Bangalore, is a place with many temples that were built thousands of years ago. Most of these temples are built in Dravidian, and Chola-type architecture. It is said that the city has more than 1000 temples and other places of worship. Many of the temples here have historical significance while others are more modern. Let us explore the historical past of Bangalore by visiting the temples which are flawless.
Here is a list of some of the most famous temples that are a must visit!
1. Chokkanathaswamy Temple
Chokkanathaswamy temple is one of the oldest temples in Bangalore located in Domlur. The temple was built in the 10th century by the Cholas and it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The main highlights of the temple are large pillars that have Tamil inscriptions and beautifully sculpted statues depicting dance forms and other traditions. The images of god are carved out of Saligrama stone which is found only in Nepal. The temple is very popular because we can feel the mysterious Pranic energy while standing in the white squares inside the temple.
Timings: 6 AM-11 AM, 5 PM-8 PM. Location: Domlur Layout, 71, 5th Cross Road, Bangalore.
2. ISKCON Temple
Hare Krishna Movement is very popular across the world. One of the biggest ISKCON Temples in the world is in Rajajinagar, Bangalore. The temple is devoted to Radha Krishna and is admired for its wonderful architecture. The devotees are welcomed into the temple with water fountains and a huge arch, there are also five prayer halls in the temple and a complex where daily sessions about Bhagavad Gita and Lord Krishna’s life are conducted.
Timings: 4:15 AM to 1 PM. 4 PM, 8:30 PM. Location: Rajajinagar
3. Dodda Basavana Gudi and Dodda Ganesha Temple
Located in South Bangalore, the Dodda Basavanna Gudi is one of the biggest Nandi Temples in the world. The temple was built by the former Vijayanagara king in the 16th century. The main highlight of this temple is a 15 feet tall granite statue of Nandi (Vehicle of Lord Shiva) carved from a single rock. Thousands of devotees visit this beautiful temple every year during Kartika month.
Dodda Ganesha temple is in the complex of Dodda Basavan Gudi. You will find one of the largest monolithic statues of Lord Ganesha which measures 18 feet in height and 16 feet in width. This popular Shakthi Ganapathi temple attracts a huge crowd every Ganesh Chathurthi and Wednesday.
Timings: 6 AM to 12 PM, 5:30 PM to 9 PM. Location: Basavangudi, Bull Temple Road.
4. Shivoham Shiva Temple
Shivoham Shiva Temple is one of the famous temples in Bangalore which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Inside the temple, you will see the 65 feet of Lord Shiva with a backdrop of a man-made pool of water which is a replica of Mount Kailash. The best time to visit this temple is on a Monday, during Maha Shivaratri, and Ganesh Chaturthi.
Timings: 8:30AM to 12PM, 5:30PM to 8PM. Location: Old Airport Road, Murgesh Palya, Bangalore.
5. Someshwara Temple
Located on the banks of the Ulsoor lake, Someshwara Temple is one of the oldest temples in Bangalore built by the Cholas and renovated by the Vijayanagara empire. There are some wonderful carvings on the wall which tell us the story of Lord Shiva’s marriage to Parvati. The wonderful architecture of the temple will mesmerize architecture lovers. The temple is an important part of Karnataka’s heritage because of its historical significance and carvings.
Timings: 6 AM to 12 PM, 4 PM to 9 PM. Location: Ulsoor Road, Someshwarpura, Bangalore.
6. Kote Venkataramana Swamy Temple
Built by the ruler of Mysore Chikka Deva Raja in the 17th century. The temple has wonderful Vijayanagara and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is one of the oldest temples in Bangalore and on the walls of the temple we can see carvings of the holy trinity Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The main attraction of this temple is the beautiful statue of Lord Venkataramana.
Timings: Sunday to Friday 3 AM-8 PM, Saturday 9 AM-9 PM. Location: Vishweshawarapura, Basavanagudi.
7. Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple
Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is a wonderful example of the ancient technique of Indian rock-cut architecture. The temple is a cave temple built in the 9th century dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main highlight of this temple is the inner sanctum is designed in such a way that it allows direct sunlight on the Shiva Linga which is inside the cave. This magnificent event happens only once a year during the time of Makar Sankranti.
Location: Gavipura, Kempegowda Nagar, Bangalore. Location: 6 AM-8 PM.
8. Banashankari Amma Temple
One of the oldest temples in Bangalore is Banashankari or Vanashankari temple built-in 1915. The temple is located in the region of Tilakaaranya forest and it is dedicated to Shakambari Devi (Incarnation of goddess Parvati). The temple is very popular across the state and it is always packed with devotees on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Timings: 6 AM-8 PM. Location: S Kariyappa Road, Sarbandapalya, Banashankari Temple Ward, Bangalore.
9. Shrungagiri Shanmukh Temple
Shrungagiri Shanmukha Temple is an important tourist place where it is believed that Lord Shanmukha has set up his abode. The temple is built traditionally with ancient architectural styles and the exterior of the temple is built with a design that favors Lord Shanmukha’s six faces.
Timings: 6:30AM-12:30PM, 4:30PM-9PM. Location: RR Nagar, BEML, Bangalore.
10. Jagannath Temple
Located on Sarjapur Road, Jagannath temple is one of the most incredible temples in Bangalore. The temple is a replica of the Jagannath temple in Puri. The main deities in this temple are Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and his sister Subhadra. The main attraction of this temple is rath yatra which happens every year at the time of Ratha Saptami. Thousands of devotees across the state visit this temple to take the blessings of the lord.
Timings: 6 AM-9 PM. Location: HSR Layout, Bangalore.
Conclusion: These are some of the famous temples in Bangalore. Each of these temples is unique in its way, in terms of architecture and historical significance. The next time you are planning to visit the garden city, take a day off to visit these wonderful temples.
