Hasanamba Temple

Overview

Though there are other significant temples in the Hassan district of Karnataka, the Hassanaamba temple dedicated to Shakti is particularly significant and unique in many ways. The town Hassan was named after the presiding deity at the Hassanaamba Temple. She is called Hassanaamba as she is perceived to be ever smiling, bestowing all riches on her devotees.

About The Temple

The Hassanaamba temple, built in the 12th century, during the reign of King Krishnappa Nayak, is uniquely open to the public only for a week, once a year. The temple only opens on the following Thursday of the full moon day in the Ashwija month (usually late Oct - early Nov). The temple closes on the day of Deepavali. In this temple the ant hill is the presiding god.

The structure at the entrance of the Hassanaamba temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva locally called Siddheshwar. It is renowned for its self-manifested lingam. There's also an interesting idol of a nine-headed Ravan playing the Veena here. Honouring the devout nature of Ravan, every new moon day people gather at the temple. The annual chariot festival also takes place on the closing day of the Hassanaamba temple during Deepavali.

Legend and Stories

According to legend, once when the seven Maatrukes (Brahmi, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Indrani and Chamundi) came floating to the South of India, they were astonished by the beauty of Hassan and decided to make it their home forever. Maheshwari, Kaumari, and Vaishnavi took residence in the three anthills inside the temple; Brahmi in Kenchamma Hosakote; while Indrani, Varahi and Chamundi chose to stay in the three wells in Devigere Honda.

There's also an intriguing story attached to Goddess Hassanaamba. A daughter-in-law living nearby the temple used to visit Hassanaamba every day. Once, her mother-in-law threw a hard object at her and she started bleeding profusely and gave out a loud cry calling the Goddess. Goddess Hassanaamba manifested before her and turned her into a stone and kept her inside the temple. It is said that the stone moves forward by less than an inch every year. Legend says that once the stone reaches the feet of Goddess Hassanambha, the world will come to an end.

Another legend goes that four robbers plotted to loot the temple of its treasure. Hassanaamba, angered, cursed them to turn into stones. So, the temple is also called Kallappanagudi.

Interesting Facts

The temple opens only for a week every year. The rest of the year the Goddess is left with a lamp, flowers, water and two bags of rice. A ghee-lit lamp burns all year round, for the entire duration when the temple is shut, with the ghee never diminishing. The rice offering is warm and unspoilt when the doors are opened, a year later.

Accessibility

Airport

The nearest airport to Hassan is in Bangalore (196 km away).

Railways

Hassan is well connected to the rest of the country by trains.

Road

There are frequent bus services from Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore to Hassan.

Temple Address

Hassanaamba Temple,
Hassan, Hassan District,
Karnataka,India,
Pin code – 573 201.