While India is considered as the land of temples and religions, every temple is said to have its own. One such temple, which holds significance in the life of people, is Hasanamba temple based in Karnataka. The temple has been dedicated to Lord Shakti and is different in its own ways as mentioned below.
The temple opens only once a week in a year in the month of October, during Diwali. The visiting time of the temple is 7 AM to 10 PM and 3 PM to 10:00 PM
Hasanamba Temple – An Overview
Hasanamba temple is situated in Hassan in the state of Karnataka. The deity worshipped at the temple is Divinity Hasanamba. The town was named after the name of the temple. There has been evidence that the temple was constructed in the 12th century; however, who and how it was constructed it is still unknown.
There is an ant-hill inside the temple, which signifies the presence of God within the place. The sacred temple opens only for one week in a year, which is why individuals should plan to obtain darshan during the said period.
History and Facts of Hasanamba Temple
The temple is dedicated to the Idol Hasanamba, “Hasya” which means smile. It is believed that kind Goddess smiles and bestows blessings upon her followers. Devotees visit the temple every year during the festive season.
One of the most unusual things about the temple is an image of Ravana from Ramayana. It has been placed with nine heads instead of ten heads and is playing the veena. While the reason for such an image is still unknown, it is undoubtedly one of the most interesting things about the temple. Another unusual visual of the temple is the beautiful view of Siddeshwara Swamy from the entrance. The view appears as Lord Shiva Giving which is astounding and unusual to watch.
The religious meaning and miracles speak a lot about the temple and make it one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Hassan district. Individuals, who wish to seek Goddess Hasanamba’s blessing and smiles, must give a visit to the temple during the festive season.
Architecture of Hasanamba Temple
The beautiful Hasanamba temple is said to be an epitome of Hoysala architecture. The beautiful architectures tell us different facts about dynasties, which have ruled the place. Most of the temples within the palace were built by Kings of Hoysala dynasty who were the followers of Jainism and had their own set of traditions. While visiting the temples in Hassan district one would get the chance to see some of the extravagant places depicting Hoysala tradition and religion.
Hasanamba Temple – Religious Significance
One of the unusual things about the temple is it opens up for public devotees only for one week in a year. For the remaining part of the year, the Goddess is served with a lighted lamp, water, two bags full of rice and some flowers.
The ghee lit lamp, also known as Nanda Deepa, burns all the year round by the side of Goddess ensuring that it never depletes even when the temple is shut down. Also surprisingly, the rice bags offered to the Goddess remain warm and unspoilt throughout the year. All of this very well clarifies that it is one of the greatest temples in the district, and has devotees from all over the world.
Hasanamba Temple. Image courtesy: Kishore328
Hasanamba Temple – Mythology
The basis of the temple was set when seven Maatrukes i.e. Brahmi, Kaumari, Maheshwari, Vyshnavi, Indrani, Varahi and Chamundi came floating to South India and found Hassan as the most beautiful place.
The beauty of the place held them back forever and made them reside here. While the three Maatrukes i.e. Maheshwari, Vyshnavi and Kaumari choose to reside in three anthills based inside the temple, the other three choose to reside in three wells in Devigere Honda.
Hasanamba means ever smiling, and the Goddess bestows all her riches to the needy and poor. The Goddess is being preached as one of the kind Goddesses.
Miracles and Beliefs
It has been believed that Amma Hasanamba has turned the mother-in-law of one of her devotees into stone for torturing devotee. It is said that the stone moves one inch in every year, and when the stone reaches the feet of the Goddess the period of Kaliyuga shall come to an end.
According to a legend four robbers who were trying to rob the jewel of a sculpture were turned into stones. These stones can still be sited at Kallappa Gudi.
How to Reach Hasanamba Temple
Hasanamba temple is located in the centre of Hassan city, making it easily approachable for travellers based around the world.
By Air
People can fly up to Mangalore, which is nearest to the temple and is connected with almost all the major flights flying across the country.
By Road
Hassan is connected with well-built roads with all the major cities. Hassan is just 115 km from Mysore, 186 km from Bangalore, 172 km from Mangalore and 65 km from Chikmagalur.
By Train
It is connected by rail with different cities and places across India. Arsikere railway station is the nearest station to the temple. It is around 38 kms away.