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Veerabadra Temple
- Hulukadi Betta,Karnataka
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Overview
Hulukadi betta is around 80 km from Bangalore, near Doddaballapur town in Karnataka. On top of the hill is a cave inside which is a temple of Veerabadra swami. The statue of Veerabadra swami is around 4ft tall and is very beautiful. It is supposed to be thousands of years old. Hulukadi means grass and twigs in Kannada.
About The Temple
The temple is inside a cave, now a small stone wall is build around it. The entrance of the temple is just 2 ft tall. There is very old statue of Lord Veerabadra, black in color, placed inside the temple. There was a young priest in his early teen, chanting prayers. He also took us to the other Shiva Lingam temple, which is also inside a 2-3 ft tall cave. Outside this Shiva temple, there's a stone Nandi place on a stone plate. It is believed that if a person with good heart makes a wish and lift this Nandi to heart's height, his wish will come true.
Legend and Stories
Although there are several mythological stories attached to this place, there is something mysterious about this place too. It is said that this hill is the place is God Nataraj, incarnation of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Veerabadra (Nataraj) and Lord Narsimma fought to stay in this place. Later Lord Veerabadra took this place and Lord Narsimha took another place that is now in Andhra Pradesh. Since then Lord Veerabadra is prayed in these hills. According to the priest of this temple there are three temples of Lord Veerabadra, surrounding Bangalore in a Triangular Shape.
One is near Anantpur, Andhra and the last one is lost somewhere. Every Year during the February Festival, a Giant snake comes to this temple and circles itself around the legs if the Lord Veerabadra's Statue. The Chola Kings of those days found a natural Shiva Lingam in this place along with a Nandi. They then formed two temples on the hill, one for Swami Veerabadra and another for Shiva. They built fort walls and watch towers on several spots in the hill that can be seen even till today. These walls were built around 11th to 13th century by the Chola kings. Although the old temple walls are now painted, it still holds some historical sculptures and markings.
Accessibility
Airport
The Mangalore international airport is the nearest airport.
Railways
Makalidurga railway station is the nearest railhead.
Road
The temple is well connected to other cities via govt. and private buses.
Temple Address
Veerabadra Temple,
Hulukadi Betta,
Karnataka.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Free from ego
Shlokas
Ye Caiva Sattvika Bhava Rajasastamasasca Ye Matta Everti Tanviddhi Na Tvaham Tesu Temayi
Meaning -According to this sloka, though the only source of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obsessive and dark) elements is God, they are not present within the God or the deity.
Tribhirgunamayairbhavairebhih Sarvamidam Jagat Mohitam Nabhijanati Mamebhyah Paramavyayam
Meaning -According to this sloka, the entire world doesn't recognize the eternal God beyond them, because they are consumed by the elements of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obssessive and dark).
Daivi Hyesa Gunamayi Mama Maya Duratyaya Mameva Ye Prapadyante Mayametam Taranti Te
Meaning -According to this sloka, the heavenly maya of God is very complicated, but those who worship God will be able to overcome it.
Balam Balavatam Caham Kamaragavivarjitam Dharmaviruddho Bhutesu Kamo'smi Bharatarsabha
Meaning -According to this sloka, God is the isolated and aloof strength of the controlling and virtuous craving in men.
Timings
The temple is open from 6AM to 9PM.