Explore Bangalore’s rich heritage with our guide to 8 iconic temples. Discover their architectural beauty, historical significance, and spiritual charm
Bengaluru, another name for Bangalore, is a vibrant city that skillfully combines technology and heritage. Some of the most well-known temples in the city, which are a reflection of its rich cultural legacy, may be found among its busy IT hubs and metropolitan settings. These temples draw tourists from all over the world not just as places of worship but also as architectural wonders.
Table of Contents
1.Chokkanathaswamy Temple
When you enter the Chokkanathaswamy Temple in Domlur, you'll be taken back in time to the tenth century. The inner sanctum and a few ardhamantapas (hallways) remain intact after decades of remodeling. You can look at the sculptures and the Tamil writings on the walls for a while.
Address: 5th Cross Road, Opposite Sony World, Village Domlur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560071
Timings: 6AM-11AM, 5:45PM-8:30PM,6:00AM – 11:30AM, 5:45PM – 8:30PM (Wednesday)|6:00AM-12:30PM, 5:45PM-9:00PM (Saturday)
2.Dodda Basavana Gudi (Bull Temple)
Dodda Basavana Gudi, located in Bugle Rock Park in Basavanagudi, is a regular feature on vacation brochures. Kempegowda, the founder of the city, constructed it in 1573. The enormous granite sculpture of Nandi, the bull demi-god, is the main draw here. A short walk away is the Dodda Ganeshana Gudi, which is equally popular. Here, worshippers swarm to obtain the blessings of a stone statue of Ganesha. This is the location of the renowned groundnut mela, or kadalekai parishe, which takes place at the end of the year. After seeing the temple, don't forget to take a look around Bugle Park. It is thought that these rock formations date back more than three million years! Lastly, a visit to Bugle Rock wouldn't be complete without dining at Kamat Bugle Rock.
Address:Bull Temple Rd, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560004
Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
3.ISKCON Temple
ISKCON's gopuram, one of the most modern temple buildings, has complex, traditional woodwork and blue glass. This temple complex, one of the biggest in the world, is devoted to Lord Krishna and Radha. You can admire a gold-plated flag post while strolling beside a lake within. They also provide some of the best-tasting prasadam (holy offerings) in the city.
Address: Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Rd, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560010
Timings: Morning: 4:30AM-5:20AM, 7:15AM-1:15PM
Evening: 4:15PM-8:00PM
Weekends:7:15PM-8:00PM
4.Gavi Gangadhareshwara Cave Temple
Architecture lovers especially like the well-known Gavi Gangadhareshwara, a 16th-century building. Lord Shiva rules this place from his natural cave. There are numerous monolithic sculptures scattered across the ancient temple's courtyard. Immense statues of the sun and moon on lofty pillars are another attraction to take in. Sunlight is guaranteed to reach the lingam on Makara Sankranthi through the Nandi's horns because to the temple's construction design.
Address:Gavipura, Kempegowda Nagar, Gavipuram Extention, Kempegowda Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560019, India
Timings: 6AM-11:00AM, 5:30PM-8:30PM
5. Sri Someshwara Swami Temple
The Sri Someshwara Temple in Halasuru is another ancient temple that stretches back to the Chola era.It underwent significant renovations when the Vijayanagar Empire was in power. A vibrant gopuram welcomes you at the door. You'll also find beautifully carved pillars within. Additionally, there are other sculptures to be concerned of, such as the one showing the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati. And the one in which Mahishasura is defeated by Goddess Durga.
Address: Anugraha Layout, Ramanashree Enclave, Bilekahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560076, India
Timings: 6:00AM-12:30PM, 5:30PM-9:00PM
6.Jagannath Temple
The Jagannath Temple, situated on Sarjapur Road in Agara, Bangalore, is another addition to the list of the city's best temples. The Hindu deity Jagannath, together with his siblings Subhadra and Balabhadra, are the objects of devotion. Over fifteen thousand worshippers witness the magnificence of this temple annually.
Address: Agara Village, 1st Sector, HSR Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560102
Timings: Monday to Friday: 6:00AM-1:00PM, 4:00PM-9:00 PM Saturday and Sunday: 6:00AM-1:00PM, 3:30PM-9:00PM
7.Kadu Malleshwara Temple
The construction of Kadu Malleshwara is given to Venkoji, Shivaji's brother. The name Kadu Malleshwara, which means to "forest," comes from the story that during the time it was constructed in the middle of a dense forest. The temple, currently called Kadu Mallikarjunaswamy, is located in the middle of Malleswaram's busy streets. It is well-liked by Shiva enthusiasts and features architecture in the Dravidian style. Move to the Dakshinamukha Nandi Teertha Kalyani Kshetra when you have finished here. It is thought to be approximately four hundred years old and is dedicated to Nandi.
Address: Kadu Malleshwara Temple, Malleshwaram, Bangalore.
Timings: 7:00AM-12:00PM, 5:30PM-8:30PM
8. Dodda Ganesha Temple
The Ganesh temple, sometimes called the Shakti Ganapati temple or occasionally the Satya Ganapathy temple, is another temple worth seeing in Bangalore, namely in the Basavanagudi neighborhood. One of the most well-known temples in Bangalore is the huge, over eighteen-foot-tall idol of the god Ganesha, which was made of a single, solid piece of rock. Locals frequently decorate the monument to symbolize many Lord Ganesha incarnations during the Ganesh festival. When the idol is covered in butter weighing at least 100 kg, during the exquisite construction of Benne Alankar, the temple becomes one of the most charming places in Bangalore.
Address: 235, Bull Temple Road, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560004
Timings: 6:30 AM to 1:00 PM , 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Conclusion
Bangalore preserves its rich history through its many historic temples, even though it is a modern IT city. These temples provide a glimpse into the history of the city, from the vast Nandi statue at the Dodda Basavana Gudi to the beautiful carvings of the Chokkanathaswamy temple.
FAQs
Q.What is the oldest temple in Bangalore?
A.The Chokkanathaswamy temple, dating back to the 10th century CE, is considered one of the oldest temples in Bangalore.
Q.Who built the ISKCON Temple in Bangalore?
A.Part of the global ISKCON initiative, which was initiated to commemorate the birthday of its founder, Sri Prabhupada, was the enormous shrine located in Bangalore. The renowned ISKCON Temple in Bangalore welcomed visitors in May 1997 following its official opening by Mr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, the country's previous president. Thousands of people visit the temple each month.
Q.When is the best time to visit temples in Bangalore?
A.Most of Bangalore's temples are accessible from early in the morning till late at night, with different hours for prayers and rituals. It's important to confirm each temple's specific hours before going.
