataka.
• The Nageshwara Temple is the complex’s main temple. The main deity is Nageshwara Swami, who appears as Shiva Linga and is accompanied by his consort Parvati.
• The temple houses the idols of Ganesha, Bhairava, Vishnu, Surya, Chandra, Sapta Matas, Kasi Vishwanatha, Subramanya in serpent form, and Chamundeshwari. The ceiling features carvings of Uma Maheshwara and Ashta Dik Palas, as well as a colourfully drawn Yantra.
• The goddess of the temple is Parvati, also known as Dakshina Kali. She is located in a separate shrine. At the shrine’s entrance, there is a Ganesha idol with only two arms, which is thought to be one of the oldest Ganesha idols in South India.
• The domes of the twin temples are constructed in the traditional Dravidian style. The floor is raised slightly above the ground, and the roof is low.
• The interior pillars are sculpted in various styles, implying that the temple was expanded over time.
• The temple contains five lingas, each dedicated to a different form of Ishvara (Shiva).

Best Time to Visit Panchaling Nageshwara Temple

This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

Famous Festivals In Panchaling Nageshwara Temple

• Shravana: For happiness and wealth, many fasts, offerings, and mantras are performed during the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, known as Shravana.
• Mahashivaratri is a fasting ritual in the last week of February – March Begining. It is reminiscent of Lord Shiva bringing Goddess Parvati with him. Priests and the temple committee arrange a Grand Celebration.

How to Reach Panchaling Nageshwara Temple

Panchaling Nageshwara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva which is located in Begur, a small town in Karnataka’s Bangalore urban district.

By Air: The nearest airport is Bangalore International Airport which is approximately 46 kilometres away from the Panchaling Nageshwara Temple.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Bangalore railway station, approximately 17 kilometres away from the Panchaling Nageshwara Temple.

By Road: To get to Panchaling Nageshwara Temple, one can hire an auto or a cab from Begur Lake Road.

Also Read – Trikuteshwara Temple