Bangalore city and its surrounding areas boast numerous captivating destinations perfect for a weekend getaway. Among these is the Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, a stunning architectural marvel nestled at the base of Nandi Hills, approximately 55 kilometers from the city center. The quaint Nandi village is located 18 kilometers beyond Devanahalli (home to Bangalore International Airport) along the Bangalore-Hyderabad Highway.

BRAND NEW STONE RADIALS HAVE ARRIVED !! ANCIENT CHARIOT WHEELS IN FRONT OF BHOGA NANDEESHWARA TEMPLE
According to the archaeological survey of India, the original temple was constructed in the years 806-810 AD, following the typical Dravidian style by Bana Queen Ratnavali. It came under the patronage of various dynasties such as Gangas, Cholas, Hoysalas, Pallavas, Vijayanagara kings, and even Tipu Sultan in later periods. The temple has been altered by different rulers until the area fell under British control in 1799, following the demise of Tipu Sultan.
There are a pair of significant shrines within the temple compound. The Arunachaleswara temple, situated in the southern corner, was commissioned by the Gangas of Talakad (<Read about it by clicking here), while the Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, located on the northern side, was erected by the Chola Kings. A sculpture depicting a king can be observed within the temple complex, thought to be that of Rajendra Chola. The Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple is devoted to Lord Shiva in different phases of existence.
The Arunachaleswara shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his childhood form, while the Bhoga Nandeeshwara shrine worships Shiva as a youth. In between these two major shrines, there is a smaller Uma-Maheshwara shrine that depicts Shiva and Parvati during their marriage, making it a popular destination for newly wedded couples seeking blessings. You may notice that it is a favourite post-wedding shoot location too. On top of Nandi hills, there is another temple where Lord Shiva is represented in his renunciation stage. This temple features beautiful courtyards supported by ornate pillars and adorned with exquisite carvings. The Kalyana Mandapa and Tulabhara Mandapa were later contributions made by the Vijayanagara rulers. In front of the temple complex, there is a large temple tank called Kalyani or Pushkarni, which was added by King Krishnadeva Raya. It used to be a tradition to worship the idols of kings along with other gods in temples, which is why there is a statue of Rajendra Chola-I inside the sanctum of the Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple. Tamil inscriptions around the temple point to the Chola influence in this region. Read about Rajendra Chola and the Great Living Chola Temples here >>

EXQUISITE CARVINGS DEPICTING MYTHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS, FOUND ON THE OUTER WALL OF BHOGA NANDEESHWARA TEMPLE, KARNATAKA
An unattended wooden chariot rests in front of the temple, its massive stone wheels scattered and partially buried in the soil. It is recommended to take a leisurely walk around the village to appreciate the beautiful scenery. The view of the temple from the summit of Nandi Hills is also quite breathtaking.
Close to the temple lies a small village called Muddena Halli, renowned as the birthplace of Shri Vishveshwarayya, the esteemed engineer and architect of Mysore state. The ancestral residence of Vishveshwarayya has been conserved and transformed into a museum showcasing an extensive array of his writings and photographs.

EXQUISITE CARVINGS DEPICTING MYTHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS, FOUND ON THE OUTER WALL OF BHOGA NANDEESHWARA TEMPLE, KARNATAKA
Driving Directions : by NH7(AH-43) : Bangalore- Devanahalli-Nandi Village : 54Km
Ezhil Ramalingam
September 02, 2015
A visual treat as always, Gopan !!!
GOPAN NAIR
September 03, 2015
Thank you very much, dear Sir.
t.swaminathan
October 10, 2017
thanks ,good job, helps those devotees of lord shiva to visit this ancient temple someday
GOPAN NAIR
October 27, 2017
Thanks for your comment. Appreciate that.
Micheal Spring
January 31, 2018
Truly wonderful ! India is incredible indeed. Greetings from Nederlands.
GOPAN NAIR
January 31, 2018
Indeed it is. I am so happy that you found my pages interesting.
DHARANIDHARAN
January 01, 2021
Nice job sir,one request ,if u may go another time there is some Tamil inscription slab stones @ lady side of ( inner circle of) temple ,pls upload it ,we are from Tamil Nadu ( Thirupattur dt) , Regularly we used to came @ shiva rathri ( 1000 of people from TN ) to there kuladhaivam temple
GOPAN NAIR
January 20, 2021
Thank you for your comments. In an attempt to trace back the Chola history from various places, I could go around, photograph and document parts of it so far. I may already have the pictures requested by you in my archives. I will look into it.