(PC: Stylesatlife)
This Ganesh Chaturthi, step into Karnataka’s Mysuru district and discover the awe-inspiring Sri Srikanteshwara Swamy Temple in Nanjangud—a place where Ganesha isn’t worshipped in one form, but thirty-two. Each idol is carved in wheat-hued stone, each radiating a distinct emotion—from joy to valor, serenity to mischief. It’s not just devotion—it’s drama in stone. And it’s the only temple of its kind in the world.
A Corridor of Divinity
Along the shaded outer corridor of the temple—designed to offer comfort even in the scorching summer—devotees encounter Ganesha in forms rarely seen together. From the playful Bal Ganapati to the fierce Veer Ganapati, from the meditative Yoga Ganapati to the triumphant Vijay Ganapati, each sculpture is a masterclass in stone artistry. As you walk the parikrama, Ganesha appears in dance poses, yogic stances, and warrior forms. The corridor itself is a canvas of intricate carvings, where even the arches whisper stories from the Mudgal and Ganesha Purana, which mention these 32 divine manifestations.
Rain-Kissed, Sunlit Splendor
Though Nanjangud had seen days of rain, the moment we arrived, the skies cleared. The temple’s golden domes shimmered under soft sunlight, casting a surreal glow over the sanctum. The 120-foot tall gateway opened into a bustling courtyard, alive with devotion and awe.
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A Temple of Legends
Built in the 11th century by the Chola kings, the temple spans 50,000 square feet and houses 147 intricately carved pillars. The sanctum sanctorum was constructed to honor Lord Shiva, known here as Nanjundeshwara—the one who drank poison during the Samudra Manthan. In Kannada, “Nanju” means poison, making this the home of the poison-neutralizing deity. It’s no wonder the temple is called Dakshina Kashi—the Southern Varanasi.
Festival of Chariots
Every year during March-April, the temple hosts the grand Dodda Jathre festival, where deities including Shiva and Ganesha are taken out in majestic chariot processions. The entire town transforms into a spiritual carnival, echoing chants and drumbeats that celebrate divine resilience and grace.
(PC:thehindu.com)
Divine Drama in Stone
Temple executive M. Jagadish Kumar shares that each visit reveals something new. “Even though I’ve seen these forms many times,” says devotee Raju Ganesan, “each darshan feels different. The expressions, the postures—they speak to you.” President of the temple trust, Shrikant, confirms that the 32 forms are documented in ancient texts and were sculpted with painstaking detail to preserve their spiritual essence.