Uncover the secrets of the religious attractions in Bangalore, where ancient deities reside amidst ornate carvings and intricate sculptures. Immerse yourself in the spiritual energy that permeates these sacred spaces, and let the divine blessings transport you to a realm of peace and tranquility. Here are some of Bangalore's ancient temples given below:
1. Domlur Chokkanatha Temple
2. Dharmaraya Swamy Temple
3. Sri Banashankari Temple
4. Halasuru Someshwara Temple
5. Gavi Gangadeshwara Temple
1.Domlur Chokkanatha Temple (1200 years old)
The Domlur Chokkanatha Temple is one of the oldest temples in Bangalore, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Chokka. The sculptures on the entry pillars made it evident that this was an old temple. Some idols of Ganapathi, Hanuman, and Navagraha are all around the main temple. The original stone carvings on the temple were almost gone.
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Legend: According to the legend, the temple was built by Cholas and is dedicated to Lord Chokkanatha, a form of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the idol of Lord Chokkanatha was self-manifested.
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Location: Domlur, Bangalore
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Entrance Timing:
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Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
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Evening: 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
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Aarti Timing:
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Morning Aarti: Usually around 7:30 AM
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Evening Aarti: Usually around 6:30 PM
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Best Time: The temple can be visited annually, but it is trendy during festivals like Ugadi and Janmashtami.
2. Dharmaraya Swamy Temple (800 years old)
Over 800 years have passed since the construction of the Dharmaraya Swamy Temple. One of the rare temples honoring the Pandavas and Draupadi, it was constructed by the Tigalas in the Dravidian style. The temple also serves as the beginning point for the yearly Karaga celebration, during which the priest, costumed as a woman, dances while carrying the karaga, a three-foot-tall jar that represents Draupadi.
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Legend: Dharmaraya Swamy Temple is dedicated to the Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
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Location: Nagarthpet, Bangalore
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Entrance Timing:
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Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
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Afternoon: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
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Aarti Timing:
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Morning Aarti: Usually around 7:30 AM
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Noon Aarti: Usually around 12:00 PM
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Evening Aarti: Usually around 6:30 PM
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Best Time: The temple sees a significant influx of devotees during festivals like Maha Shivaratri and the Karaga festival.
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3. Sri Banashankari Temple (100 years old)
The Banashankari Temple is an edifice of enduring devotion and magnificent architecture. Visitors are mesmerized by the temple's distinctive Dravidian-style architecture and beautiful sculptures. The temple honors its illustrious past and is a beloved representation of Bangalore's rich religious and cultural history.
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Legend: Sri Banashankari Temple is dedicated to the goddess Banashankari, an incarnation of the goddess Parvati. The temple has a history dating back several centuries.
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Location: Banashankari, Bangalore
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Entrance Timing:
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Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM
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Evening: 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
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Aarti Timing:
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Morning Aarti: Usually around 7:30 AM
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Evening Aarti: Usually around 6:30 PM
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Best Time: The temple can be visited throughout the year. However, visiting during that time would be ideal if you wish to witness the grandeur of the Navratri festival celebrations.
4. Halasuru Someshwara Temple (1000 years old)
Built-in the Dravidian architectural style, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Lord Someshwara in this context. It is one of the oldest temples in Bangalore, with a rich history that dates back to the Chola dynasty in the 12th century. The temple's interior is adorned with intricate sculptures and carvings on the walls and ceilings. One notable temple feature is the Navaranga Mantapa, a spacious hall with intricately carved pillars.
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Legend: The Halasuru Someshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the original temple was built in the 16th century by Kempegowda, the founder of Bengaluru. The temple underwent several renovations and additions over the years, and it is known for its intricate carvings and architectural beauty.
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Location: Halasuru, Bangalore
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Entrance Timing:
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Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
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Evening: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
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Aarti Timing:
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Morning Aarti: Usually around 7:30 AM
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Noon Aarti: Usually around 12:00 PM
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Evening Aarti: Usually around 6:30 PM
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Best Time: If you want to witness the famous Karaga festival celebrated during March-April, visiting during that time would be a great experience.
5. Gavi Gangadeshwara Temple (1000 years old)
Gavi Gangadeshwara Temple has a beautiful and unique interior. The temple has a cave-like structure with detailed carvings. The most crucial part is a giant stone statue of Lord Shiva. During the Makara Sankranti festival, sunlight enters through a small hole in the temple, creating a mesmerizing display of light and shadow. If you want to know more about the temple, you can take the help of our local experts for better sightseeing.
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Legend: According to the legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are said to have performed a divine dance (Tandava) in this sacred spot, blessing the area with their presence.
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Location: Ramanagara, Bangalore
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Entrance Timing: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
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Aarti Timing: 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
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Best Time: The temple can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from October to February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which temple in Bangalore is the oldest?
One of the oldest temples in the city is the Someshwara Temple in Halasuru.
Which Bangalore temple dates back 7,000 years?
The Nandishwara Teertha Shiva Temple at Malleswaram, Bangalore, is also known as the Nandhi Temple because waterfalls on a Shiva Linga from the mouth of a Nandhi there.
Which Shiva temple in Bangalore is 100 years old?
Another notable and among the oldest Shiva temples in Bangalore is the Someshwara temple.
Which temple in Bangalore is the most popular?
Chokkanathaswamy Temple, one of Bangalore's oldest temples, was constructed in the 10th century CE.
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