Sri Moolasthaneswara alias Bhogeswara Temple at Mangala, Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka.

The visit to this temple at Mangala was a part of the Chozha period Temples Visit, on the ancient trade route from Chamarajanagar to Kollegal in Karnataka State (Gangapadi). The temple  is at the center of the Village and on the east bank of a Tank. This Moolasthanamudayar temple was also called Bhogesvara temple. 

Moolavar: Sri Bhogeswara / Moolasthaneswara  

Some of the salient features of this temple are...

The temple is facing east with an inscription stone. There is no Balipeedam or Dwajasthambam. At the entrance of the sanctum, Vinayagar is on the right and Mahavishnu is on the left. Moolavar is on a square avudayar.  Nagar is in the artha mandapam.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, and artha mandapam. A Two tier vimana is on the sanctum sanctorum. The artha mandapam is supported by 4 pillars of Ganga style of octagonal shape with a square base, kalam, kudam, palakai, and a simple pothiyal.

HISTORY & INSCRIPTION

The temple was believed to have been built during the Chozha period. There are two inscription stones of which one is on the banks of a tank.

The inscription on the banks of the tank belongs to Rajathirajan’s 32^nd reign year (1049 - 50 CE). The inscription starts with his meikeerthi as “Thingaler tharu - திங்களேர் தரு......”. As per the inscription this place was called Mudikonda Chozhamandalathu Gangaikonda Chozhavalanattu, Idainadu, Mangalam. The inscription is incomplete.

This place was called Mangala during Ganga’s period and the same was changed to Mummudi Chozhamandalathu Gangaikonga Chozhavalanattu Idainadu Mangalam. It was a Trade center with Nanadesikars, Thisai ayirathu Ainootruvar, and Ayyapozhil Vanika groups who had done trades in this area. This temple was established by these traders. The inscription stone starts with, traders meikeerthi. Lord Shiva was called Moolasthanamudayar/Bhogesvara. 

Front side

Back side 

An 11th-century inscription stone in front of the temple records that the temple was constructed by Gujyabhoga Gavunda of Mangala.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

Since orukala pooja is conducted, the opening and closing times are unpredictable. Locals will help to open the temple.

HOW TO REACH:

This place Mangala is on the bus route from Chamarajanagar to Kollegal. 9.7 km from Chamarajanagar, 29 km from Kollegal, 60.7 km from Mysore, and 169 km from Bangalore.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE (GPS Co-ordination 12.001102, 76.960656)

Hero Stone 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---