Harihareshwara Temple

The Harihareshwara temple is located in the Davanagere district near the town of Harihar. This wonderful temple is the abode of Lord Vishnu. The temple is also known as God's own house. The hills of Harihareshwar, Pushpadri, Harishinachal and Bramhadri surround this place. Harihareshwar also boasts of clean and pristine sandy beaches. The place is also gaining importance as a popular tourist destination. The main deity Harihara is a union of Gods Vishnu and Shiva. The attributes of Shiva are visible in the right hand and Vishnu in the left hand. The Harihareshwara temple has an interesting history. It is said that the demon Guha appeased the creator of the universe and got a "vardan" or boon. As per this boon, neither Shiva (Hara) nor Vishnu (Hari) could destroy him single handedly. Guha started torturing the Gods in Indralok as well as human beings in the prithvilok and it became difficult for everyone to withstand his devastation. As both Shiva and Hari could not destroy him on their own, they had to unite and take the form of Harihara to destroy Guha. It is said that this incarnation took place close to Kudalore where the rivers Haridra and Tungabhadra meet.