2025, Vol. 11, Issue 3, Part A

author(s)
Nikethan TC and Naveen Bhat

abstract
Nandhi Grama, situated at the base of Nandi Hills in Karnataka, represents a sacred confluence of mythology, geography, architecture, and devotional practice in the Shaiva tradition. Rooted in the Nandimahatmya—a sacred yet underexplored scripture extolling the virtues of Nandi, the vahana of Shiva—this region is more than a physical landscape; it is a cosmological axis where the mortal world meets the divine. The Nandimahatmya describes Nandhi Grama as a divine realm carved into the earthly plane, sanctified by natural features such as Amrita Sarovar, sacred caves, and shrines, all of which are suffused with theological symbolism. This article investigates the mytho-spatial construction of Nandhi Grama, examining how its sacredness is encoded in stone, water, and legend. It explores prominent sites like the Bhoganandeeshwara Temple, the Veerabhadra Cave Temple, the Nellikayi Basavanna Mantapa, and the fortifications tied to historical figures like Tipu Sultan. It also considers the rich tapestry of ritual, pilgrimage, and oral tradition that continue to enliven the sacred geography of Nandhi Grama. Drawing on textual exegesis, field data, and local traditions, the article argues that Nandhi Grama serves as a theological mandala—a microcosm of cosmic order—where myth is not only remembered but performed through ritual and spatial engagement. In preserving and studying such spaces, we do not merely conserve heritage; we uphold a sacred worldview that views land, deity, and devotee as mutually sustaining entities.