Nellitheertha Shree Somanatheshwara Temple

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Wonder Cave

Wonder Cave

The Enigmatic Cave of Nellitheertha

To the right of the temple, one can see the entrance of the historical natural Cave.
By moving forward around 200 metres inside the cave, one can take a holy dip in the sacred lake (Nellithhertha) inside. It is believed that after one takes the holy dip and performs abishek / puja to Shivalinga therein with one’s own hands, they will be cured of some types of skin diseases. They can also visit the seat of the penance of Maharshi Jabali.
Water is always dripping in the shape of amlaka / Nelli (goosebarry) inside the cave. Hence the name Nellitheertha (Amlaka Theertha). Known for its natural and religious importance, this temple has devotees who can enjoy spirituality and the glory of nature simultaneously. Access to the cave is open to all, irrespective of caste & creed.
Though the path inside the cave is a bit steep, the place where Pond and Shivalinga are located is wide and high enough for hundreds of people to stand together and enjoy. The cave does not end here, but no one is allowed to go beyond the lake point. Before entering the cave, all devotees should take a bath in another pond called ‘Nagappa Kere’ outside the temple and enter in wet clothes. Another speciality of this temple is that the cave entry is allowed only for six months in a year, that too only till the mahapuja in the afternoon.
The cave entry begins every year on the Dhanur Sankranti day (17th of October) and ends on the Mesha Sankranti day (April 14). However, in the main temple situated outside the cave, the daily puja, worship and festivals of Sri Somanatha and Sri Mahaganapathi are performed daily as per the Agama Shastra without any restrictions. Govt. of Karnataka has also identified this as an important Tourist centre, but yet to provide the required facilities.