There is no dearth of temples in India. Temples have been erected for guardian deities, ancestors, mythological deities in every town. Some of the rituals and legends of the temple make the temple unique. We are going to see about such an interesting temple.
Usually a temple is opened in the morning and closed in the evening. But only one temple located in Karnataka state is opened only once a year. That too for 15 days only. After that it remains closed for the rest of the year. Shall we see its back story?
Hasanamba temple is located in Hassan district of Karnataka. This temple is closed throughout the year and is opened only during Diwali. Pujas are performed in this temple during Navratri which is dedicated to goddesses. Hasanamba Jatra Mahotsavam begins on the first Thursday of Asveeja month of Kannada calendar.
Public is allowed for darshan from 7 am to 10 pm and 3 pm to 10 pm daily. It is then closed for one year. Two bags of rice, flowers, a large lighted kerosene lamp and water are kept for the Ammans before closing. It is believed that the ghee lamp will burn till the opening of the temple next year.
According to the Puranas, all the seven Matrukas, Brahmi, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Indrani and Chamundi, came to Bhavani from the heavenly world. Then they saw the beauty of Hassan and decided to make it their home. Based on that, Maheshwari, Kaumari and Vaishnavi have decided to live in three anthills inside the temple.
Brahmi, Indrani, Varahi and Chamundi at Hosakote, Khenjamma chose the three wells at Devigere Honda. Later on during the reign of the Hoysalas an idol of the goddess with a smiling beautiful face was discovered and installed in the temple. Based on the name Hasana which means smiling face in Kannada The deity located in Hassan is known as Hassanamba.
According to records the temple was built in the 12th century, but how and by whom is not known. Also within 1 week of opening of this temple People consider themselves lucky if they can visit that place and receive God’s blessings.
According to another folklore, four robbers who tried to steal jewels from this closed temple were frozen in stone in the temple. Locals say that these idols are in the shrine near Kallappan Gudi.
101 lingams are enshrined at one place in the temple complex with an 81 feet high entrance tower. There is also a shrine of Chitheswara. In the sanctum sanctorum there is a rock with images of Arjuna receiving Pasupadastra from Shiva and some animals.
Also Read: Art shows… Food market.. 10 day festival of weeding at Taj Mahal…!
If you happen to visit Karnataka during October, do not forget to visit this temple. If they open once a year, surely those days will be a special celebration?!
From global to local news (Top Tamil News, Breaking News), Latest Tamil News, all can be found instantly on News18 Tamil (News18Tamil.com) website.
News18 Tamil Nadu TV can be found on ARASU CABLE – 50, TCCL – 57, SCV – 28, VK Digital – 30, SUN DIRECT DTH: 71, TATA PLAY: 1562, D2H: 2977, AIRTEL: 782, DISH TV: 2977.