Gavi Veerbhadra Swamy Temple

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Overview

Nandi Hills ( Karnataka - India ). The beautiful and historic Nandi Hills, popularly known as Nandi Betta or Nandi Durga for the locals and the people of Karnataka. This hillock is situated about 60 km from Bangalore City, about 24 kms from Chickballapur town. Nandi is the bull in Sanskrit, Kannada and Telugu. He is the sacred abode or Vahana to Lord Shiva. Nandi Hills gets its name from the famous Nandi temple situated atop the summit.

About the Temple

During the Chola reign, Nandi Hills was known as Ananda Giri, Hill of Happiness. There is an ancient temple of Yoga Nandeeswara atop the hill. A fort was built during the period by the chieftains of Chikkaballapur. It was strengthened by the famous King of Mysore Tipu Sultan. This fort was considered impregnable, it covers a vast area of 90 acres and soldiers could shoot from all directions without being seen and there is thefamous “Tipu drop” a 600 metre cliff with a huge rock landing after the drop. Prisoners and convicts during Tipu’s reign were pushed off this cliff.

Tipu also built a summer rest house atop this hill. In 1791, Lord Cornwallis, stormed the place and captured the place marking a major event in the history of British rule in South India. Francis Cunningham built the summer residence here for Sir Mark Cubbon. British officials enjoyed their summer stay at Nandi Hills.

Temples There are temples dedicated to Sri Bhoga Narasimha, Sri Ugra Narasimha and Sri Yoga Narasimha at the foot hills is famous for intricate carvings on them. There is a huge Kalyani with Mantap. This place has structures of rich heritage and is of archaeological importance.

Rivers The Rivers Pennar, Palar and Arkavati originate from these hills. Most of the sources have dried up Arkavathi River Origin: Arkavathi River takes its birth on the south-west of the hill.

The Gandhi Nilaya and Nehru House are mini museums guest houses dedicated to our great National leaders Mahatma Gandhiji and Nehurji.

Brahmashram It is said that Sage Ramakrishna Paramhamsa meditated here. It’s a cool cave with serene environment. The place has big rock structures.

Nandi at the foot of Nandi Hills is this place with "Bhoganandishwaraswamy Temple", it is a Wonderful Place.

Legend and Stories

There are many stories about the origin of the name Nandi Hills. During the Chola period, Nandi Hills was called Ananda Giri meaning The Hill of Happiness. Another story is that Yoga Nandeeshwara performed penance here, and so it was named after him. A temple of Yoga Nandeeshwara is situated on top of the hill. Nandi is also commonly called Nandidurga (Fort) because of the fort build here by the ruler Tippu Sultan. It is also perhaps called Nandi Hills because the hill resembles a sleeping bull (Nandi).

Nandi Hills has been a favourite picnic place for young enthusiasts on a weekend. The pleasant climate appeals to the old and the young alike. Lovers and honey mooners, in search of a quiet, beautiful place, and families on economised budget prefer Nandi Hills. Historians can find a wealth of information and the spiritual minded, peace and tranquillity.

From Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, Nandi Hills is a mere 60 kilometers. Nandi Hills offers a surprise of breath-taking scenic beauty and excellent climatic condition. Situated in the Chikkaballapur Taluk of Kolar District in Karnataka, Nandi Hills, at the height of 4851 feet above sea level is, the most popular picnic spot.

How To Reach Gavi Veerbhadra Swamy Temple

Government buses ply from Bangalore, Chikkaballapur and Nandigrama. It takes 2 hours from Bangalore and one hour from Chikkaballapur to reach Nandi Hills. The Nearest railway station is Bangalore. The Nearest Airport is Bangalore.

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