Following our team's search of old temples in Bengaluru , we recently visited the 'Nandi Theertha Kalyani Temple' in Malleshwaram which is about 4-5 kms from the city center.
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| Nandi Theertha Kalyani temple - Arch entrance |
This temple is dedicated to Nandi - the bull which is the vehicle of lord Shiva. Also referred as Dakshina Nandi Teertha Kalyani temple , as the Nandi idol is facing towards south. Theertha in kannada means the sacred water which the temple priest shares with the devotees. It is the water which is used during abhisheka of the idol, and Kalyani means a small pond. Behind Nandi idol , on large brass wall coatings - sculptures of Ganesha , Shiva Parvathi are embedded.
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| Nandi Theertha Kalyani temple - Inside |
The speciality of this temple is the theertha/ water spring is coming out of Nandi idol's mouth and hits the shiv linga which is beneath this idol. Believed to be atleast more than 1000 years old this temple was recently identified during the 90s while forming the layout. Although the exact source of this water is not known , some say it may be from Sankey tank , while some say it is the birth of Bangalore's Vrishibhavathi river. This water is served as prasadam in bottles to devotees.
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| Nandi Theertha Kalyani temple - Nandi idol |
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| Nandi Theertha Kalyani temple Kalyani - Turtles |
The temple's small kalyani is another attraction for the visitors where many turtles and fishes are feeded. The open kalyani surrounded by stairs is the best place to relax and enjoy the place. The outer sanctum has all stone pillars with one small mantap where Ganesha idol is consecrated. Outside the temple is a small park and a well which too has few turtles.
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| Nandi Theertha Kalyani temple - Pillars |
Temple is open for darshan between morning 7 AM to 12.30 PM and again at evening between 5 to 7.30 PM. Special programs and poojas are conducted here during Shivarathri festival. Opposite to this temple is Gangamma , Lakshmi Narasimha temple which attracts many visitors. We have not come across much temples in Bengaluru having a Kalyani , hence this is quite different for Bengalurians.
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| Nandi Theertha Kalyani temple - outside View |
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| Gangamma temple Gopura |
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| Lakshmi Narayana temple Gopura |
Do visit this temple with your friends and family and share the experience.
Check out our touring spots guide for more details on other spots
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