Nanjangud is situated on the right bank of the river Kapila or Kabini, one of the tributaries of the Cauvery River. Nanjangud , also known as Garalapuri, is famous because of the huge Nanjundeswara or Srikanteswara temple. The name Nanjunda is explained as Shiva who had partaken Halahala or poison and it is this Nanjunda who became Vishakanta or Shrikanta by digesting it. Thus the deity is called Nanjundeswara and Srikanteshwara. He is also described as one who cures diseases of his devotees.
The Muslim ruler Hyder Ali Khan had strong faith in God Nanjunda called him as 'Hakim Nanjunda' as his beloved elephant’s eye aliment was cured by administering the holy water (theertha) from the temple. He has donated an emerald necklace to the God. This place is called the Dakskina Kashi or Varanasi of the South.
