Lord Shiva is one of the prominent deities for Hindus.
According to mythology during Samudra Manthana, first emerged poison (visha), and it was at that moment that Lord Shiva came forward and drank all the poison getting the name Vishakantha, Neelakantha or Nanjundeshwara.
Nanjanagudu literally means the place where Nanjundeshwara lives. Nanjunagudu Rasabaley, is a popular variety of banana found in the Town. It has made the Town famous across the region.
If we look at history of Nanjanagudu it is believed that the Temple was constructed by the Kings of Chola in the 12th century. The Kings of Mysuru carried out another range of renovations to the Temple. Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali too were closely connected to the Temple. Hyder Ali has donated a necklace to the God because his eye was cured by the holy water of the Temple.
The Town is extremely famous for Srikanteshwara or Nanjundeshwara Temple. People believe that the linga in the Temple was installed by the Sage Gautama, who stayed here as well. The Temple has a range of minor shrines that are of prominence and these include Natya Ganapathi, Narayana with consorts, Chandikeshwara and many more. In addition to the main linga, there are various lingas, mantapas and carriages inside the Temple.
A car festival or Rathotsava is being organised twice a year at the Temple. After the pooja, thousands of devotees draw the chariots across the Town. Thousands of devotees attend the festival and the Town remains immersed in celebrations.
Ooty, Mysuru, Srirangapattana, Bandipura are the places close by one can visit during his/her Nanjanagudu trip. Nanjanagudu can be visited through out the year.
