Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple (Chikkaballapur, Karnataka)

The Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple is located in near Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapur district.

The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is the oldest in the state of Karnataka. The Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple houses three temples, the Arunachaleshwara (Childhood of Shiva), the Uma Maheshwara (Youth) and the Bhoga Nandeeshwara (the final renunciation stage).

The original Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple was built in the 9th century. The first phase is believed to have been built by the Bana Queen Ratnavali. The temple then underwent many additions and modifications, spread over the rule of around five dynasties. This temple was added to and extended by the Ganga dynasty, Cholas, Hoysalas, Pallavas and finally the Vijayanagara kings. This temple even has a statue of the Chola King Rajendra.

Though the original Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple dedicated to Shiva and Parvati was built in the 9th century by the Banas, the Chola kings in the 11th century added the roof; the Hoysala dynasty added the marriage hall to the temple structure and the outer wall and buildings were added by the Vijayanagar kings in the 13th century.

For centuries it was impregnable until the British stormed it in the October of 1791, and defeated Tipu Sultan.

The best time to visit the Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple is during Shivaratri.

This temple is about 65 kms from Bengaluru.