Channapatna’s Ramanagar district has a community which has made a very unusual temple for worshipping man’s best friend-dog. People worship the dog statues and offer prayers to the dog god. The temple of the canine is situated next to the temple of a village deity. It is believed by the community that the dog possesses the power of stopping any wrongdoings along with the deity.
The History And Location Of Dog Temple
Located at Channapatna in the Ramanagara district of Karnataka, Dog Temple has become a popular destination amongst locals and offbeat travellers over a period of time.
The temple was built in the year 2010 by a businessman named Ramesh, who is also known for building Kempamma Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kempamma, the main deity of the village. As per local legends, the temple is said to have been established after villagers were instructed by Goddess Kempamma to find two dogs, who had disappeared from the village long back so that her temple could be protected from the evil.
As villagers couldn’t find the dogs, they built a temple and put statues of two dogs inside it. Today, these idols of dogs are worshipped by villagers. As per another legend, Dog Temple was built to celebrate the loyalty dogs possess for humans.
Best Time To Visit Dog Temple
Even though the Dog Temple is a year-round destination and is visited by people from all over the state throughout the year, it is mostly frequented in between the months of September and March. During this period, the temperature conditions in the region are favourable, which in turn, help its visitors roam around and explore things comfortably.
Animals are commonly worshipped in Hinduism and the ancient religion bestows animals such as cows with divinity. Even there are Gods with whom you would find dogs. However, the temple in Channapatna, though different from the Vedic concepts, fascinates a traveller.
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