Bettada Byraveshwara Temple is an ancient Hoysala temple located about 35 km from Sakleshpur town in the Hassan district of Karnataka, India. The temple is dedicated to Bhairaveshwara, a ferocious form of Lord Shiva, one of the deities that form the holy trinity of Hindu Gods, the others being Brahma and Vishnu. This ancient temple is located near the village of Maragunda. The temple stands in the midst of hills and is surrounded by greenery, and is enveloped by an aura of mystique and serenity that is so reminiscent of most Shiva temples in India.

Betta Byraveshwara Temple Near Sakleshpur In Karnataka

The Bettada Byraveshwara temple is a small temple believed to have been built during the reign of the Hoysala dynasty, which had its roots in the Malenadu region of Karnataka. The temple is relatively bare and devoid of the grandeur of later Hoysala temples like the ones in Belur and Halebid or Somanathpura, or other lesser-known Hoysala temples.

The charm of Bettada Byraveshwara temple lies in its picturesque surroundings and tranquil location, it is a temple where you can sit and commune with your inner self and feel one with the universe. The temple usually opens for about an hour in the morning only, if you are not there during that time, you will be able to see the temple from the outside only.

We were in Sakleshpur to experience the place and the hospitality of the Sakleshpur Homestay Owners Association – To choose the best place to stay in Sakleshpur do checkout their site http://sakleshpurhomestay.org/

Visiting Bettada Byraveshwara Temple Sakleshpur, Karnataka

It was towards the evening that we reached Bettada Byraveshwara temple which was one of the places that we had on our Sakleshpur itinerary. You can drive straight up to the temple gate, which is atop a hillock. However, we chose to alight much before the gate and take the steps that led to the temple from the road below.

A series of steps leads up to the temple through a wooded path. Dry leaves crackled under our feet as we made our way to the Bettada Bhairaveshwara temple. The path was shaded from the sun by dense trees, and rays of the sun barely penetrated through this tree cover. The play of light and shadow as we climbed up the steps towards the Shiva temple created a surreal ambience.

The climb is an easy one and the steps are also comfortable. We soon reached the top and arrived at the door of the Bettada Byraveshwara temple of Sakleshpur. The temple was closed and we were informed that the Pujari stayed at the bottom of the hill, and he opened the temple only once in the morning to conduct the ritual worship. The temple was empty at that hour, and we had it to ourselves.

We went around the temple in circumambulation, wanting to see if there were any carvings or sculptures on the temple walls, but we could not find anything. After spending some time experiencing the bliss of being near to an ancient temple of Shiva, we moved towards Pandavara Betta, which can be trekked from near the Byraveshwara temple, where a scintillating sunset awaited us.

History Of Betta Byraveshwara Temple Sakleshpur

Bettada Byraveshwara Temple Sakleshpur has a history dating back to the Hoysala dynasty, which ruled Karnataka from the 10th to the 14th century. According to local legends, the temple was built by a Hoysala king in the 12th century. However, there is no historical evidence to support this.

It is also interesting to note that the village of Angadi in the Mudigere Taluk of Hassan District is about 12.5 kilometres from the Bettada Byraveshwara temple. According to legend Angadi village where the Shree Adishakti Vasantha Parameshwari Temple is located is the place where the birth of the Hoysala dynasty took place. It is known as Hoysala Ugama Sthana.

Architecture Of Bettada Byraveshwara Temple Sakleshpur

The architecture of Betta Byraveshwara Temple is downright plain when compared to the grandeur of other Hoysala temples or even otherwise. The outer walls are bereft of any ornamentation.

It is a single structure in the centre of a paved premise. The temple is built on a raised platform, Jagati, which has an open Parikrama path or circumambulation path. The Bettadda Byraveshwara temple which is also known as Maragunda temple has a main door towards the east. The basic structure consists of a mandapa or outer hall along with an antarala that leads to the Garbagriha. The sanctum is topped by a shikhara.

It is difficult to say if the temple was intended to be a plain structure devoid of ornamentation, or if nature and time have rendered the temple plain and threadbare.

Significance Of Bettada Byraveshwara Temple Sakleshpur

Betta Byraveshwara Temple is a significant pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to have immense spiritual energy, and the linga is said to be self-manifested. The temple attracts a large number of devotees during the annual Mahashivratri festival, which is celebrated in February or March.

Apart from its religious significance, Betta Byraveshwara Temple is also a popular tourist destination. The temple’s serene surroundings, provide a tranquil setting for visitors to relax and unwind.

The temple complex is surrounded by hills, and visitors can take short treks to explore the natural beauty of the region. They can trek up to the Pandavara Betta which is associated with the Mahabharata. According to legend the Pandavas had stayed here during their exile. You can watch an amazing sunset from Pandavara Betta, and also the nearby hills including Yattina Bhuja.

Images of Bettada Byraveshwara Temple Sakleshpur

Here are some images of Betta Byraveshwara Temple Sakleshpur that we have captured.

Other Places Of Interest In Sakleshpur

Sakleshpur is a great weekend getaway option from Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Udupi, Chennai etc. Apart from Bettada Byraveshwara Temple, Sakleshpur has several places of interest that you may actually need 4-5 days to cover all the places of interest. Experiences in nature, adventure, culture, heritage and cuisine await you in Sakleshpur. Here is a list of some popular places to visit in Sakleshpur.

• Pandavara Gudda
• Bisile Ghat
• Manjarabad Fort
• Patla Betta
• Hosahalli Betta – Shooting Point
• Shiva Cave Temple on Gavi Betta
• Balancing Rocks on Gavi Betta
• Mookanamane Falls
• Kaginere View Point
• Kari Gundi, Kaginere
• Yattina Buja
• Kadumane Falls
• Ridge Point
• Hoysala Ugama Sthana
• Shettihalli Church

How To Reach Betta Byraveshwara Temple Sakleshpur

Betta Byraveshwara Temple is located in the small village of Maragunda in Sakleshpur, which is a popular tourist destination in Karnataka, India. Reaching Betta Byraveshwara Temple is not difficult, as there are several transportation options available to reach Sakleshpur, which is the nearest town to the temple. From Sakleshpur you can travel to Bettada Byraveshwara temple by jeep or your own car. Click here for Sakleshpur to Bettada Byraveshwara Temple Route Map.

• Bettada Byraveshwara temple is about 35.5 kilometres from Sakleshpura town
• Sakleshpur is about 220 kilometres from Bangalore

Reaching Betta Byraveshwara Temple Sakleshpur By Air:

The nearest airport to Sakleshpur is the Mangalore Airport in Mangaluru, From Mangalore, you can travel to Sakleshpur by road.

Reaching Betta Byraveshwara Temple Sakleshpur By Train:

The nearest railway station to Sakleshpur is the Sakleshpur Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in Karnataka and other parts of India. From the railway station, visitors can hire a jeep to Betta Byraveshwara Temple.

Reaching Betta Byraveshwara Temple Sakleshpur By Bus:

Sakleshpur is well-connected by road and visitors can take a bus from major cities in Karnataka to reach Sakleshpur. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates regular bus services to Sakleshpur from Bangalore, Mangalore, and other cities in the state. From Sakleshpur, visitors can hire a jeep to reach Betta Byraveshwara Temple.

Reaching Betta Byraveshwara Temple Sakleshpur By Car:

Visitors can also drive to Sakleshpur from Bangalore or other cities in Karnataka. The journey from Bangalore to Sakleshpur takes about 4 to 5 hours, depending on the traffic. There are two routes to reach Sakleshpur from Bangalore – one via Hassan and the other via Mysore.

Check out our 75 best road trips from Bangalore.

To travel to Betta Byraveshwara Temple/Sakleshpur you can book your flight tickets right here through Cleartrip or Makemytrip or CheapAir or Priceline and fly to Mangalore. If you are thinking of a road trip, do check out the rental car options.

Where To Stay For Visiting Betta Byraveshwara Temple Sakleshpur

Sakleshpur has many homestays and resorts. For an authentic experience of the region, its culture, and its lifestyle, staying in a homestay is the best option. You can choose from over 100 homestays who are members of the Sakleshpur Homestay Owners Association, and you will surely have an amazing experience in Sakleshpur.

You can select a homestay for your weekend getaway in Sakleshpur from over 100 homestays, each of which offers beautiful locations and impeccable hospitality. Check out this list of Sakleshpur Homestays from the Sakleshpur Homestay Owners Association. You can directly call them for booking or queries.

FAQs About Bettada Byraveshwara Temple in Sakleshpur

What is the best time to visit Betta Byraveshwara Temple?

The Bettada Byraveshwara temple can be visited throughout the year. However, the beauty of Sakleshpur is best seen during the winter months and during and immediately after the rains.

Is there an entry fee to visit the temple?

No, there is no entry fee to visit Betta Byraveshwara Temple.

Are there any accommodation options near the temple?

You can stay in any of the homestays of Sakleshpur and visit the temple. Sakleshpur homestays provide a wonderful experience of the local culture, cuisine and other local experiences.

Is it possible to trek to the temple?

Yes, you can easily trek to the temple.

What is the significance of the Mahashivratri festival celebrated at the temple?

Mahashivratri is an important Hindu festival celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva. It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava dance, which symbolizes creation, preservation, and destruction. The festival is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm at Bettada Byraveshwara Temple, and a large number of devotees visit the temple to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.

What are some nearby tourist attractions to visit along with the temple?

There are several tourist attractions near Bettada Byraveshwara Temple, including the Manjarabad Fort, the Magajahalli Abbi Falls, and the Bisle View Point, Visitors can also explore the coffee plantations and go on nature walks in the surrounding areas.

We hope you liked reading about the Bettada Byraveshwara Temple Sakleshpur. Do let us know if you have any queries or need any clarifications. For more such interesting and informative content subscribe to our blog and monthly newsletter, “Postcard From India.”. Also, do not forget to connect on our social media handles.

Our visit to Sakleshpur in Karnataka, India was organized by Sakleshpur Homestay Owners Association to promote sustainable tourism through immersive local experiences of cuisine, culture, and adventure provided by members of the Sakleshpur Homestay Owners Association. The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are our own. #travel #Sakleshpur #VisitSakleshpur #Sakleshpura #Sakleshapura #Malenadu #WesternGhats #Weekendgetaway #Karnataka #hillstation #DekhoApnaDesh #IncredibleIndia

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