Vaidyanatheswara Temple

Overview

The Vaidyanatheswara temple is located in Talakad. The Vaidyanatheswara temple is a famous pilgrimage center in south India. It is one of the Panchalinga Sthalas, the other four being in Talakad. It is believed that one who obtains a darshan of the five Lingas will be absolved of all sins. Pilgrims from all over South India gather here to worship Lord Shiva.

About The Temple

The Vaidyanatha temple was constructed by the Chola kings who ruled this part of Karnataka in the 14th century. This temple was built in the Dravidian style. The doorways are intricately carved and the outer walls too are covered in sculptures. The temple has shrines for Lords Shakti Ganapathi, Gamadeswarar, Abhaya Venkataramanar, Nataraja, Subramania and Chenadikeswara, Mothers Badrakali, Mahishasuramardhini. Symbolizing the five elements that make the world, there are five Shiva Lingas in the outer prakara. There is a Nandhi opposite the Sorgavasal. Beside an entrance before the presiding deity, there is another entrance also called Sorga Vasal opened only on the Makara Sankranthi day. There are two Dwarapalakas at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum – Nandi and Makalar. Nandi is made of male stone and Makalar in female stone. Tapping Nandhi echoes the Kandanatha sound (bell sound) and that of Makalar the Thalanatham sound. This is indeed an outstanding example of the mastery of our Sthapathis in the temple architecture science.Lord Vijaya Ganapathi on a horse appears as a warrior near Makalar.

About The Deity

No abishek is performed on Swayambu Vaidyanathar as He rose from an anthill. A metal mask (kavacham) is placed on the Linga. A five-hooded Nagabarana is on His head as a crown. The Linga Bana bears the figure of the face of Lord Shiva.

Legend and Stories

Sage Somadatta was worshipping Lord Kasi Viswanatha seeking total salvation. Lord appeared in his dream and advised the sage to to Gajaranyam – forest of elephants – in Dakshina Desa – southern part of the country. Due to elephant troubles, he could not do his penance peacefully. He took the form of an elephant and continued his penance. Two hunters Thala and Kadan came there and aimed at the sage elephant. It missed and hit an anthill from where blood came out. The hunters were shocked. They were told by a voice that Lord Shiva was in the anthill as a swayambu Linga. They were also directed to bring an herbal plant for healing the wound caused by them. The hunters followed the advice. Lord Shiva appeared from the anthill and granted salvation to the Sage and also to the hunters.

Festivals

Vaikasi Sri Vaidyanatha Jayanthi Pratyaksha Utsav in May-June; Panguni Brahmmotsavam in March-April; Makara Sankranthi falling almost on January 14; Maha Shiv Rathri in February-March; Karthikai Deepam in Nvember-December and all Mondays of the month – Karthika Somawar are the festivals celebrated in the temple. When five Mondays occur in the Karthikai month and the last with the combination of Visaka, Anuradha and Jyeshta stars, Sapthaha festival is grandly celebrated in the temple for seven days.

Temple Timings

Morning 8:30 to 1:30
Evening 4:30 to 8:30

Dhanurmasa

Morning 3:30 to 7:30
Morning 8:30 to 1:30
Evening 4:30 to 8:30

Saturday & Sunday – Holidays

Morning 8:30 to 2:30
Evening 3:30 to 8:30

Mudukuthore

Morning 7:30 to Evening 7:30 without break

Significance

People pray in the temple for cure from poison bites and the success and progress of the children in education.

Accessibility

The nearest airport is Mysore Airport. Mysore Railway Station is the nearest railway junction to Talakad, located about 49 km away. The railway station is well connected to all major cities and towns of the country. Travellers can hire taxis and cabs or take buses to reach Talakad from here. Talakad is located at a distance of 185 km from Bangalore and 45 km from Mysore. Frequent bus services will be available from these places.

Temple Address

Vaidyanatheswara Temple,
Talakad, Mysore,
Karnataka, India,
Pin Code – 571122.