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The beautiful city of Hosur in Tamil Nadu is an amalgam of industry and spirituality. The ‘Little England’ of the South is surrounded by greenery and has pleasant weather all year through. Hosur means ‘new settlement’ in Kannada, a fitting name for a city balancing the best of all worlds. Hosur is a hub of the automobile industry and a leader in horticulture, all the while, maintaining a deep spiritual connection and historical legacy. The temples in Hosur are some of the most popular religious attractions in the region.
Flourishing cities and religious centers have co-existed in harmony since the dawn of time. So, perhaps it comes as no surprise that many industrial cities also double as pilgrimage destinations in India, a country where economic prosperity has always been intertwined with divine benevolence. Such is also the case for the lovely city of Hosur in Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu.
Some of the most famous temples in Hosur are the Chandra Choodeswarar Temple and the Venkateshwara Swami Temple.
The Chandra Choodeswarar Temple, perched atop a hill, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is an ancient structure and believed to precede the town of Hosur itself. Many pilgrims walk to the top of the hill as a sign of devotion. It is also possible to take a car to the hilltop where there is a parking space near the temple. Once at the top, pilgrims and curious travelers are in for a surprising view of two more hills. Each hill has its own set of temples dedicated to two Gods respectively, Vishnu and Brahma. This holy triad of hills and temples can only be viewed from the top and cannot be seen at all from the road below. It’s seemingly a heavenly reward reserved exclusively for those who make it to the hilltop.
The Chandra Choodeswarar Temple is located at a distance of 40km from Bangalore and 52 km from Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu. It contains fascinating stone inscriptions dating back to the 11th century AD, particularly during the glorious reign of the Chola dynasty. Replete with auspiciousness and history, this is one of the most revered temples in Hosur.
Another popular temple in Hosur is the Venkateshwara Swami Temple, also known as Dakshina Tirupathi. The temple is located off the main road and nestled within verdant green surroundings. A walk to the top of the hill gives visitors panoramic views of stunning countryside and luscious green paddy fields.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and exudes a great deal of serenity. It has been recently renovated but the inner sanctum has been left as is. Unparalleled views and scenery nearby make for the perfect conduits to reach the divine. It’s easy to sit back here and lose track of time for a few hours. Visitors are usually few and far in between. The crowds generally throng at the more popular Chandra Choodeswarar Temple. Adding to the temple’s beauty is a beautiful river called Ponnaiyar (Thenpennai) that flows behind the temple premises.
Pilgrims can also visit the Brahma temple nearby. The temple is perched on top of the Brahma Hills and the only way to get there is on foot. The locals are always to happy to guide those interested in making the trek.
The Pratyangira Temple also known as Maa Pratyangira Kalika Alayam is one of the most unique temples in Hosur. The temple is dedicated to Pratyangira, Sarabeswara, Narasimha, and Mariamman. The Pratyangira Temple contains a massive Pratyangira statue on the Rajagipuram of the temple. This is a style of architecture uncommon to traditional Dravidian temples and styles of the Gopurams.
Hundreds of pilgrims visit the temple’s location in Moranapalli, Tamil Nadu. Devotees seek blessings from Pratyangira by offering garlands and lighting Vilakku or ghee lamps under Pratyangira’s feet.
Some parts of the temple are still under construction. There are long queues to enter the temple on both weekends and weekdays.
Try and plan your visit in time to coincide with the numerous festivals celebrated across temples in Hosur.
The Denkanikottai Annual Car Festival is one of the most famous festivals celebrated at the temples. The temple car is driven around the streets of the temple during this festival. This car was reportedly damaged in a fire in 1906 and subsequently restored in 1909. Numerous devotees from Hosur, Mangalore, and other parts of Karnataka visit the temple for the car festival each year.
The Car festival at the famous hill temple in Hosur is held in March every year and coincides with the North Indian festival of Holi each year. The Chandira Choodeswarar Temple Car Festival is a thirteen-day extravaganza filled with celebrations, flag hoisting, and car processions. Thousands of people from Hosur and nearby towns participate in this much-loved festival each year! The festival usually sees a turnout of about 3 lakh people.
The religious festival of Panguni Uthiram is special to Murugan and Shiva devotees in Hosur and throughout the state of Tamil Nadu. Panguni is the last month of the year as per the Tamil calendar. It is a month when the full moon day and the Uthira Nakshatra come together. The highlight of this festival is its joyous celebrations that happen in all the Muruga temples.
The fifteen-day Panguni Uthiram festival is celebrated with great zeal by Murugan devotees. Images of presiding deities in the temples are taken around the streets near the temple in a temple chariot.
After paying respects to all the Gods in Hosur, make sure to attend a festival dedicated to the King of Fruits in Krishnagiri. This divine fruit is celebrated in all its glory as sellers and buyers come together to exchange the different varieties of mangoes. More than 6 lakh visitors attend the event each year. The festival is held in June and goes on for 23 days! That’s 23 entire days with a fruit that is the shortcuts to reach heaven.
The Hogenakkal Waterfalls, located 80 km from Hosur, is a great location for breathtaking scenery and a short adventure. The powerful waters of the waterfall are mesmerizing to watch. It’s an ideal spot for a fun picnic with family and friends.
Visit the Rajaji House, which was built in memory of the great leader, Rajaji. His house in Thorapalli has been converted into a memorial by the Tamil Nadu Government. Rajai House is located 10 Km from Hosur and contains some of his belongings along with a gallery that beautifully depicts his life in photos.
The Krishnagiri Museum is located near Apsara Theatre on Gandhi Road. Visit the museum for an introduction to the history of Krishnagiri district from the Paleolithic age through the Neolithic and Megalithic ages, all the way to its contemporary history. The museum was opened as the 12th District Museum in the year 1993. It showcases objects of art and archaeology, as well as exhibits from the schools of Botany, Zoology, Anthropology, and Geology.
Located 25 km from Hosur and 77 km from Krishnagiri is the beautiful Thally village. The village is enclosed by several hill stations. At an elevation of 1000 ft, the weather here reminded the British officers of the lovely climate of England. It has come to be known as ‘Little England’ ever since.
The Aiyur Reserve Forest is maintained by the Forest Department and located 20 km from Krishnagiri. The beautiful Eco-Tourism Park is located above the Western Ghats. Its primary attractions are a modern watchtower, treetop watch towers, bamboo cottages, heritage cottages, modern cottages, and dormitories. Children will enjoy the playgrounds, gardens, and artificial waterfalls inside the park.
Make a trip to the beautiful hill station of Wayanad in Kerala if time isn’t a factor in your travels. Wayanad is located 290 km from Hosur.
Some of the popular restaurants in Hosur are Hotel Arusuvai, Adyar Ananda Bhavan, Vasavi Cafe, Chews & Cheers, Mangalaam Restaurant (Pure Veg and Non-Veg), La Creme Bakery Cafe, Janani Garden, Shri Ragavendra Sagar, Adyar Ananda Bhavan Sweets & Snacks, Janani Multi cuisine Family Restaurant , Madurai MundasuKatti Biryani, and Janani Garden.
It’s important to carry a packed lunch and snacks while visiting the temples in Hosur. There aren’t too many options for a good meal en route.
By Flight: Hindustan Airport in Bangalore and Mysore Airport are the nearest airports to Hosur
By Train: Hosur is well-connected by train to major cities of the country via the Hosur Railway Station (HSRA)
By Bus: Hosur is well-connected by bus to major cities of the country
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April 15, 2024 
