The image of Krishna is in the classical form – Krishna holding a flute under a honne tree with cows and cowherds around watching him with revered attention. The image of Krishna is flanked by his consorts, Rukmini and Satyabhama.
Thanks to the foggy nature of the place, the lintel of the doorjambs to the inner hall is often spotted with icicles hanging from it. Therefore the prefix Himavad ( or Himada , Himad – all means snowy/foggy ) Gopalaswamy temple.
In front of the sanctuary stands the conventional prayer hall typical of a Hindu temple. And in the main axis of the temple just as you enter the temple are the flag post and the bali peetam ( sacrificial stone). The hall and its surroundings also contains a large number of images , mostly mythical themes of Vaishnava affiliation.
The whole temple stands inside a compound wall with granite tiled court yard. At one end of the compound wall facing the main temple is the main entrance. Over the entrance is the typical tower with brightly painted godly themes.
Inside the temple at one corder you can spot a shed where the wooden wheels of the ceremonial temple car is kept. The car is assembled for the annual festival during the February-March ( according to Hindu calendar Sravana of Phalguna ).
The temple sits on the slops os a hillock with grassland all around. The motorable road reaches right in front of the temple. Still you need to climb a few steps to enter the temple.
As mentioned earlier the region is surrounded by numerous tanks and water holes. Though a couple of t are very close to the temple, most of them are located deep in the forest that calls for a trek to reach. There are many myths too associated with these waterbodies.
Thanks to these water bodies, and abundance of grassland, this place is a favorite grazing land of the elephants. If you are lucky you can spot them close to the temple. To vouch their presence one can see the elephant dung scattered in the vicinity.Typically they come closer to the temple early in the morning.
Baring the temple and its immediate vicinity, visitor are prohibited from entering the forest land. There is also a forest department outpost near the temple. There had been many incidents in the past of elephants chasing those strayed into the forest. So weather it is prohibited by law or otherwise, it is not prudent to venture into the forest. Of course, the trekking enthusiasts can always seek for prior permission from the forest department for trekking. Typically a guard accompanies the trekking party in such cases.
As promised earlier, let us see how to reach Himavad Gopalaswamy temple. Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta is located some 87km southwest of Mysore near Gundulpet town on the Mysore to Ooty road . If you are coming from Bangalore side, there are two routes, one via Chamarajanagar other via Mysore to reach Gundulpet.
Immediately after crossing Gundulpet town is junction of Ooty road and Calicut road. Take the Ooty route. At some 8km distance from Gundulpet on the Ooty road you will cross a village called Hangala. As you pass the village on the right side is a large arch over the road towards Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta. From this point the temple is at a distance of about 8km.
Place Statistics:
Type of Place: Hill and ancient Temple
Situated: Chamarajanagar District, karnataka. INDIA.
Distance: 220 Km from Bangalore; 75 Km from Mysore; 10 kms from Hangala Village, 21kms from Bandipur Reception area.
Transport: Private Taxis and buses, few government buses ply to the top of the hill
Information: Entry fees for vehicles to be purchased at the bottom of the hill
Timings: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Staying Options: Forest Guest House at Bandipur, Jungle Lodges, M.C.Resorts, Country Club, Cicada Resort
Food Facility: Not available at the top of the hill
