More News : The historic Sri Srikanteshwara Temple at Nanjangud in Karnataka, built in the 11th century, holds a rare distinction—it is the only temple in the world where 32 distinct forms of Lord Ganesha are carved atop the temple’s fort walls. These unique depictions show Ganesha in varied forms, from a dancing deity to a child (Bala) and a youthful (Taruna) figure, all sculpted from wheat-colored stone. References to these forms can be found in the Mudgala Purana and the Ganesha Purana.
Located 27 km from Mysuru, on the banks of the Kabini (Kapila) River, the temple—also called the Nanjundeshwara Temple—is built in the Dravidian architectural style. Spread over 50,000 sq. ft., it houses 147 pillars, with separate sanctums for Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesha. The towering seven-story gateway, known as the Mahadwara, stands 120 feet tall and leads into the vast courtyard. A unique feature is the spot where the first rays of the morning sun fall directly inside the shrine.
Often referred to as the “Kashi of the South,” the temple is associated with the legend of Lord Shiva consuming poison. The annual Dodda Jathra festival held in March–April draws thousands of devotees for grand processions of Shiva, Ganesha, and other deities.
The 32 forms of Ganesha represented here include Bala, Taruna, Bhakta, Veera, Shakti, Dwija, Siddhi, Ucchhishta, Vighna, Kshipra, Heramba, Lakshmi, Maha Ganapati, Vijaya, Nritya, Urdhva, Ekakshara, Varada, Tryakshara, Kshipra Prasada, Haridra, Ekadanta, Srishti, Uddanda, Rinamochana, Dhundhi, Dwimukha, Trimukha, Simha, Yoga, Durga Ganapati, and Sankatahara.
