Did you know of a temple that wards off diseases in Bannerghatta, Bangalore? The Champakadhama Swamy temple, Bannerghatta, is just 35 km from Bangalore and a little before the noteworthy Bannerghatta National Park. The temple is known for curing devotees’ ailments.
Champakadhama Swamy Temple, Bannerghatta history
In the years of yore, the Bannerghatta National Park region was a forest of Champaka trees, hence it was called Champakaranya. It was a place of penance for great sages. There was a temple dedicated to Lord Rama below the Champakadhama Swamy Temple in the Treta Yuga, and a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in the Dwapara Yuga. In the present Kali Yuga, the temple is dedicated to Lord Narayana, worshipped here as Champakadhama Swamy, along with his two consorts, Sri Lakshmi Devi and Bhoo Devi. The deity came to be acknowledged as Champakadhama Swamy, as devotees then worshipped the Lord with Champaka flowers.
As popular belief holds, the temple was first established by the Pandavas. It was built in the 12th century. Inscriptions in the temple reveal that it was constructed in 1257 AD during the Hoysala period and later further developed by the Vijayanagara dynasty.
The story behind the cure for diseases
King Janamejaya, a descendant of the Pandavas, was suffering from a disease. He sought the counsel of the sages for his cure. The sages advised him to offer worship in the temples built by his forefathers for his cure. The king thus set out on a pilgrimage to the temples built by his ancestors. Hence, he also visited the Champakadhaya Swamy Temple and began worshipping the Lord. A dog, which was also suffering from the same ailment as the king, also accompanied him. The dog was thirsty and came forward to quench its thirst at the nearby temple tank (Kalyani). The moment it came in contact with the water, it was cured of its ailment.
King Janamejaya, who witnessed the miracle, immersed himself in the tank of the sacred waters and was miraculously cured of his disease. And Lo, Lord Hanuman appeared before the king instantly and revealed to him the greatness of the sacred waters of the tank, which have medicinal properties to cure diseases. An idol of Lord Hanuman can be found at the bottom of the temple tank. During the fair celebrated here, also called the Jatra, the water from the temple tank, or the Kalyani, will be drained to worship Lord Hanuman. On each new moon day, devotees take a dip in the temple tank. The Kalyani, or temple tank, is located behind the temple in the middle of the forest.
Champakadhama Swamy Temple, Bannerghatta Architecture
The Champakadhama Swamy temple is situated at the base of the rocky Suvarnamukhi hill. The main gopura of the Champakadhama Swamy Temple in Bannerghatta is in the Dravidian style. Carved pillars and inner wall bas-reliefs showcase the Hoysala architectural style, though the temple lacks the grand ornamentation found at Belur and Halebidu. The inner walls depict simple sculptures of other deities. Carvings on the main door and stone panels showcase scenes from Vaishnavite mythology. Lord Vishnu, as Champakadhama Swamy, and his consorts, Lakshmi Devi and Bhoo Devi, grace the sanctum sanctorum.
Festivals celebrated in the Champakadhama Swamy temple
Festivals associated with Lord Vishnu are celebrated in the Champakadhama Swamy Temple. Vaikunda Ekadashi, Brahma Rathotsava, Kalyanotsava etc are celebrated grandly.
Champakadhama Swamy Temple, Bannerghatta Timings
The Champakadhama Swamy temple is open every day from 6.00 AM to 12:00 PM and in the evening from 05:00 pm to 07:00 PM.
Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
After worshipping Champakadhama Swamy, devotees can also visit the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple, located on a hill beyond Champakadhama Swamy temple. It can be reached by climbing a flight of steps.
How to reach Champakadhama Swamy Temple
The Champakadhama Swamy temple, Bannerghatta, is 35 km from Bangalore. There are several regular buses to reach the temple. People can also take a taxi to reach it.
To conclude, this spiritual abode, set in serene surroundings and replete with rich history, is a must-visit.
Also read
- Temples Of Karnataka
- Bannerghatta National Park
- Top 10 Must Visit Temples in Bangalore
- Avani Betta: Of Trekking And Temples Near Bangalore