Did you know that the Kote Jalakantheshwara temple in Kalasipalya in Bengaluru city, the oldest among all the Shiva Temples of the Chola period, in Karnataka state, has three sanctums of Jalakantheshwara, Parvathi and Kailashnatha?
The Kote Jalakantheshwara temple near Kalasipalya bus terminus in Bengaluru city (erstwhile Bangalore), the oldest among all the Shiva Temples of the Chola period, in Karnataka state, was rebuilt by Kempegowda I, a chieftain under the Vijayanagara Empire, in the 16th century. Originally, when Cholas built it the shrine was a quaint simple sanctum which underwent major expansion to the present stage with entrance gopura, prakara, mandapas and sanctums, during the rule of Kempegowda. The temple has three sannidhis (sanctum sanctorums) dedicated as: Jalakantheshwara in the form of a divine Shiva Linga at the centre, his consort Parvathi on the left, and as Lord of Kailasa mountain called Kailashnatha to the right. A unique feature of this temple of three shrines is that the vigraha (idol) of Goddess Parvati is deified in such a way that half of the idol is only visible (only Goddess Parvathi is visible from this angle) when seen from the main gate, and hence the temple is also known as 'Ardhanareeshwara'.
The entrance to the temple is through a three-tiered gopura or tower built in Dravidian style of architecture. In the foyer there is the usual dwajastmaba (flag mast) followed by the main mandapa ( (hall) which leads to the three sanctums of Jalakantheshwara, Parvathi and Kailashnatha. The interior walls of the temple are adorned with the statues of different gods in their unique forms. The Navagraha, the nine planets are presented in nine stone pillars. The temple ceiling in the mandapa depicts beautiful carvings of a tortoise (kurma), snake (sarpa) and fish (matsya; which are worshipped to get positive energy. Within the precints of the temple there is also a idol of Goddess Durga on a ball which is worshipped by unmarried girls to get a husband of their wishes within 48 days. The temple also has a sannidhi (sanctum) deified with images of Lord Ganesha in various forms. Within the temple precicnts, on the northern side, there is the holy Pushkarani (Temple Tank) which was recently unearthed, and when an ancient vigraha (idol) of Shiva Parvati riding their mount Nandi was also found.
Mahashivarathri is a major festival held in this temple every year during the month of February.
- Narasipur Char
