Kasi Vishweswara Temple

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Overview

Antharagange 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 Antharagange 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.

The word ‘Antharagange’ means ‘Ganges from deep’ in Kannada. The Kasi Vishweswara temple is the main attraction of this place. This place is also referred to as Dakshin Kasi or Kasi 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.

About The Temple

The main gateway to the Kasi Vishweswara Temple starts from its foot hills. There is an arched pillar with a Shiva Lingam placed on the center of its arch as small tower. A fine stone block steps are built here to reach this hilltop temple. On the way to temple, there are many tiny temples built here to take rest for the climbing pilgrims. These steps pass through a dense cover of huge trees and look pleasant to climb these steps. On the top of the hills, one can find the Antharagange, the natural spring pond. This pond is the first entry to get a dip or bath from this holy pond. This pond is also having a two small temple of Shiva Lingam in the centre and the other on the edge of this ponds step. The main temple can be seen on the adjacent side of this temple pond. These are found in the Dravidian temple style and have a beautiful Gopura (Tower) on it. There are also few mandabs (Porch) built here for pilgrims. One can't go away without touching and drinking this spring water from the mouth of a beautifully carved monolith Nandi statue. Here the Lord Shiva is carved on single stones in the Lingam form. There are four such Lingams found here. The temple towers are seen with painted in multi colors on their miniatures. These painted towers are marvelous to look. The main attraction is the temple pond and it is a square shaped step pond built of granite stones.

Legend and Stories

The Antharagange hill is associated with Lord Parashurama and Jamadagni. According to Hindu mythology, the killing of Kartavirya Arjuna by Parashurama followed by Jamadagni’s murder by sons of Kartavirya Arjuna and the self-immolation of Renuka was on this hill. Mythology also says that Parashurama took a vow to kill the entire Kshatriya race on this hill. The Kasi Vishweswara Temple has a pond which receives water from the perennial spring ‘Antharagange’ which comes from the mouth of a Basava (bull carved in stone). The source of water or where it originates is unknown. The water gushes out from the bull’s mouth be it monsoon or summer throughout the year.

Festivals

The main festival of this temple is the Mahashivarathri.

How to Get to Antharagange

Airport

Nearest airport is Hindustan Airport.

Railways

Kolar is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular trains.

Road

Its very well connected to all other major cities and states via road. One can easily get regular buses to Kolar from other major cities of the country.

Temple Address