“A place where time stood still. Where water flows from Nandi’s mouth eternally. Where divinity touches the earth in silence.”
🕉️
Tucked quietly amidst the hustle of Malleswaram in Bengaluru lies a temple so mystical, serene, and ancient that it almost feels like a spiritual secret whispered through generations. The Sri Dakshinamukha Nandi Tirtha Kalyani Kshetra, dedicated to Lord Shiva, remained hidden underground for over 400 years, only to be rediscovered in 1997 during construction work. Today, it stands as one of the city’s most enigmatic and spiritually charged temples, attracting seekers, historians, and tourists alike.
📜 Historical Origin and Discovery
The temple’s exact date of construction remains unknown, but its architecture, design, and scriptural references suggest it belongs to the Chalukyan or Nolamba-Pallava era, possibly dating back more than a thousand years.
Rediscovery in 1997:
The temple was accidentally found during construction of a building on a private plot. Workers, while digging the foundation, discovered steps leading underground. What lay below stunned everyone—a perfectly preserved temple, complete with a sacred pond (kalyani), idols, and flowing water. The entire structure was buried and untouched, as if time itself paused to protect it.
Archaeologists and the state government quickly intervened, declared it a heritage site, and preserved it under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act.
🕉️ Spiritual Significance
The presiding deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped here in the form of a Shiva Linga directly beneath Nandi, the sacred bull.
The temple’s uniqueness lies in the perpetual stream of water that flows from Nandi’s mouth and falls directly onto the Shiva Linga, symbolizing eternal purification and devotion.
Dakshinamukha means “facing south”—Nandi here faces south instead of the traditional east, signifying Yama's direction, and hence symbolizing Shiva as the conqueror of death (Mrityunjaya).
The temple is considered very powerful for ancestral blessings, removing doshas, and spiritual awakening.
🛕 Architecture & Structure
The temple is built entirely below ground level and accessed by descending stone-carved steps.
The inner sanctum (garbhagriha) houses the Shiva Linga, with a stunning Dakshinamukha Nandi seated above.
A continuous stream of water, believed to be spring-fed, flows through Nandi’s mouth to the Linga, into the Kalyani (sacred tank).
Surrounding walls depict carvings, inscriptions, and deities like Parvati, Ganesha, Kartikeya, and others.
🔱 Rituals, Pujas & Practices
Daily Worship:
Abhisheka (ritual bathing of the Shiva Linga) is done multiple times daily using the naturally flowing water.
Nandi Abhisheka is special here—since the water flows through him, he is also worshipped equally.
Bilva leaves, milk, honey, and sandalwood are offered as part of daily rituals.
Aarti Timings:
RitualTimeMorning Abhisheka7:30 AM – 8:30 AMMaha Aarti12:00 PMEvening Aarti6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Weekly & Monthly Rituals:
Mondays (Somwar) are considered most auspicious for Shiva puja.
Pradosham, Shivaratri, and Karthika Masam are celebrated with grand rituals, chanting, and lighting of thousands of lamps.
🕉️ Chants & Shlokas
Some commonly recited mantras here include:
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya – The most powerful and sacred Shiva mantra.महामृत्युंजय मंत्र:
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥
This mantra is chanted regularly for health, long life, and protection from untimely death.
❓ The Mystery of the Eternal Water Flow
One of the most astonishing aspects of the temple is the unending stream of clear water flowing from the Nandi idol’s mouth.
It has no known mechanical source, pipe, or pump.
The origin of the water is still undetermined—some believe it is a natural spring, others claim it is divine and miraculous.
Even during summers and droughts, the water never stops—which adds to the spiritual mystery of the place.
📍 How to Reach
Address:
Sri Dakshinamukha Nandi Tirtha Kalyani Kshetra
Malleswaram 17th Cross, Opp. Gangamma Temple
Bangalore, Karnataka – 560055
By Metro:
Nearest station: Sampige Road (Green Line) – 10 mins walk.
By Bus/Auto:
Easily accessible from Majestic, Yeshwantpur, and Malleshwaram Railway Station.
Parking:
Limited, so best to use public transport or walk from nearby areas.
🏨 Nearby Attractions & Amenities
Gangamma Temple (just opposite)
Kadu Malleshwara Temple – One of the oldest temples in Bangalore
Sankey Tank Lake – A peaceful spot for relaxation
8th Cross Malleswaram Market – Street shopping and eateries
🌟 Tips for Visitors
Footwear not allowed beyond the entrance.
Maintain silence and sanctity inside.
Photography is discouraged inside the sanctum.
Carry a cloth to sit during meditation.
Donations can be made at the temple counter.
The Sri Dakshinamukha Nandi Tirtha Temple is not just a temple—it’s an experience of time, silence, and sacred energy. In a city filled with modern chaos, this underground marvel offers a peaceful refuge and a spiritual awakening that connects the past with the divine.
Whether you are a seeker, tourist, historian, or someone looking to pause and reflect, this ancient Shiva temple in Malleswaram is a must-visit. Discover the divine, buried but never forgotten.
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