The Archaeologicial importance of Nanjanagud (Garalapuri)
(12 July, 1971)

by
Dr. S. Srikanta Sastri


Garalapuri (or Nanjangud) has a history going back to mythical puranic times and archaeologically we can trace two thousand years of history in the existing Srikanteswara Temple. In the early centuries of the Christian Era this region was under the Gangas ofTalakad. The early Ganga Kings were not Jains but the followers of the Vedic religion as proved by their records which mention the celebration of many Vedic sacrifices. The Garbha Griha in the Srikanteswara temple resembles the specimens of Ganga Architecture remaining at Varuna (near Mysore) and Siva Ganga in the Bangalore District. The Siva Linga of Srikanteswara differs from the usual Chola type and closely resemble the Gangadhareswara linga at Siva Ganga.

In the tenth century the Cholas began to expand their empire and Talakad became a part of their kingdom. The Cholas were ardent Sivabhaktas but Raja Raja the Great has also constructed Vishnu Temples at Marehalli, Tadi Malingi etc. About the same time was composed the Periya Puranam which deals with the Nayanars. The stone images of the sixty-three Shaiva Saints found in the Nanjangud temple Verandha are probably of Chola workmanship. The corresponding metal images in front of them were installed by Kalale Nanjaraja in the Seventeenth century. The Pancha Cholalingas in the Pradakshina hall seem to be of Chola workman.


The Hoysalas succeeded the Cholas in this region. Hoysala Vishnuvardhana in 1116 A. D. captured Talakad from