Hiremagalur means the town of the eldest daughter. This town is situated 4 Km from Chikkamagalur, Karnataka. Hiremagalur was a thriving town in the 9th and 11th centuries.
Nine siddhas performed penance near Siddha Pushkarni (pond) in this region. Folklore narrates that Lord Parashurama lived in this town and hence the town is also known as Bhargavapuri as Parashurama was also known as Bhargava.
Hiremagalur is famous for the ancient Kodandarama temple dedicated to Kodandarama. Kodanda is the name of Rama’s bow and when the idol is sculpted with Lord Rama holding the bow, then he is known as Kodandarama.
The Garbhagruha / Sanctum Santorum and the Sukanasi (adjoining room) are built in the Hoysala style. Further extension to the temple is built in Dravidian style. The temple dates back to the 14th century A.D.
Words fail to explain the beauty of the idol of Kodandarama, Sita to the right, Lakshamana to the left and lord Hanuman. All credit goes to the sculptor.
Legend narrates that Lord Parashurama requested to see Lord Ram’s wedding scene. To fulfill Prashurama’s wishes, Sita is standing to the right of Rama and Lakshamana to his left. This scene sculpted in stone is a visual treat.
Picture – My great grandfather (Shri Magal Ranga Rao) had this picture framed
The Kodandarama temple complex also has many shrines dedicated to various gods like, Yoganarasimha, Sugriva, and Kalinga Mardhana. Shrines are also dedicated to great saints like, Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya, Vedanta Desika, and Alwars. The other incarnations of Vishnu are depicted on the outer walls of the temple. The priest of this temple is noted litterateur and orator Hiremagalur Sri Kannan .
In February or March a fair is held on a grand scale here every year.
Nearby places to visit are Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary – 32 Km, Kallathagiri Falls – 45 Km, Manikyadhara Falls – 53 Km, Mullayyanagiri – 27 Km, Seethalayyanagiri – 25 Km, Malaya Marutha – 49 Km, Belavadi – 33 Km, Belur – 23 Km, Halebeedu – 40 Km
Place Statistics:
Type of place: Ancient Temple
Situated: Hiremagalur, Chikkamagalur District
Distance: 250 Km from Bangalore
Transport: Well connected by road, the nearest railheads are located at Birur, Kadur and Tarikere
Facilities: Rooms are rented out by the Temple to traveling pilgrims on prior booking
