Thirthahalli Rameshwara Temple

Thirthahalli Rameshwara Temple is an ancient temple connected to Parashurama. It is one of the major pilgrimage centres in Karnataka. Thirthahalli Rameshwara temple is in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka.

Thirthahalli has been known for nature and the scenic beauty. The place is lush green due to ample rainfall and the presence of Tunga River. In Kannada halli means village and Thirtha refers to a sacred river. The word Thirthahalli has evolved from Tirthahalli pointing to the presence of sacred Tunga River.

Thirthahalli is known for the unique and beautiful Rameshwara Temple which hosts the Shivalinga installed by Parashurama. Thus, this Shivalinga is glorified as Rameshwara – one installed by Rama of Bhargava. The stone temple is built on the banks of the river Tunga.

There is also a Rama Tirtha mantapa here where Lord Parashurama washed his axe in river Tunga.

History of Thirthahalli Rameshwara Temple

Whenever there is a decline in the religious principles and the population of demons increases, Lord Narayana descends on this Earth. One such avatara is Parashurama who descended to rid this Earth of irreligious warrior class of men.

He appeared as the son of sage Jamadagni and Renuka Devi. He was known as Rama. His mission was to kill Karthaveeryarjuna and other evil kshatriyas who were tormenting others and making show of their so-called strength. Rama performed tapasya and obtained an axe from Lord Shiva. Hence, He popularly came to be known as Parashurama. Parasu means axe.

Renuka Devi was a virtuous lady. Every day she would go to the river, make a mud pot and fetch water for her husband’s worship. One day, when she was on her way to the river, she saw a Gandharva king, who was in love with her wife. Seeing this, her mind got disturbed and she was not able to make the mud pot and did not collect the water that day. She ran to the ashram in fear.

In the meantime, Jamadagni got to know everything and became furious. To punish his wife, he ordered his sons to behead Renuka Devi. When all the sons hesitated to obey their father’s command, Jamadagni became angry and burnt them all.

Parashurama then immediately beheaded his mother on the order of His father. Jamadagni Muni was pleased with Parashurama and blessed him with a boon. Parashurama asked his great father to make his mother and brothers alive. Jamadagni agreed and made them alive again.

Parashurama’s axe got stained with his mother’s blood. He visited many holy rivers to clean the blood stains off His axe. Everything was cleaned except a small spot the size of sesame seed. No matter in whichever river He cleaned it, the stain would not go away.

Finally, Parashurama came to Thirthahalli, where river Tunga flowed. When He put the axe into the water, the stain instantly vanished. Parashurama thus concluded that Tunga River was the most sacred river. He later installed a Shivalinga in this place which came to be known as Rameshwara Linga. The place where Lord Parashurama washed his axe in River Tunga is known as Rama Tirtha.

Festivals Celebrated in Thirthahalli Rameshwara Temple

Thirthahalli Rameshwara Temple celebrates many festivals.

Brahma Rathotsava – the chariot festival which is held every year in the Pushya Masa.

Theppotsava is celebrated in an event known as ‘Yellu Amavasya Jatra’ (yellu means sesame seed) – this festival lasts three days. Yellu Amavasya is the Marghashira Amavasya. It is the day after Parashurama cleaned His axe in River Tunga.

Best time to visit Thirthahalli Rameshwara Temple

The best time to visit Thirthahalli Rameshwara Temple is winter season when the weather is pleasant here. The best months to visit Thirthahalli Rameshwara Temple are September to February

Temple Timings of Thirthahalli Rameshwara Temple

Thirthahalli Rameshwara Temple is open throughout the year every day from Morning 6:00 AM to Evening 6:00 PM

How to reach Thirthahalli Rameshwara Temple?

The best way to reach Thirthahalli Rameshwara Temple is to join Tirtha Yatra and get your tour organized.

By Road: Thirthahalli Rameshwara temple is 346 kms from Bengaluru and 61 kms from Shivamogga. Road transport can be easily availed from these locations. Regular bus services and taxis are also available from Bengaluru and Shivamogga.

By Rail: Shivamogga railway station is the nearest railway station. It is well-connected by important towns of India.

By Air: The nearest airport is at Mangaluru. Buses and private taxies are available from these airport location