Nanjundeshwara Temple, Nanjangud

Sri Nanjundeshwara Temple (also called Srikanteshwara Temple) in Nanjangud is one of the largest and oldest Shiva temples in south Karnataka, located on the banks of the Kapila River. The name Nanjundeshwara means 'Lord who drank poison' — referring to Shiva drinking the Halahala poison during Samudra Manthan. The temple spans an enormous area with beautiful Dravidian architecture, multiple mandapas, and exquisite Nandi statues. The Dodda Jatra festival is a major annual event.