India is both ancient and spiritual, and this unique combination has created wonderful relics. One such, can be found in Hassan, 183 Kms west of the state capital, Bangalore – the Hasanamba Temple. It houses the presiding deity of Hassan, Goddess Hasanamba. She has been given that name as she is perceived to be ever smiling, bestowing all riches on her devotees. The town too, derives its name from her. Earlier it was called Simhasanapuri, however, after the Goddess Hasanamba started residing here, it was renamed Hasana (Hassan).
This year, the doors of the Hasanamba temple were reopened for the annual darshan, amid elaborate puja rituals, in Hassan, on Thursday the 16th of October. Hundreds of devotees gathered on the premises on the first day and were seen trying to gain entry into the temple before the rituals were complete, and police personnel struggled to control the crowd. The temple was opened to the public at 12.40 pm on Thursday.
The traditional rituals include a unique ceremony in which, Narasimha Raju Urs chops a Banana Tree with a sword (Pattada Katti) handed down to his ancestors by the Mysore Kings. Narasimha Raju has been doing this every year since 1991.
Speaking to Newskarnataka, he said, “the sword I use to chop the banana tree was handed to my ancestors 300 years ago by the Mysore Kings. Since Goddess Hasanamba doesn’t like animal sacrifice, our ancestors started the tradition of chopping the Banana tree(Banni)”. “Our devotion to Goddess Hasanamba has brought us many blessings and we lead a happy life” he added
A number of devotees rushed to collect pieces of the plant, which is believed to be auspicious when kept at home, others rushed to have a darshan of the deity.
Beliefs and legend were fulfilled, when the lamp that was lit last year was found still burning and flowers still fresh. Deputy Commissioner V Anbu Kumar said that, he along with other officials had entered the sanctum sanctorum while performing the rituals.
Devotion:
Newskarnataka spoke to a number of devotees, and all of them, without exception were thrilled to have obtained the blessings of Goddess Hasanamba. A devotee said, “We are blessed and kept happy without any problems because of Goddess Hasanamba, and we visit every year to thank and seek her blessings. We are happy to have come this year too”. She was echoing the sentiments of all devotees.
The former prime minister of India and a leading political figure of Karnataka, Deve Gowda also visited the temple with his family. When asked about his experience, he said “My family and I have been visiting the temple from a long time, and magic happens every year; that’s the power of Goddess Hasanamba”. He took the opportunity to convey his wishes for a happy Deepavali to all.
Deve Gowda, was one of several famous personalities to visit the temple and seek the blessings of Goddess Hasanamba.
Uniqueness:
The Hasanamba temple, built in the 12th century, during the reign of King Krishnappa Nayaka, is uniquely open to the public only for a week, once a year. The temple only opens on the following Thursday of the full moon day in the month of Ashwija (usually late Oct – early Nov). The temple closes on the day of Balipadyami when the rest of Karnataka celebrates Deepavali. In this temple the ant hill is the presiding deity.
The structure at the entrance of the Hasanamba temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva locally called Siddheshwara. It is renowned for its self-manifested linga. There’s also an interesting idol of a nine-headed Ravana playing the Veena here.
Legend:
Legend has it that once when the seven Maatrukes (Brahmi, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Indrani and Chamundi) came floating to the South of India, they were taken aback by the beauty of Hassan and decided to make it their home forever. Maheshwari, Kaumari, and Vyshnavi took residence in the three anthills inside the temple; Brahmi in Kenchamma Hosakote; while Indrani, Varahi and Chamundi chose the three wells in Devigere Honda.
Miracles:
The first and the most evident of all miracles attributed to Goddess Hasanamba is, when the flowers offered and the lamp lit the previous year, stay lit and fresh on the opening day of the following year, strengthening and renewing people’s belief and faith in Goddess Hasanamba
There’s also an intriguing story attached to Goddess Hasanamba. It is a story that gives hope to thousands who visit the temple each year. A daughter-in-law in the vicinity of the temple used to visit Hasanamba everyday. Her evil (yes, evil!) mother-in-law threw a hard object at the daughter-in-law when she started bleeding profusely and gave out a loud cry pleading the Mother Goddess! The ever compassionate Hasanamba manifested before her and turned her into a stone inside the temple so as to provide shelter to her devout child. It is said that the stone moves forward less than an inch every year. Legend has it, that once the stone reaches the feet of Goddess Hasanambha, time as we know it now will cease to be. Colloquially speaking, Kali Yuga will come to an end!
There’s yet another. Four robbers plotted to loot the temple off its treasure. Hasanamba, angered, cursed them into stone. Hence, the temple is also called Kallappanagudi!
Compassion and anger, are paradoxes that define Goddess Hasanamba. The temple will remain open till October 25th.
