A divine masterpiece
Located atop Kumarasailam, a low—lying hill resembling a tortoise (‘kumara’ means tortoise, ‘sailam’ means hill), the temple complex has shrines dedicated to Papanasesvara, Raghunatha, Parvati, Ramalinga, and Hanumalinga, in addition to Veerabhadra. The entire complex is divided into distinct sections, each serving a unique purpose.
Prepare to be dazzled by the Natya Mandapa (dance pavilion), the most ornate structure within the temple complex. Its ceilings are adorned with breathtaking murals depicting scenes from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Puranas. Here you can witness Lord Krishna as an infant playfully sucking his toe or marvel at the divine union of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, blessed by Brahma himself or be vowed by Kiratarjuniyam (combat between Arjun and Lord Shiva). The central masterpiece is a colossal mural of Lord Veerabhadra, possibly the largest in Asia. Keep an eye out for depictions of at least 15 avatars of Shiva, further enriching the visual appeal.
As you step into the Ardha Mandapa, the foyer leading to the sanctum, the artistry continues to capture your attention. The murals here seamlessly blend with those of the Natya Mandapa, creating a cohesive narrative. A veil of mystery surrounds the unfinished Kalyana Mandapa, believed to be the celestial wedding venue of Shiva and Parvati. Local folklore whispers a tale of two brothers, Virupanna and Veeranna, who embezzled funds to build this magnificent temple. When their actions were exposed, they were condemned by the emperor and forced to abandon the construction, leaving the Kalyana Mandapa incomplete. Legends claim that rust-coloured stains on the walls outside this hall are remnants of their punishment – the blood from their blinded eyes.
The hanging pillar and Sita’s footprint!
Undoubtedly, the most famous marvel of the temple is the gravity-defying pillar, appearing to be suspended in mid-air. Locals love to showcase this wonder by passing objects underneath it, leaving visitors in awe. Legend whispers of a British engineer who attempted to unravel the secret behind this feat, accidentally dislodging the pillar slightly from its original position. Then, keep an eye out for a giant footprint engraved in the stone, believed to belong to Sita, consort of Lord Rama. The intriguing detail – the big toe is perpetually filled with water!
Explore the Nagalinga, a powerful Shiva linga sheltered by a seven—hooded snake. Legend has it that the sculptors, waiting for their lunch, created this magnificent snake to pass the time! You'll also encounter captivating sculptures of Ganesha, a scene with a snake, spider, and elephant worshipping a linga, and numerous Kannada inscriptions, a testament to the temple's proximity to the Karnataka border.
