Kodandaramaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple located in Hiremagalur in Chikkamagalur district. The deity of this temple is known as Kodandarama. Here Rama and his brother Lakshmana are depicted holding arrows. Kodandarama Temple is known for its carved idols, architecture and religious significance. In the central heart of the temple are large idols of Lord Rama with Sita Devi on his right and Sri Lakshmana on his left, perhaps the only temple where Sita and Lakshmana are placed like this.
Kodandarama Temple is 238 km from Bangalore. And it is 04 km from Chikkamagalur. Just 02 km from Chikmagalur Railway Station (CMGR). is far away.
The temple opens from 05:00 am to 12:00 noon and from 04:00 pm to 09:00 pm.
The temple is built in Hoysala style with garbhagriha and sukhana structures on three levels. The rest are Dravidian styles. The present Navaranga dates back to the 14th century. The porch is 16th century. The outer walls of the sanctum sanctorum and mandapa are raised on a square basement consisting of six cornices. The outer walls of the navaranga and porch are built of brick and mortar.
According to Lapurana or local legend, the proud Purushottama was conquered by Rama at Hiremagalur. Purushottama requested Rama to show him the scene of Rama’s wedding. So in Hindu wedding ceremonies, according to tradition, Sita stands on Rama’s right and Lakshmana on his left. Perhaps the only temple where Sita and Lakshmana are placed like this, the sculptor has beautifully and delicately carved the positions of the crown, jewels and bodies in the idol. Sita’s posture, eyes looking down, her ornaments are really well carved.
According to legends this place was the abode of nine Siddhas who did penance near the village pond known as Siddha Pushkarni and it was called Bhargavapuri town as Parasurama also lived here. Lord Hanuman, dear friend of Lord Rama, is missing from most depictions but a separate temple is dedicated to him. An idol of Lord Ganesha in a dancing pose adorns the mandapam.
