Horanadu
Horanadu Sri Annapoorneshwari Temple
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| Adishakthyathmaka Sri Annapoorneshwari Ammanavaru (file picture) |
The Annapoorneshwari temple,also known as Adhishakthyathmaka Sri Annapoorneshwari Ammanavara Temple or Sri Kshetra Horanadu Temple is located at Horanadu, 135 km from Mangalore,Karnataka, amidst thick forests and valleys of the Western Ghats of Karnataka. It is situated on the banks of river Bhadra.
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| Horanadu temple gopuram with scenic back drop |
As per legend, Shiva and Parvathi had an argument. Shiva stated that everything in the world, including the food are only maya (illusion). To prove that food is not a maya, Parvathi disappeared, resulting in a chaos. The climate did not change nor plants could grow, as there was no water, the whole world reeled under severe drought.Lord Shiva agreed and requested Parvathi to appear again to help the living beings. Parvati appeared and started distributing food in abundance.
According to another legend, an infuriated Shiva beheaded Brahma. Brahma's skull got stuck in Shiva’s hand. He was cursed that he had to beg using this skull to gather rice grains to the brim and his curse will go away. Shiva went begging (that is why he is also called Bhikshandavar - Lord who begged alms,there is a temple near Trichy) everywhere and the grains started disappearing as soon as it was filled. He came here to Annapoorani at this temple and she filled the skull with grains and Shiva got rid of his curse.
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| Horanadu temple entrance |
The Temple : You have to climb a flight of steps to reach the temple. The gopuram of the temple is adorned with several sculptures of Hindu deities. Beautiful carvings can be found on the ceilings of the temple. The temple is located in serene and picturesque environment ,surrounded by forests and hils. The aroma from the surrounding trees can be felt.
The moolavar Goddess Annapoorneshwari is in 'nindra kolam' (standing posture). She is seen holding Conch, Chakra, Sri Chakra and Devi Gayatri in her four hands. The whole idol is covered in gold. It is believed that whoever visits Anapoorna, they will never feel the shortage for food in their lives.
The temple has sannidhis for Mahaganapathi, Anjaneya swami. There is a sannidhi for Nagadevadas too.
Important Festivals Akshaya Thadige or Akshya Trithya is the major festival in this temple. This day is believed to be the birth date of Devi Annapoorna. The temple also celebrates 5 day long Rathotsava during the month of February, 9 day long Navaratri during September, Deepotsava and Havi in a grand manner.
Temple location The temple is situated in the small town of Horanadu around 135 kms from Mangalore.
Temple Timings The temple is open from 6:30 AM in the morning to 9:30 PM everyday,with occassional breaks for 30 minutes during some sevas.
How to reach?
The nearest Airport is Mangalore. The temple is around 135 kms from Mangalore and can be easily reached by road. The drive is very scenic via ghat roads of Chikamagulur. There are plenty of buses from Mangalore to this place.
Where to Stay? There are a few small hotels available here and accommodation is available in the temple too. There are good hotels at Mangalore where you can stay.
SRIKSHETRA HORANADU
Mudigere Taluk,
Chikamagalur – 577 181
Phone: +919448282410
Fax: 08263 269509
Email: shriaath@gmail.com
Useful data
State: Karnataka
District: Chikamagulur
Languages: Tulu,Kannada,a little English
Best Season: Throughout the year.
Weather: Summer 18-25°C, Winter 12-18°C . Heavy seasonl rains from June till October
Altitude: 5500 above MSL
