Nanjanagud

Nanjangud lies on the Kapila River south of Mysore and takes its name from Nanjundeshwara, a form of Shiva revered as the Lord who drank poison. His great temple, also known as the Srikanteshwara temple, made the town a celebrated Shaiva pilgrimage centre. Tradition connects the deity with the poison churned from the cosmic ocean, which Shiva swallowed to save the world. The temple complex grew over many centuries and received gifts from the rulers of Mysore.

The Mysore court took a particular interest in the shrine. The temple was enlarged under Nandi Raja and later under the minister Purnaiah, while royal patrons installed lingams in its halls. Images of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III and his queens stand in attitudes of worship. A local tradition also tells how Tipu Sultan honoured the god after a favourite elephant recovered its eyesight, calling him a healer. Such stories and royal benefactions helped sustain the reputation of Nanjangud well beyond its riverbank.