Nanjangud located near Mysore houses an ancient temple dedicated to Shiva - Nanjundeswara or Srikanteswara that is rich in legend, historical and artistic significance.

This temple celebrates the legend of Shiva consuming the poison that emanated when the milky ocean was churned by the devas and the asuras in their joint quest for the nectar of immortality. (See legend); hence the name Nanjundeswara. Legend has it that Parvati arrested the spread of the venom by placing a firm grip on Shiva's neck, causing it to turn blue, and hence the name Neelakanta.

Legend also has it that Parasurama worshipped at this shrine. There is a shrine for Parasurama nearby.

The temple: This temple has an imposing Rajagopuram and an array of sculptural work depicting mythological scenes. There is a shrine to Adi Kesava in between the Shiva and Parvati shrines. The 63 Nayanmar saints of the Tamil region are portrayed as life sized images. The temple is located by the side of the Kapila river. The Wodeyars of Mysore have made many endowments to this temple.

Tipu Sultan of Mysore was a patron of this temple. It is said that the sultan believed that his elephant was cured of   diseases by the grace of the presiding deity of this temple and hence he made endowments to this temple.

 

Also See:
Somnathpura
Chamundi Hills
Srirangapatna
Talakkad