Sri Chowdeshwari Temple. Mathikere, Bengaluru.

We all know that king Bhagiratha brought holy Ganga from heaven to earth to see that his forefathers the sons of Sagara Chakravarthi get moksha. The same holy Ganga is still flowing in our country purifying the sinners. Hundreds of years ago, it is said, that there was a kingdom called Nandavara on the banks of the river Tunga in Karnataka near Raichur district. According to a legend the king of Nandavara was a Shakti Upasaka. With the help of Mantra Shakti, the king used to wake up at 4 'O' Clock in the morning, reach Kasi, bathe, in the holy Ganga and return to his Kingdom before dawn and offer worship to Devi at Nandavara. This was his daily practice. Maharani becoming suspicious of his absence and questioned the king. The king revealed everything in detail. She having made up her mind to test the king compelled him to take her also with him. The king reluctantly accepted. The next day, he took her to Kasi along with him. Rani had her monthly course (menses) during their stay at Kasi. This affected the king and he lost his Mantra Shakti. As he was unable to return to his kingdom as usual, the King became restless and worried.

While walking along the banks of Ganga being unable to find a solution, he saw a group of Brahmins performing Chandi Homa and went near them. The Brahmins, having learnt the reasons for his restlessness promised to pass on to the king one fourth of what they had acquired as punya by offering Arghya to Lord Surya every day at the appropriate time which would purify Rani and enable them to return to their kingdom. They asked the king what he would give them in return for their help. The king promised to give Jahagirs to them for purposes of their performing Dharmic deeds whenever they approached him. Thus the king got the power from the Brahmins and returned to his kingdom. He did never again make use of Manthra Shakti.

Years rolled on. There came a terrible famine in Kasi. The Brahmins having remembered the king's promise went to Nandavara and met him. They reminded him of his promise. The king had totally forgotten his promise. He abused the Brahmins and incurred their displeasure. From that day onwards all the efforts of the king started yielding negative results. The Brahmins worshipped Sri Chowdeshwari and requested her to come down to Nandavara as the lonely witness for the king's promise. Devi did as they desired. The king realised his mistake. He apologized to Devi and Brahmins.

The dynasty of Brahmins thus settled at Nandavara came to be known as Nandavariks and Chowdeshwari became their Kuladevatha, she is also the family deity of Togataveeras. There still exists a beautiful temple of Chowdeshwari at Nandavara on the banks of Tungabadra and she is being worshipped on all the days of the year.

About 300 years ago, there lived a paleyagar called Dashavantharaya near Tiptur. He desired to extend his kingdom. Having come to know of the powers of Sri Chowdeshwari, he went to Nandavara and prayed and worshipped her sincerely with all devotion. Devi appeared before him and asked what he wanted. The paleyagar revealed his desire. He requested her to follow him as a protector during all his expeditions. Devi agreed on the condition that she would stay permanently at a place of her choice. Paleyagar continued his expeditions and conquered kingdom after kingdom. While marching in this way, Devi came across a plain land surrounded by beautiful dales and mountains with lush green patches of forestland. Devi decided to stay there and informed the Paleyagar accordingly. This place came to be known as the town of Dashavantharaya. The same Dashavantharaya town is now called Dasarighatta. Devi is installed here on an anthill. The unusually long vertical wild date tree (eechalu) in front of the temple is a special feature here. A Samivruksha too has added significant beauty to the temple.