District: Kolar
Town: Kolar town
Temple: Antaragange
Antaragange is a mountain located in the Shathashrunga mountain range. It is located three kilometers from Kolar in the direction of Kolar Betta, the series of mountains that form the temple backdrop. This is a sacred spot consecrated with a temple and tank which receives water from a spring.
Behind the temple there is route leading to the forest, the hills of Antaragange are a perfect spot for trekking, rock climbing, night navigation and other adventure activities. The mountains have many wild monkeys which grab food from the people visiting this hill.
Antaragange – Overview
The word ‘Antaragange’ means ‘Ganges from deep’ in Kannada. The Kasi Vishweshwara temple is the main attraction of this place. This place is also referred to as Dakshin Kashi or Kashi of the South. The mountain contains a number of volcanic rocks of various sizes and naturally carved caves around it. A clear view of entire town of Kolar can be seen from the top of this mountain.
Antaragange – Religious Significance
The presiding deity of this temple is Kashi Vishveshwara. The temple has a main Shiva Lingam and around four to five other lingams on the side of the Main Mantapa. The devotees believe that the water is the sacred Ganga falling from the head of Lord Shiva.
Usually devotees drink this water or bathe in it because this holy water from Antaragange is believed to cleanse the from diseases even if it persists on taking medical treatments.
Antaragange – Mythology
The Antharagange hill is associated with Lord Parasurama and Jamadagni. According to Hindu mythology, the killing of Kartaviryaarjuna by Parasurama followed by Jamadagni’s murder by sons of Kartaviryaarjuna and the self-immolation of Renuka was on this hill.
Mythology also says that Parasurama took a vow to kill the entire Kshatriya race on this hill.
The Kasi Vishweshwara Temple has a pond which receives water from the perennial spring ‘Antaragange’ which comes from the mouth of a Basava (bull carved in stone). The source of water or where it originates is still unknown.
The water gushes out from the bull’s mouth be it monsoon or summer throughout the year.
How to Get to Antaragange
The Antaragange hill is located just four kilometers away from town of Kolar and 70 kilometers from Bangalore. From Bangalore you can catch any KSRTC bus to Kolar from the Kempe Gowda Bus Station at Bangalore. On reaching the town you can either head to Antaragange on foot or in an auto rickshaw.
Through the main entrance you may have to climb 350-500 steps while another route has also been built recently which can help you reach the top easily. The best time to visit this spot would be during September to November.
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