Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple

This beautiful temple, a mere 60 km from Bangalore city at the foot of Nandi Hills should be on every traveller’s list. Dedicated to Shiva, as the name indicates, the temple has experienced centuries of additions by successive local and regional rulers dating back to 806 CE. These include the Nolambas, Gangas, Rashrakutas, Cholas, Hoysalas, and the Vijayanagara kings. The original shrine dates back to more than a millennium back to the Nolambas. The twin shrines of Arunachaleshwara and Bhoga Nandeeshwara are on either side of a shrine to Uma-Maheshwari. This latter is considered auspicious as a marriage location and has a spectacular Hoysala style kalyana mandapa. This structure stands out because of the intricate carvings enables by soapstone, as opposed to the bolder sculptural forms in granite in the rest of the complex. The most recent additions in the Vijayanagara period include a spectacular tank and a mandapa next to the three garbhagruhas, a typical gate that will invoke memories of Hampi, and a large courtyard with several rooms for travelling pilgrims.