Shri Keladi Rameshwara Temple

Temple information

Darshan timings

06:00 – 18:30

Established

16

Best time to visit

Early morning hours on mid-week non-festival days to experience a peaceful darshan atmosphere

Deity

Deity form

Consecrated stone Shiva Lingam in southern sanctum and Veerabhadra in northern sanctum

Religious tradition

Agamic Shaiva Tradition

Sanskrit name

श्री रामेश्वर मन्दिरम्

Also known as

Keladi Rameshwara Gudi, Keladi Nayaka Cradle Temple

Darshan hours

Daily

06:00 AM - 06:30 PM

Break timings

Open continuously during daylight hours

Special days

Maha Shivaratri, Keladi Utsava: 05:00 AM - 08:30 PM

Festival timings

Open till 08:30 PM on Maha Shivaratri

Aarti & rituals

Morning aarti

06:30 AM

Midday aarti

12:00 PM

Evening aarti

06:00 PM

Special aarti days

Mondays, Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri

Ritual schedule

Nitya Pooja, Rudrabhisheka, Archana, Sandhya Deeparadhana by hereditary archaka

Pooja timings

07:00 AM - 11:30 AM, 04:30 PM - 06:00 PM

Abhishek timings

07:00 AM - 08:30 AM

Special poojas

Available

Online pooja booking

No

History & heritage

Historical period

Ancient

Built by

Keladi Nayakas (founded by Chaudappa Nayaka, expanded by Sadashiva Nayaka)

Architect / builder

Master artisans of the Keladi royal guild

Construction materials

Solid dressed granite stone masonry and carved timber ceilings

Historical events

Birthplace of the Keladi kingdom; celebrated for sheltering Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj against Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb under Rani Chennamma

Renovations

Protected monument conserved under Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Bengaluru Circle

Archaeological importance

Centrally Protected Monument of National Importance (ASI Monument No. N-KA-B38)

Legends

Traditional belief: Chaudappa Nayaka discovered a buried treasure and the Shiva Lingam through divine intuition, laying the foundation of the dynasty

Inscriptions

Inscriptions of Vijayanagara Emperor Sadashiva Raya and Keladi rulers in Kannada

Architecture

Architectural style

Dravidian

Architectural period

Circa 1500 - 1550 CE

Structure

Double-shrined (Dvikuta) temple complex inside a pillared cloister courtyard with separate shrines for Rameshwara, Veerabhadra, and Parvati

Floors

1

Gopuram

Stone Dravida-Vijayanagara Vimana shikhara above each sanctum

Mandapa

Pillared sabha mandapa with magnificent carved wooden and stone ceilings

Sculptural features

World-famous ceiling carving of Gandaberunda (two-headed eagle) clutching elephants and lions in its talons; relief of Dikpalas and Nayaka kings

Artistic elements

Intricate ceiling wood-carvings, pillar bas-reliefs, and ornate floral door jambs

Construction technique

Dry-stone interlocking granite masonry combined with exquisitely carved Malnad teak ceiling panels

Unique features

The legendary Gandaberunda ceiling carving that inspired the official emblem of the Government of Karnataka

Festivals & events

Festival calendar

Magha Bahula Chaturdashi (Shivaratri)

Special celebration days

Every Monday, Pradosham

Cultural events

Yakshagana performances and classical music during Shivaratri

Annual events

Keladi Rameshwara Rathotsava and Car Festival

Peak crowd season

October to February

Visitor information

• ✓ Parking
• ✓ Restrooms
• ✓ Drinking water
• ✓ Shoe keeping
• ✓ Prasadam counter

Dress code

Traditional

Best time to visit

Early morning hours on mid-week non-festival days to experience a peaceful darshan atmosphere

Parking capacity

50+ vehicles

Parking fees

Free

Donation counters

Yes

Donation methods

Cash, Hundi

Prasadam

Vibhuti/Kumkum.