- Timings
- 6 am to 5 pm
- Best time
- November to April
- Festival
- Varshika Abhisheka (January)
- Nearest railway station
- Sakleshpur
- Nearest airport
- Mangaluru (about 136 km from Sakleshpur)
- Distance from Bengaluru
- About 223 km to Sakleshpur
About the temple
Devotees come to seek Bhairava's blessing for courage and physical strength. Local tradition holds that the Pandavas stopped here during their years of exile, and large old grinding stones in the temple grounds are linked with that story. A motorable road climbs most of the way, and a short flight of worn steps leads up to the shrine, especially green just after the monsoon.
Timings and festival
The temple is open daily from 6 am to 5 pm. The main annual event is the Varshika Abhisheka in January, when devotees from across the region gather for the ritual bathing of the deity. There is no strict dress code, though modest clothing is expected.
Best time to visit
November to April is the most pleasant period, with clear views and little rain. January is a good choice if you would like to see the festival. The monsoon brings heavy rain and leeches on hill paths, although the scenery is at its greenest then.
How to reach
Sakleshpur is the base town, around 223 km from Bengaluru, or about four and a half hours by road; state buses also run the route. Sakleshpur railway station is on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru line. The nearest airport is Mangaluru, roughly 136 km away. From Sakleshpur, take a taxi or jeep to the temple.
Nearby places
Jenukal Gudda and Deepada Kallu are the closest viewpoints and trekking spots. In Sakleshpur town, the Sakleshwara temple is near the bus stand. With a car you can also reach the Hoysala temples at Halebidu, about 53 km away, and Shravanabelagola, around 89 km away. We can plan a two- or three-day Sakleshpur and Hassan trip around these.
Also nearby
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