Hasanamba Temple, Hassan, Karnataka India

The name Hasanamba has been given to the Goddess at the Hasanamba Temple and the town too is named after the presiding deity as she is perceived to be ever smiling, bestowing all riches on her devotees. The temple is open to the public for a week, once a year in the month of Ashwayuja, during Diwali in October. So devotees flock here to seek the Goddess’ blessings during this week. This is the best time to visit the temple.

The temple is believed to have sprung up sometime around the 12th century, though no one knows exactly when or how it came to be. There is an ant-hill representing the presiding deity inside the temple premises and because the temple is opened for only a week a year, it is all the more special to obtain a darshan during the festival.

Archeological experts consider the Hasanamba Temple in Hassan to be the epitome of temple architecture in Karnataka. The city of Hassan dates back to the 11th century and the temples around Hassan signify the various dynasties that have ruled ever since the 11th century. It was originally built by the Hoysala dynasty in their tradition, reflecting their faith in Jainism. The temples in the Hassan district are some of the finest examples of the Hoysala tradition of temple architecture.