In Hindu mythology, Nagas have a very important role to play. The snakes are worshipped for ages and are considered Gods. Thus is the Nagadevathe temple of Karnataka. The serpent God is worshipped here and the temple is dedicated to Naga devta. Also known as the Vidurashwatha temple. This temple is famous for the Vidur tree and was also named the Jallianwala Bagh of the south due to the incident.

Location

The temple is located in the Devanahalli fort, in the suburbs of Bangalore, Karnataka. The fort is 35 km away from the north of Bangalore city. People here place Naga Silas to get rid of Naga doshas. Situated in the small town of Vidurashwatha in Gauribidanur taluka. Near Chikkaballapur and Doddaballapur near Bangalore International Airport.

History

The Nagadevathe temple is known as a secret temple and isn’t much familiar amongst the tourists. The temple has a four feet tall Nag Dev statue which has a seven-headed snake and it’s meant for the protection of the fort. In ancient times, it is believed that the fort had many palace treasures. Thus becomes necessary to protect it. The fort was the last fort of the Keladi dynasty. They were the rulers of the Vijaynagar empire. Thus snakes were the best protectors and hence were worshipped as Gods too during those times. This temple has many secret snake sculptures too.

The temple exists since the age of Mahabharata and hence it has ancient and modern history links. As per the stories, Vidur Ji came here on the advice of Lord Krishna. After seeing the bloodshed during the Mahabharata, he came here to stay and planted the Vidur tree. Hence the name Vidurashwatha.

Also known as the Jallianwala Bagh of the south a similar incident took place at this place, hence the name.

How to visit

The temple is nearby the fort which is about 35 km. Taking a cab or taxi, auto rickshaw or public bus services is an ideal option. The location is a great picnic spot as well to enjoy the Nandi hills close to Doddaballapur and Chikkaballapur.

The place is about 90 km away from Bangalore city and the roads are quite good. There is ample parking on the premises and train routes are available via Vidurashwatha railway station about 2 km from the temple, gauribidanur railway station about 9km, and hindupur railway station about 18 km from the temple.

Things to do

There are many temples to visit around and they are interesting to view and visit.

• Sidheshwara temple- The sidheshwara temple is in association with lord shiva and is the nearby attraction for tourists.
• Nanjundeshwara temple- This temple is again a shiva temple and the devotees visit here to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
• Chandramauleshwar temple- The Shiva temple is nearby the Nagadevathe temple.
• Sarovaranjaneya temple- This is a Hanuman temple, and devotees of lord hanuman visit the temple for his blessings.
• Nagamma temple- This temple falls under the category of other temples located close to Nagadevathe temple.

Cultural significance

• As the temple has ancient and modern history, it has a huge cultural significance as well. The incident of Jallianwala bagh has many memorials erected at this location bearing the names of those who lost their lives in the incident.
• This place was a hermitage of Maitreya Maharishi during ancient times. The roots of the Vidur tree are still visible but the tree fell in 2001.
• Devotees visit this place to seek fulfillment of their blessings. They also visit here for cures for snake bites and other diseases. Devotees seek prosperity and pray for fertility-related problems here.
• As a result, this place has huge cultural significance as serpent gods fulfill them all.

Timing of the temple

The temple is open from morning 6 am to the evening at 8 pm.

It remains closed during festivals and special occasions.

Overall, the Nagadevathe temple is secret. The serpents are protectors of treasures and the universe for ages and it’s been since ancient history also this temple is a modern historical example of the Jallianwala Bagh of the south. It’s also famous as the Vidurashwatha temple. The old Vidur tree was also planted here. Since the Mahabharata times. Thus this temple is a mystery in itself and also a place of worship of God of snakes.