Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple – Overview
Sigandur is a very beautiful and small town located in the Taluka district of Karnataka state, and the local people of this district call it as “Siganduru”. The city is most popular for the Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple, which can be seen by tourists from all over India, and is dedicated to Goddess Chowdeshwari.
The temple is a must-see for many visitors from all over the world, and is situated on the banks of the Sharavati River. The presiding deity of Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple, Shri Chowdeshwari Devi, is a supernatural being who protects her devotees from losing goods by theft and punishes thieves for stealing from devotees. The Sharavati river surrounds this Sigandur village, which is surrounded by the Linganamakki dam and lush greenery on three sides.
History of this Temple
There is a 300-year-old story about the origin and formation of Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple, and according to this story, it is believed that the origin and culture of this holy temple is unique in its immaculate and dignified simplicity. The tradition of this temple is one that perfectly blends human reverence and divinity, common to all cultural beliefs of India which makes the practice of Indian God and Goddess worship so unique and special in itself.
As per the historical story behind the origin of this temple, there was a man named Sheshappa who one day went to the forest for the purpose of hunting, but he got lost in the forest and hence, decided that he would take rest. Under a tree.
While Sheshappa was resting under the tree, he fell asleep, and the forest in which he got lost was located on the banks of the river Sharavati. While sleeping, he dreamed that the ‘Mother’ came to him and instructed him to build a temple for her where she was sleeping.
After waking up from his sleep, he went to ‘Duggajja’, who was a Brahmin, and told him about his dream and after that, together they built the temple, Which is now known as Chowdeshwari Temple. After the construction of the temple was completed, Dugaji became the chief priest, and Sheshappa became the managing trustee of the temple.
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Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple Timings
- Afternoon Prasadam is available from 12:00 am to 3:30 pm
- Night Prasadam is available from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Daily Pooja Timings:
- Morning: 3.30 to 7.00
- Morning: 8.00 to 2.30
- Evening: 5.30 to 7.30
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Place to visit near Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple
Jog Falls
Jog falls is about 101 km from Shimoga. It is the highest waterfall in India and during monsoon 4 jets of water namely Raja, Rani, Rocket and Roarer blow in full force. It takes the better part of 2 hours to climb down and a little more to climb back up. Approx. 1400 steps have been constructed from top to bottom of Jog Falls. While this makes descent and ascent much easier, it can be quite tiring and tiring.
Lion and Tiger Safari
Lion and Tiger Safari is about 12 km from Shimoga Bus Terminus. Not a safari in the true sense of the word as the lions and tigers are kept in a walled enclosure and sightings are guaranteed. The park also has a small zoo that houses hyenas, bears, porcupines, pythons and alligators.
Mandagadde
Mandagadde is the nearest bird sanctuary to Shimoga where birds from all over the world migrate in search of food, shelter and for breeding purpose. Mandagadde is situated on the banks of the Tunga River and is situated next to the Thirthahalli main road. A small viewing point has been constructed, located for easy viewing. It is one of the best places for bird watchers.
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How to reach this Temple
There are many ways to reach the temple. You have to cross Sharavathi river to reach Sigandur Chowdeshwari temple, and through a regular service this river can be crossed. The service charges for crossing the river by a launch is only INR 1 per person, and to reach Sigandur, tourists have the option of taking buses and even private cars or taxi at the launch. There are also many jeeps available for the visitors which will take the tourists to the temple after crossing the river, and these jeep services cost only Rs.20 per person.
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