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

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

Moolavar : Sri Bhogeswara / Moolasthaneswara  

Some of the salient features of this temple are..

The temple is facing east with and inscription stone. There is no Balipeedam or Dwajasthambam. At the entrance of 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 with 4 pillars of Ganga style of octagonal shape with square base, kalam, kudam, palakai and a simple pothiyal.

HISTORY & INSCRIPTION

The temple was believed to be built during 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 as Mudikonda Chozhamandalathu Gangaikonda Chozhavalanattu, Idainadu, Mangalam. The inscription is incomplete.

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

Front side

Back side 

A 11^th 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 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 ---