Himavad Gopalaswamy Hill:
Himavad Gopalaswamy hill is a place that always beckons the tourists with cheerfulness and the pleasant atmosphere of the mist.
The Himavad Gopalaswamy hill, the third highest hill in the state, is located in the Bandipur sanctuary area of Gundlupet taluk of Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka state in India. Sri Gopalaswamy is situated on this hill at a height of about 1450 feet, and with its beautiful temple.
Himavad Gopalaswamy Hill is noted as an active destination for trekking lovers, as a place of pampering for nature lovers and a wish-fulfilment for devotees. Another speciality of this hill is that it is surrounded by snow while looking at it and unfolding its dense beauty in the rays of the sun. That is why thousands of tourists visit this place frequently.
The forest department has declared this area as a wildlife zone under the Wildlife Act 1972, and this hill is under the forest with the highest number of tigers in India.
History of Gopalaswamy Temple:
Talking about the Himavad Gopalaswamy temple here, it has a history of more than seven centuries. According to history, this temple was built by the Hoysala ruler Chola Ballala and later it was further developed during the rule of Mysore. Built in a single round, the temple has a wide enclosure, the porch has impressive carvings of Dasavatara, altar, and flag pillars.
The people here give their own answer to the question of how this hill came to be called Gopalaswamy Hill. According to local elders, this hill was called Govardhanagiri in the past because it looks like a cow from a distance. Not only that, it was like cowherds used to graze their cattle in the hill which was adorned with green wealth. Govardhanagiri became like Gopalaswami Hill as cowherds used to come.
Lord Krishna who resides here along with Rukmini and Satyabhama is also known as Santana Gopalakrishna. Here, The Deity of Krishna is in a classical form holding a flute under a tree with cows and cowherds. It is believed that the original idol here was installed by Agastya Maharishi.
Gopalaswamy hill is surrounded by hills like Tryambakadri, Neeladri, Mangalagiri, Shankharadrigiri, Hansari, Garudadri, Pallavadri, Mallikarjuna Giri etc. There are tirthas called Hamsa Tirtha, Padmatirtha, Shankha tirtha, Chakra tirtha, Gada tirtha, Shamna tirtha, Vanamulika tirtha, Totlu tirtha.
People here also believe that childless people will become children if they bathe in Totlu Tirtha. During the world famous Mysore Dussehra, a special pooja is held at Gopalaswamy hill along with Melkote and Srirangapatna temples.
A team of priests working here in their own language gives information to whoever comes to the place which has been successful in attracting tourists from the state and outside the state. Prasadam is arranged for the devotees.
Himavad GopalaSwamy Temple Timings:
Visitors are allowed to the temple only between 08:30 am to 04:00 pm.
How to get to the hill?
Himavad Gopalaswamy hill near Gundlupet taluk of Chamarajanagar district, 220 km from capital Bangalore. And 74 km from cultural city Mysore. 20 km from Gundlupet.
Note:
1.No private vehicles are allowed to the top of the hill. Visitors have to park their tourist and private vehicles in a parking area near to the check post and from there hire KSRTC buses to reach the top of the hill.
Bus ticket fare from Rs. 20 to Rs. 30 per person.
2.Last bus available at 04:30 pm.
3.No overnight stay is allowed on the hill.
4.No food items are allowed to be taken to the temple. You can take only pooja items like flowers, fruits and incense sticks and that too in non-plastic bags.
5.You can enjoy tea and light snacks at nearby shops, so don’t worry about taking food along.
Festivals at Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple:
Every year in Phalguna Masam-Sravana, or the final week of the month of March, the Gopalaswamy Brahma Rathotsava vehicle festival takes place. This automobile event is unique in that the chariot will be drawn by bamboo creepers that have been gathered from the wild.
The fortunate days of this temple are always during Sravana masa. A special pooja is performed every Saturday during Sravana masa, and thousands of worshippers swarm the temple at this time.
Himavad Gopalaswamy betta to mysore distance: 1 hr 18 min (71.6 km) via NH 766
Himavad Gopalaswamy betta to nanjangud distance: 52 min (49.7 km) via NH 766
Gundlupet to Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta distance: 16 min (13.7 km) via NH181 and Himavad Gopalaswamy Hills Rd
FAQs about Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple
Q: Where is Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple located?
A: The temple is located in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, India.
Q: What is the significance of the Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple?
A: The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Vaishnavites.
Q: What are the timings of the Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple?
A: The temple is open from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Q: Is there any dress code to be followed while visiting the temple?
A: Yes, modest clothing is recommended while visiting the temple.
Q: Are there any accommodations available near the temple?
A: Yes, there are several hotels and lodges available in the surrounding areas.
Q: Is photography allowed in the temple?
A: Photography is generally allowed in the temple, but it is best to check with the temple authorities before taking any pictures.
Q: Is there any entry fee for the temple?
A: No, there is no entry fee for the temple.
Q: Are there any special festivals celebrated at the Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple?
A: Yes, several Hindu festivals like Janmashtami, Deepavali, and Pongal are celebrated at the temple.
Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple Images:
