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Another popular excursion from Mysore is Nanjangud 25 kilometers away. The town of Nanjangud is located on the banks of the river Kapila, a tributary of River Cauvery. According to legend, sage Gauthama stayed at Nanjangud town and installed a Linga here. Considered a one of the sacred Hindu pilgrimage centre, Nanjangud is also known as the ‘Dakshina Kashi' or the Varanasi of the South. A large number of devotees throng this temple town every year to visit the famous Nanjundeswara also known as the Srikanteswara temple. The town derives its name from this famous temple dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva who is locally known as Nanjundeshwara. According to Hindu mythology, while searching for nectar the Gods and demons churned the ocean. During which poison was emitted out of the ocean and to prevent the poison from spreading across the universe, Lord Shiva drank this poison. Nanjanagud literally means the place where Nanjundeshwara (God who drank poison) resides. The temple boasts of excellent Dravidian style of architecture. While visiting this holy town, one can also visit the confluence of the rivers - Kapila and Gundlu. According to legend, the great teacher Parashurama repented for his sin of beheading his mother at this holy confluence. Therefore the place of repentance came to be known as the ‘Parahurama Kshetra'. Today, the confluence is also marked by temple built dedicated to Parshurama. Nanjangud also houses temples that are dedicated to Anjaneya and Basaveshwara. While visiting Nanjangud one can also shop for ayurvedic medicines produced at the Sadvaidyashala established by Late Sri BV Pandit, a renowned teacher of Ayurveda. One can reach Nanjangud, Karnataka via road. If traveling from the state capital Bangalore (163 kilometers away), one can take the State Highway 17 to reach the Nanjungud. The nearest rail head is Mysore which is well connected with the other cities in the country.
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