Sri Kenchamba Temple

Sri Kenchamba Temple is located in Harihalli village in Alur Taluk of Hassan District -Karnataka.Puradamma, Malaliyamma, and this Kenchamba devi are thought to be some of the most powerful Shakti Peetas (Spiritual sites) in Hassan District.This 1300 years old ancient temple set in a forest is the site where Goddess Brahmi defeated the demon Rakta Bheejasura.

According to popular legend, the region of Hassan was a dense forest and the small hillocks surrounding the present site of the Kenchamba temple were occupied by saints and sages who performed penance and meditation peacefully.Rakta Bheejasura a demon came to disturb the prayers and tortured the sages.Rakta Bheejasura had acquired a boon that every drop of blood shed from his body will turn into a demon on touching the ground.The Saptamathas (7 divine mothers) who were passing by noticed this and Goddess Brahmi one of the Saptamathas came to rescue the sages.After challenging duel, the Goddess Brahmi killed the demon Rakta Bheejasura and remained at this place which was a snake pit. Later it developed into a revered temple for nearly 50 villages nearby.

Of the other seven divine mothers three are said to have settled inside the anthill at Hasanamba Temple in Hassan and the other three went to Devikere Honda a small pond in the midst of Hassan.Thus the devotees consider Kenchamba temple to be closely associated with Hasanamba Temple.

The Dodda jathra (big festival) takes place in May and the Chikka jathra (small festival) takes place in November.The alankaara of Saptamathas are quite popular during these festivals.The temple is open only on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday