ॐ
Chitradurga Fort Temples
Shiva & Devi · Hill Fort · Karnataka
॥ ॐ नमः शिवाय ॥
The great hill fort of Chitradurga — the “stone fortress” of Karnataka — holds within its ramparts a cluster of old temples, chief among them the Hidimbeshwara shrine of Shiva and the temple of the goddess Ekanatheshwari. Built up over the boulder-strewn hills by the Nayaka chiefs and earlier rulers, the fort is famed for its walls, its hidden water-tanks and the legend of the heroine Onake Obavva.
Temples within the stone fortress
Chitradurga’s fort, rising over seven concentric walls across a chain of granite hills, encloses some of the oldest shrines of the region. The Hidimbeshwara temple, dedicated to Shiva, is held to be the most ancient, tied in legend to the demon Hidimba of the Mahabharata, while the goddess Ekanatheshwari watches over the fort; smaller shrines to Siddeshwara and others dot the rocks.
A fort of seven walls
The fort — Kallina Kote, the stone fort — was built and strengthened by the Nayaka chiefs of Chitradurga and earlier dynasties, with cunning gateways, granaries and rock-cut tanks that kept it supplied through siege. It is famous for the tale of Onake Obavva, who, during a siege, is said to have struck down enemy soldiers one by one with a wooden pestle as they crept through a gap in the wall.
Hills of granite and legend
Set among balancing boulders and old fortifications, the temples of Chitradurga are worshipped by the local people and visited by those who climb the fort for its history and views. Maha Shivaratri and Navaratri bring festival to the Hidimbeshwara and the goddess, keeping the ancient shrines alive within the walls.
How to reach the fort
- By road: Chitradurga is on the Bengaluru–Hubli highway, about 200 km from Bengaluru; the temples are within the hill fort.
- By train: Chitradurga has its own railway station.
- By air: Hubli and Bengaluru are the nearer airports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temples are in Chitradurga Fort?
The fort holds several old shrines, chief among them the Hidimbeshwara temple of Shiva, held to be the most ancient, and the temple of the goddess Ekanatheshwari, with smaller shrines to Siddeshwara and others.
What is the Hidimbeshwara temple?
It is the oldest shrine of the fort, dedicated to Shiva and tied in legend to the demon Hidimba of the Mahabharata.
Who was Onake Obavva?
Onake Obavva is the heroine of Chitradurga, said to have struck down enemy soldiers one by one with a wooden pestle (onake) as they crept through a gap in the fort wall during a siege.
Who built the fort?
The fort was built and strengthened by the Nayaka chiefs of Chitradurga and earlier dynasties, with seven concentric walls across the granite hills.
What are the main festivals?
Maha Shivaratri at the Hidimbeshwara and Navaratri at the goddess’s shrine are the chief festivals.
How do I reach Chitradurga?
Chitradurga is on the Bengaluru–Hubli highway, about 200 km from Bengaluru, with its own railway station; the temples are within the hill fort.
॥ हर हर महादेव ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deities | Shiva (Hidimbeshwara) and Devi (Ekanatheshwari) |
| Setting | Within the Chitradurga hill fort (seven walls) |
| Builders | Nayaka chiefs and earlier dynasties |
| Legend | Onake Obavva and the siege |
| River | Vedavati |
| Main Festival | Maha Shivaratri, Navaratri |