The Dasarighatta Chowdeshwari Temple is located in Tiptur Taluk, Tumakuru District, Karnataka. Dedicated to Goddess Chowdeshwari, a form of Shakti, this temple boasts a history spanning centuries. Its unique feature is the belief that the goddess’s panchaloha (five-metal) idol answers devotees’ questions by inscribing responses in Kannada on rice or ragi flour.
Temple HistoryCenturies ago, the kingdom of Nandavara thrived along the Tungabhadra River in Raichur District. Its ruler, a devotee of Goddess Shakti, possessed mystical powers that allowed him to travel to Kashi daily, bathe in the Ganges, and return by evening. When his queen grew suspicious, he explained his routine, and she insisted on joining him on the journey. During the trip, the queen began menstruating, which weakened the king’s powers, preventing their return. While wandering anxiously along the Ganges, the king met a group of Brahmins performing a Chandiyaga ritual.
After he shared his plight, they transferred a portion of their spiritual merit to purify the queen and help the couple return to their kingdom. In gratitude, the king promised to grant them land.Years later, when a famine struck Kashi, the Brahmins visited Nandavara to remind the king of his promise. However, the king, having forgotten, insulted them, leading to the failure of his endeavors. The Brahmins prayed to Goddess Chowdeshwari, who appeared in Nandavara as a witness to the king’s promise.
Realizing his mistake, the king apologized and donated land, wealth, and grains. Since then, Goddess Chowdeshwari has been worshipped as the kuladevata (family deity) of Nandavara.About 300 years ago, a chieftain named Jaswantaraya sought the goddess’s blessings to expand his territory. She agreed to protect him on the condition that she would settle permanently at a place of her choosing. Jaswantaraya succeeded in his mission, and the goddess chose a scenic location to reside, now known as Dasarighatta, originally called Jaswantaraya Town.
Unique Features of the Temple
Panchaloha Idol: Devotees can ask questions in any language (Kannada, Hindi, English, Konkani, Telugu, etc.). Priests place the goddess’s panchaloha idol on rice or ragi flour, and when a kalasha (sacred pot) is rotated, answers reportedly appear in Kannada script.
Navratri Festival: The temple hosts special pujas and the Mullugaddage festival during Navratri, with grand celebrations on Vijayadashami.
Architecture: Built in the Dravidian style, the temple features a gopura, yajna mantapa, and vahana mantapa.
Distinctive Tree: A tall wild date tree (Eechalu mara) and a Sami tree in front of the temple are notable attractions.
Significance of the TempleGoddess Chowdeshwari is renowned for resolving devotees’ problems. People from Karnataka and beyond, including international visitors, flock to this temple, believing their concerns are addressed through divine intervention. Locals claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the temple a few years ago. The temple, under the administration of the Adichunchanagiri Mutt, offers spiritual and religious services to devotees.Visiting Hours
Weekdays and Weekends (except Tuesday): 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM and 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
This sacred site continues to be a beacon of faith and devotion for countless visitors seeking divine guidance.