Kondajji Allalanatha Temple - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 17 km from Hassan, Allalanatha Temple is a sacred Hindu temple located at Kondajji village in the Hassan district of Karnataka. It is one of the popular temples in the region, and among the must include places in Hassan Tour Packages.

Also known as Kondajji Varadaraja Swamy, the Allalanatha Temple is dedicated to Lord Channakesava. There is an 18-foot tall idol of the presiding deity made of black stone enshrined in a very ordinary granite temple. This most exquisite deity bearing the beautiful conch (Sankha), the Chakra, the mace, and the Lotus. The uniquely exquisite facial expression of the idol captivates the mind and heart of the spectator. The temple does not carry any architecture apart from the Varadharaj statue alone which is the center of attraction witnessing Hoysala architecture.

According to legend, this extraordinarily beautiful image of Varadaraja was on its way to Belur, for it to be enshrined at the Channakeshava temple complex. But the idol was more than the height that was ordered for Belur and it could not make it all the way into the temple at the right time and was running the risk of being deserted. An old lady (Ajji, which means grandmother in Kannada) decided to buy (which means Konda in Kannada) the statue and establish it in a temple at that place, and hence, it is believed that the village got the name 'Kondajji'.

A different thing that is seen here is the unrestricted access to devotees inside the sanctum. There is a loft that one can climb to perform the Abhisheka from the top. There is a large lake nearby this temple which serves as a nice boating experience. Apart from this, there is nothing more to see in this area.

Timings: 6 AM - 7 PM

Entry: Free