Halu Rameshwara Temple, Hosadurga

Behind the garbhagriha, there is a miraculous Tirtha Kunda known as Ganga Kola or Udbhava Ganga, filled with sacred Ganga water. Devotees who seek answers to their questions or wish for the fulfillment of their desires offer prayers here. It is believed that if the answer is positive, auspicious objects such as bangles or bananas emerge from the water. If the answer is negative, items like charcoal appear, serving as a warning that the wish may not be suitable or favorable.

This sacred place is one of the revered Pancha Kashi Kshetras of Karnataka and a pilgrimage destination that every devotee should visit.

The divine Shiva Linga here was worshipped by Lord Sri Ramachandra during His Aranyavasa (forest exile) period. This sacred place is situated in Narasipura village of Hosadurga Taluk, in the Chitradurga District of Karnataka.

The River Ganga is believed to have emerged here like a fountain of milk from underground. In Kannada, halu means “milk.” Since the water appeared milky, the place came to be known as Halu Rameshwara.

The same bangle was found beneath the earth upon Snake Hill. When opened, a heavy rush of water sprung underneath.

When Valmiki Rishi came to know about this through his divya drishti. When Rishi went there, immediately Ganga Mata appeared before him.

Then Ganga Mata said, “Henceforth, I’ll dwell and bless all my devotees and fulfill their wishes.”

Then Valmiki Maharshi installed the deity of Ganga mata above the Ganga kola. The same deity is even worshiped now.

The temple consists of a small garbhagriha and an open mantapa. The temple is well known for its remarkable architecture and intricate stone carvings.

Navratri: It is celebrated in the months of October-November; special prayers are offered to Ganga Mata. Various cultural and devotional programs are conducted for nine days.

Karthika Masa: This month is auspicious and a favorite for Lord Shiva. Karthika deepa, or mud diya, is lit inside the temple premises, enhancing the spiritual aura of the place.

Dasaratha Rameshwara: It is one of the serene off-beaten temples located inside the dense forest in Hosadurga district. This temple was built by Dasharatha Maharaja.

Gavirangapura: This is the only Kurmavatara temple in Karnataka, after the Andhra Pradesh Sri Kurmam temple. Here Gavi, Lord Gavi Ranganatha Swamy, is worshiped in His Kurmavatara form.

Chitradurga Fort: Also known as Kallina Kote, located 50 km away from Halu Rameshwara. One of the historic places to be visited, built by the Hoysalas and Chalukyas.

By Railway: Chikjajur Junction and Chitradurga Railway Station are the nearest railway stations. From these stations, you can either travel by local bus or hire a taxi.

By Road: There are many KSRTC and private buses that operate from major cities like Bengaluru, Mysore, and Chitradurga to Hosadurga.