Kodandarama Temple, Hiremagalur
The town temple where Sita stands on Rama's right — an arrangement you will not find elsewhere.
Hiremagalur sits at the edge of Chikmagalur town, and its Kodandarama temple is the district headquarters' oldest active shrine. The murtis are unusual: Sita is placed to Rama's right rather than his left, which in temple convention marks the moment of the wedding rather than the reign, so the shrine is read as a kalyana (marriage) form. The stone work is modest and the atmosphere is a working neighbourhood temple, not a monument.
What to do here
- See the kalyana arrangement of the murtis
- Visit during the morning or evening puja
- Walk the old Hiremagalur streets around the temple
It is the one place of real antiquity inside Chikmagalur town itself, and the easiest introduction to the district's temple tradition if you only have an hour.
History
The town's name is generally traced through this settlement — Hire-magalur, the elder daughter's town, against Chikka-magalur, the younger's. The temple has been rebuilt more than once around a much older core.
Travel tips
Roughly 2 km from the town bus stand — an auto ride. Mornings before 11am are calmest. Combine with the Coffee Museum for a half-day in town.
Please note
Do: remove footwear and leather at the entrance. Do: dress modestly — covered shoulders and knees. Don't: photograph inside the sanctum. Don't: enter the inner enclosure during puja unless invited.
Stay nearby
Places to stay around Kodandarama Temple, Hiremagalur
PremiumTC Resort GLV, Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur Town · 4.4 km from town
PremiumTC Resort SLV, Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur Town · 9.9 km from town
PremiumTC Resort TRV, Chikmagalur
Mullayanagiri · 12.5 km from town
PremiumTC Resort BND, Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur Town · 11.2 km from town
Combine your trip
Places near Kodandarama Temple, Hiremagalur
HeritageCoffee Museum, Chikmagalur
The bean's journey, from Baba Budan to your cup
LakeHirekolale Lake
A mirror for the Mullayanagiri range
Seethalayyanagiri
The green shoulder below Mullayanagiri, with a Shiva shrine and a view over both valleys.
Kavikal Gandi Viewpoint
The horseshoe gorge on the Mullayanagiri–Baba Budangiri road — fifty steps up, and the whole range in front of you.