Rambhapuri Peetha, Balehonnur
The oldest of the five Veerashaiva Panchapeethas, on the bank of the Bhadra.
The Shri Jagadguru Rambhapuri Veerasimhasana Mahasamsthana Peetha at Balehonnur is the first and oldest of the five Panchapeethas of the Veerashaiva tradition. It stands on the Bhadra in a green valley about 50 km north-west of Chikmagalur town, with a Veerabhadra temple attached to the matha holding metal images of Veerabhadra and Bhadrakali. A dargah of Baba Bandesha on the main road holds an annual urs.
What to do here
- Visit the matha and the Veerabhadra temple
- See the Bhadra riverfront below the peetha
- Break the drive between Chikmagalur and N.R. Pura here
A living seat of one of Karnataka's major religious traditions, and — with the dargah on the same road — a compact illustration of how plural this valley's religious life is.
History
Veerashaiva tradition holds that the peetha was established by Jagadguru Renukacharya, who is said to have emerged from the Someshwara linga at Kollipaki. It has functioned continuously as one of the tradition's five seats.
Travel tips
About 50–55 km from Chikmagalur town on the road to N.R. Pura and Sringeri. There are simple hotels in Balehonnur; nothing elaborate.
Please note
Do: remove footwear and leather. Do: dress conservatively. Don't: photograph inside the sanctum or during rituals. Don't: bathe with soap or detergent in the Bhadra here.
Stay nearby
Places to stay around Rambhapuri Peetha, Balehonnur
Combine your trip
Places near Rambhapuri Peetha, Balehonnur
TempleHoranadu Annapoorneshwari Temple
The goddess of food, who feeds every visitor
Chandranatha Basadi, Kalasa
A Jain basadi in a Shaiva temple town — the other half of Kalasa's history.
TempleKalasa & Kalaseshwara Temple
A Shiva shrine below Kudremukh
Ballalarayana Durga
A Hoysala hill fort on the Charmadi ridge, reached on foot through shola grassland.