Attractions

• Nandhi Idol in the higher level
• Shiva ling below the Nandhi
• Rectangular Kalyani
• Pillared Courtyard
• Mural behind the Nandhi
• Carvings on the pond steps
• Kadu Mallikarjuna Temple
• Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
• Gangamma Devi Temple

Nandhi Teertha

 Temple was excavated as late as 1997, while digging a construction site in 15th Cross, Malleswaram. ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) had then restored the entire structure. Carbon dating by ASI suggested the temple was over 400 years old.

The shrine is at one end of a pillared courtyard, with a Kalyani ( pond). At the centre of the rectangular stepped pond is a fresh water spring. The shrine has 2 floors - at the higher level is the Nandhi, from whose mouth clear water keeps spurting out continuously. Near the roof of the lower level, the water flowing from the Nandhi gets collected in a big copper vessel, from which it trickles over the Shivalinga positioned right below the Nandhi. Towards the other end of the pond is a smaller Nandhi.

Nothing is known yet about the history of the temple or who was the sculptor who built it. How the entire courtyard got buried under the soil remains a mystery. The sculptor has designed meticulously, to siphon fresh water from the spring in the Kalyani to the mouth of the Nandhi. ASI deserves the credit for successful restoration and preserving the function of this system intact.

The entire complex seems to be below the ground level. A unique feature of this temple is, unlike the other Shiva temples where Nandhi is always in front of Lord Shiva, here Nandhi is above the Shivalinga. The steps of the kalyani have brass plated carvings of fish, turtles and snakes, while the pond itself has live fish and turtles in it. Renovations seem to be minimal to maintain the complex without ruining the original architecture.

Though located in a very busy area, the tranquil ambience of this temple courtyard is breathtaking. Opposite this temple are 3 more temples of: Kadu Mallkarjuna, Lakshmi Narasimha and Gangamma Devi.