Shree Nimishamba Temple

Overview

Goddess Nimishamba Devi temple is a Hindu shrine located 3 Km from the ancient town of Srirangapatna, on the banks of River Cauvery.

Sree Nimishamba Devi is an incarnation of goddess Parvati. The deity is known to shower immense blessings on her devotees and provides them the much needed solace from sufferings. Thus the deity got to be called Nimishamba, which means the kind one who provides salvation in just about a minute’s time. The Nimishamba Devi temple was renovated sometime during the reigns of Sri Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadeyar of Mysore, about 400 years ago. A Sree Chakra carved in Krishna Shaili in found in this temple.

About The Temple

According to legends, there was once a King named Sumanaska who wished to perform the sacred Pundarika Yaga for the welfare of his kingdom, on the advice of Rishis.

Accordingly, the King commenced the preparations required to perform the yagna. He bestowed the Prince and his Rajarishi Muktaraja with the authority to oversee the smooth functioning of the Yaga. In due course, two demons named Janumandala and Sumandala were hindering the progress of the Yaga. The Rajarish was worried and thus he decided to invoke Devi Adishakthi to seek her help in resolving the problem. The supreme mother was pleased with the Rishi’s prayers and fulfilled his prayers by eliminating the demons. With all divine powers from the Homakunda (sacrificial fire), the Devi is said to have destroyed the wicked demons within minutes. She also showered her divine blessings upon the sage for his absolute devotion.

Later, the Rajarishi is said to have built a temple to the Devi as a token of gratitude to the goddess. He consecrated the idol of Goddess by the name Nimishamba, since the Devi is said to have vanquished the wicked demons within minutes. The Rajarshi was also granted Moksha (Salvation) by Lord Shiva later. There is a shrine dedicated for Lord Eshwara that is found next to the Devi’s shrine within the temple complex. Lord Eashwara is known by the name Lord Mouktikeswara here. The place where the current Nimishamba Devi temple is found is believed to be the same place where King Sumanaska had performed the Yagna. The temple is situated on the banks of river Cauvery, near the confluence of River Cauvery and Lokapavani River. The temple is one among the much revered Pilgrimage centres around the region.

The Vigraha (Idol) of Goddess Nimishamba is said to be over 1000 years old. However, records pertaining only to the previous 300-400 years exist, which gives details of Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyer who has re-constructed the temple. The temple also has a Shree Chakra carved on the Krishna shrine which is quite rare. The bheejaksharas is said to have been installed by his holiness Adijagadguru Sri Shankaracharya and is also believed to have been worshiped by Sri Vidyaranya.

The annual Jaatra (fair) is being held on Vasavijayanti day. Special poojas are performed for the deity on all the full moon day.

Festivals

The annual Jayanthi mahotsava is held on Vaishaka Shudha Dashami day every year in this temple. On this auspicious day, various rituals like Ganapathi Homa, Nimishambha Homa, Mruthyunjaya Homa, Lakshminaryana Homa are usually performed in the temple. Abhisheka is done with 108 kalasa to the main diety Sri Nimishambha Devi, Mukthikeshwara Swamy and Narayana swamy. After Abhisheka, Maha-nivedhane and Mahamangalarathi is performed to the deities. In the evening, the Utsava moorthis of Shree Nimishambha Devi, Moukthikeswara and Narayanaswamy are taken in procession.

How To Reach Shree Nimishamba Temple

Road

The nearest bus stop is located at the Ganjam village.

Railways

The nearest railhead is the Shrirangapattana Railway Station.

Airport

The closest Airport is the Mandakalli Domestic Airport at Mysuru.

Temple Address

Shree Nimishamba Temple,
Ganjam,Shrirangapattana Town,
Shrirangapattana Taluk,Mandya District.
Karnataka - 571438.