Thirtharameshwara Temple is located near Belaguthi village in Honnali taluk of Davangere district, Karnataka.Though often referred to as being in Honnali, the temple is actually situated close to Belaguthi amidst greenery and small hills. The surroundings have a calm, forest-like atmosphere, making it a peaceful spiritual destination.
The temple is believed to belong to the medieval period, approximately between the 12th and 15th centuries. It has been a place of continuous worship for several centuries and remains an important spiritual center for local devotees.
The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, worshipped as Thirtharameshwara, also known as Rameshwara. A rare and significant feature of this temple is the presence of the Trimurti, which includes Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The presence of a Brahma idol is extremely rare in Hindu temples, making this temple spiritually unique.
The temple is built in a simple and traditional medieval style, focusing more on spiritual significance than grandeur. It consists of a sanctum dedicated to Lord Shiva and a small hall for devotees. The temple complex is surrounded by natural greenery and hills, creating a serene and divine atmosphere. The architecture blends naturally with the environment, making it a place where nature and spirituality coexist harmoniously.
The Sthalapurana of this temple is based on strong local tradition and is associated with the sacred epic Ramayana. According to the legend, during their exile, Lord Rama and Goddess Sita passed through this region. At that time, Sita felt very thirsty while traveling through the forest. To help her, Lord Rama shot an arrow into the ground, and from that very spot, a natural spring of water emerged.
This sacred water has been flowing continuously ever since and has never dried up. Devotees believe that the water is pure and possesses medicinal properties, especially for skin-related ailments. It is also believed that the water remains fresh and does not spoil even after being stored for many days. Because of this divine origin of the water, Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Thirtharameshwara, meaning the Lord associated with sacred water. The continuous sound of flowing water creates a peaceful and meditative environment within the temple.
One of the most important features of this temple is the sacred *Kashi Ganga Pond*, which is a holy water pond with a natural and continuously flowing water source. Devotees take a ritual bath in this pond before offering prayers, believing it purifies the body and mind. The temple is also known for its perennial natural spring, which never dries up. The presence of the Trimurti, especially the rare Brahma idol, adds to the temple’s uniqueness. Surrounded by hills and greenery, the temple offers a calm and spiritually uplifting atmosphere. The belief that bathing in the holy Theertha can cure skin diseases attracts many devotees seeking healing and blessings.
Maha Shivaratri is the most important festival celebrated at the temple, with special poojas and night-long worship drawing large numbers of devotees. The month of Shravana is also considered highly auspicious, with regular rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva. Karthika Deepotsava is celebrated with the lighting of lamps and devotional activities. An annual local fair, known as Jatre, is held and attracts devotees from nearby villages and surrounding regions.
