Shivagange | Sightseeing in Shivagange

A scenic peak, a Hindu Pilgrimage center, and a perfect spot for adventure – that is Shivagange for you. The scenic beauty of Shivagange is mesmerizing and the rocky terrain is an ideal spot for trekking. The shape of the hill is like the Shiva linga, and a water spring flows from the mountain which people call “Ganga”, hence the name Shivagange.

Nandi Statue at Shivagange . Image courtesy Manjeshpv

The divine location of Shivagange

Shivagange also goes by the name Dakshina Kashi due to the presence of many temples that adds to the divinity of the location. Temples located here include Patalagange, Sri Honnadevi Temple, Nandi Statue, Olakal Teertha and Gangadhareshwara temple.

The rock cut statue of Nandi (also known as Basavanna) is a major attraction here. The statues are carved on the steep rocks, and a sculpture is one of a kind. Many theerthas are found on the hill namely Kanva Theertha, Agasthay Theertha, Pathala Ganga, Kapila theertha etc. Other temples that can be visited here are Sharadambe temple, Sri Honnaedvi temple and Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple.

On the auspicious occasion of Sankranti festival, Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara and Sri Honnadevi’s (Parvathi Devi) marriage function is conducted, when the holy water from the river Ganga pours down from the rocks above when the marriage is said to be done.

Shivagange From Foot Hills . Image courtesy Manjeshpv

Experience adventurous ecstasy at Shivagange

Religion and adventure co-existing together, that is Shivagange. The mountain peak provides a huge adrenalin rush to the adventure seekers. The mountain is ideal for rock climbing. The man-made steps to the temple make the journey to the top quite easier. The ascent is quite tiring around 800 m then the climbing is quite easier as safety rails are provided in the steep areas. Monkeys are found in most of the places here. The panoramic view from the top, near the Nandi statue, is spellbound and truly enchanting. The fresh blow of the wind and the scenic beauty of the villages beneath is quite enticing.

Shivagange Architecture. Image courtesy Manjeshpv

Architectural splendor of Shivagange

The amazing architecture of the temple is alluring. The rock cut statue of Nandi is again one of a kind, with a splendid location for the statue. The Shiva Parvathi statues outside and the cave temple etc. are a mind-blowing construction. The temple is carved out of the stones and gives an exemplary structure. The stone carvings depict the ancient temple architecture. The temple architecture is preserved by the government of Karnataka.

Shivagange Olakal Theertha . Image courtesy Manjeshpv

Major Attractions near Shivagange

Gangadhareswara Temple

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located first during your uphill climb. The low roofed temples are lit with a light from an earthen lamp, which is the only source of light inside the temple. As Per the legendary tales, when the Poojas are done with ghee, the ghee turns to butter.

Olakala Theertha

Little further in the ascent you find this theertha, where the spring flows amidst the rocks. The spring is sacred.

Nandi statue

The rock cut steps moving up the hill leads to the Nandi statue. The statue is the highest point on the hill and the position of the statue is right at the steep part of the hill.

Shanthala Point

The point is located on 500 meters’ uphill land is known for the breathtaking view from this point. The location is named after the great Bharatanatyam dancer and the queen Shanthala Devi, who was the wife of Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana. The point of the hill is where she committed suicide.

Patala Gange

The word “Patala” means underground. The spring that arises from the underground of the hill is called the Patala Gange. The water level keeps changing which is a myth. The sanctum of the temple can be reached only by crawling down through the tunnel. It is believed that the stream of water is linked to Antaragange in Kolar.

Shiva Parvathi at Shivagange. Image courtesy Manjeshpv

Ideal time to Visit Shivagange

During rainy seasons the steep rocky terrain is slippery. Summers are too hot to handle. The winter season is the ideal time to visit the shrine and experience the breathtaking view from the top.