Hasanamba Temple – Goddess Hasanamba Devi temple is situated in the district of Hassan district. This shrine dates back to the 12th century and is dedicated to Goddess Shakti or Amba. The uniqueness of this temple is that tourists are allowed to enter this temple, only once a year during the time of the Deepavali festival, held in October. Devotees visit the temple to seek blessings of the Goddess during this week. Well-known for its exemplary architecture. According to Archaeologists – “This temple is considered a perfect example, of the epitome of temple architecture, in Karnataka.”
This temple was originally constructed by the Hoysala dynasty, and the architectural style, as per Jaina culture. The temples in the district of Hassan, are some of the examples of the Hoysala traditional style of temple architecture. According to Mythological significance, once when the seven Maatrikes, i.e. Brahmi, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vyshnavi, Varahi, Indrani, and Chamundi, visited South India, they were awestruck by the beauty of Hassan and decided to make it their home forever. Maheshwari, Kaumari, and Vyshnavi took residence in the three anthills inside the temple, Brahmi in Kenchamma, went to Hosakote, while Indrani, Varahi, and Chamundi chose the three wells in Devigere Honda.
This Goddess is called Hasanamba, as she is portrayed as an ever-smiling Devi. There are three major shrines, inside this temple premises. They are Goddess Hasanamba Devi, Lord Darbar Ganapathi, and Lord Siddheshwara Swamy. Goddess Hasanamba Devi temple is said, to have been dedicated to, Kallappa. Though the Goddess, is an ever-smiling deity, she is also a punisher of people’s misdeeds. The example of which, are the three stones installed in this, temple. As per folklore, when three thieves tried, robbing Goddess Hasanamba Devi temple, they were severely punished by the Goddess, who turned them into three stones. Earlier, Hassan was called “Simhasanapuri.”
Address – Hosaline Rd, Ameer Mohalla, Hassan, Karnataka 573201
Timings – Monday to Sunday – 7:00 am – 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
