- Know about the Hasanamba temple in
Karnataka, stories that are part of folklore and why do devotees visit this
temple dedicated to Shakti.
Hassan district in Karnataka is a
captivating blend of deep mysticism and monumental artistry, celebrated for its
legendary ancient temples. Steeped in history, this cultural heartland abounds
with hundreds of ancient, historically significant shrines across its many
villages.
Like Mumbai, Hassan derives its name from
the presiding deity, Hasanamba, an ancient temple revered for its potent
spiritual energy. The temple
is steeped in mystical lore. This unique temple opens for only ten days
each year from the nineteenth day of the Ashwini month of the Lunar calendar.
This year the temple will open on 29th of October.
Incidentally,
Mangaladevi Temple on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu Border, situated
in a dense forest near Idukki too opens only once a year during the Chithra
Pournami.
Dedicated to Goddess Shakti, Hasanamba means, ‘the ever-smiling mother’. It is a compound word derived from two Sanskrit roots: Hasa meaning ‘smile’ and Amba meaning ‘mother’.
Unlike the region's intricately carved
Hoysala temples, Hasanamba temple is a modern construction. Grama devata
temples often originate as modest shrines, but their rising popularity and the
subsequent influx of devotees necessitate the expansion of both the temple and
surrounding infrastructure.
It is
believed that the temple was built in the 12th century.
The Goddess
is worshipped here alongside her various manifestations, the Saptamatrikas; Brahmi, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi,
Varahi, Indrani, and Chamundi. The presiding deities, the three goddesses, Maheshwari,
Kaumari, and Vaishnavi are represented as the three anthills inside the sanctum, while
the associated deities are abstract forms.
Devotees
who have visited the Vaishno Devi shrine say the deities here seem to be a
replica of those in the lap of
Trikuta hills in Jammu.
Hasanamba temple abounds with legendary
miracles and mystique.
The temple's unique miracle occurs when it
is reopened after a year: the ghee lamp left burning upon its closure is still
aglow, and all offerings remain perfectly fresh.
The temple doors are opened in the
presence of the Minister representing the region along with senior officials of
the district administration and priests.
One of my politician friends, who served as a Minister in the
government, by virtue of the official mandate, was present at the opening of
the temple for a few years. He confirmed to me that the lamp was miraculously
brightly lit and the offerings were fresh.
Both officials and devoted believers confirm the absolute accuracy of
this rare occurrence. Skeptics and agnostics dismiss it as an illusion.
Goddess Hasanamba is said to
be a bestower of boons; an irresistible spiritual calling and
tales of personal miracles beckon countless pilgrims to her abode.
Ever since I was a child, my parents and
grandparents told me stories about this temple.
Those days travel was a complex undertaking, demanding advance planning
and logistical preparation. With improved
road connectivity, the trip from Bengaluru to Hassan now takes under four
hours, making a comfortable day trip to the temple feasible.
Kirtimukha, found in Sanatan and Jain Temples.
Thanks to digital platforms and social
media, the legendary glory of the Hasanamba deity now reaches far. When the
temple opens, endless lines of devotees make through the town.
The temple complex also houses shrines of
Siddeshwara Swamy, a form of Shiva Shiva giving
the pashupatastra to Arjuna, Darbar
Ganapati and a unique pratima of Ravana, with nine heads, playing the veena. These
temples are open to devotees throughout the year. Historical inscriptions
discovered at these shrines date the temple's presence back to the 7th century.
Hasanamba, even as she attracts thousands
of devotees for just ten days in a year, also abundantly provides for the
livelihoods of hundreds involved in the festivities; supporting florists,
logistics staff, priests, and the broader community.
At
the Hasanamba temple faith reigns supreme.
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