Nandikeshwara Temple is located at Avani village in Mulabagilu Taluk, Kolar District, Karnataka. Avani is about 30 km from Kolar. The temple forms part of the ancient Ramalingeshwara group of temples, situated near the sacred Avani Betta hill.
The Nandikeshwara shrine dates back to the 9th–10th century CE and is over 1,000 years old. It was built during the Nolamba dynasty period and later maintained by the Cholas and Vijayanagara rulers. The stone Nandi idol has been continuously worshipped since ancient times.
The main focus of worship here is Nandikeshwara (Nandi), the sacred bull of Lord Shiva. Nandi symbolizes strength, patience, discipline, devotion, fertility, and dharma. He is not only Shiva’s vehicle but also his greatest devotee and divine messenger. At Avani, Nandi is installed facing the Shiva linga, and devotees believe that wishes whispered into Nandi’s ears reach Lord Shiva directly.
The temple follows early Dravidian Shaivite architecture and is built using granite stone. The Nandi idol is carved from a single stone and shown in a calm, seated posture, always facing the Shiva sanctum. The shrine is simple and minimally decorated, highlighting the spiritual importance of Nandi rather than ornamentation.
Avani was an important spiritual center in ancient times. The Ramalingeshwara temple complex, including the Nandikeswara shrine, was established to commemorate Lord Rama’s worship of Lord Shiva. Over centuries, various dynasties protected and preserved the temple, maintaining its strong Shaiva traditions.
According to legend, Sage Valmiki’s ashram was located at Avani. Sita Devi lived here during her exile and gave birth to Lava and Kusha on Avani Betta.
During Lord Rama’s Ashwamedha Yagna, the sacred horse entered this region and was captured by Lava and Kusha. A battle followed unknowingly. After realizing the truth, Lord Rama felt deep remorse. To atone for this, Rama worshipped Lord Shiva at Avani.
It is believed that Nandi was installed as the divine witness to Rama’s penance. Nandi accepted Rama’s prayers first, and only then Shiva grant forgiveness. This legend gives Nandi a special spiritual status at Avani.
Mattu Pongal is the most important festival at this temple, as Nandikeshwara is worshipped as the divine form of cattle. On this day, Nandi receives special abhishekam and offerings such as sweet pongal, sugarcane, bananas, and grains. Farmers and devotees pray for healthy cattle, good harvest, and prosperity. Worshipping Nandi here on Mattu Pongal is believed to bring Shiva’s full blessings, protect agriculture and livelihood, remove obstacles, and grant peace, stability, and spiritual strength for the entire year.
Other festivals like Maha Shivaratri, Pradosha, Karthika Mondays, and Rathotsava are also observed.
