Hasanamba Temple Dharshan Starts from today 16-10-2014
Hasanamba Temple
Though there are
hundreds of
temples that are historically and religiously significant to many people in the Hassan district of
Karnataka, the Hasanamba temple
dedicated to Shakti is particularly significant and unique in many ways.
Hasanamba Temple - Overview
The name Hasanamba has been given to the Goddess at the Hasanamba
Temple and the town too is named after the presiding deity as she is
perceived to be ever smiling, bestowing all riches on her
devotees. The temple is open to
the public for a week, once a year in the month of Ashwayuja, during Diwali in October. So devotees flock here to seek the Goddess’ blessings during this week. This is the best time to visit the temple.
Hasanamba Temple – History
The temple is believed to have sprung up sometime around the 12th
century, though no one knows exactly when or how it came to be. There is
an ant-hill representing the presiding deity inside the temple premises
and because the temple is opened for only a week a year, it is all the
more special to obtain a darshan during the festival.
Hasanamba Temple – Architecture
Archeological experts consider the Hasanamba Temple in Hassan to be the epitome of temple architecture in Karnataka. The city of Hassan dates back to the 11th century and the temples
around Hassan signify the various dynasties that have ruled ever since
the 11th century. It was originally built by the Hoysala dynasty in
their tradition, reflecting their faith in Jainism. The temples in the Hassan district are some of the finest
examples of the Hoysala tradition of temple architecture.
Hasanamba Temple – Religious Significance
The temple is unusual in that it is open to the devotees only for a week every year.
The rest of
the time the Goddess is left with a lit lamp, flowers, water and two
bags of rice as offering until the next year. Every year the opening of
the temple is celebrated with festivals and fairs.
Hasanamba temple – Mythology
The devotees believe that the benevolent Goddess smiles down upon them and showers her blessings. In many
Indian languages, ‘hasya’ means humor. It is believed that the Goddess smiles down on the devotees who worship her.
How to Get to Hasanamba Temple
The Hasanamba temple is located about 38 kilometers from the city of
Hassan and can easily be reached by road from Hassan in an auto
rickshaw. It is just a couple of hours away from Bangalore by road and
is convenient as a weekend getaway with plenty of accommodation options
available.
Hasanamba Temple - Facts
There is an unusual image depicting Ravana from the Ramayana with
nine heads instead of ten, playing the veena. The reason for this image
in the inner sanctum sanctorum is unknown but very interesting
nevertheless.
Source:
karnataka
