Temple Time!

Hindu Temples have always been significant in Bengaluru. There are around 34,000 temples in and around Karnataka, of which around 1000 temples are located here. The symbolism of Hindu temples are deeply rooted in Vedic traditions and is embedded in the Hindu culture. There are 3 styles of temple architecture- Nagara, Vesara, Dravida.

According to nagara style, the temples are square with a number of graduated projections in the middle of each side. A raised platform called Jagati is present for sitting and praying. According to Vesara style, these temples are the combination of both Nagara and Dravidian styles. The features of this style is that they have a spire shaped structure called the shikaras(towers) and have a temple tanks(Kalyani). According to Dravida style, the temples have more than 4 sides of sanctum and Vimana (tower) are pyramidals. Gopuram is an important aspect.

In Karnataka, dravidian style of architecture is followed. However in bengaluru, there are temples of all the 3 styles. Some of the unique kind of temples are- Omkareshwara temple, Dakshinamukha Nandi Tirtha and Sri Shanmukha Swamy temple.

Omkareshwara Temple

This temple is one of the gigantic and magnificent temples which has nagara style of architecture. Half of Bengaluru can be seen from Omkar hills. The temple was built in the year 2002 by Brahmaleena Sadguru Sri Shivapuri Mahaswami. This temple consists the replica of Dwadasha Jyotirlinga which makes it stand out from other temples. It is the only temple which has unique gods like Matsya Narayana and Vana Durgi which is situated under a big banyan tree. Legend says, Matsya Narayana is worshipped for fulfilling desires and Vana Durgi is worshipped for peace and health. There is also ‘sarvadharma sammelana’ which consists idols of all religions and cults. Omkar Ashram is also a pinfold for cows and cattles apart from just a place for saints. Many kinds of Homas and Poojas take place on auspicious days.

Location:

Srinivasapura

Timings:

7:00am to 8:00pm

Other nagara style temples in Bengaluru are: Shri Dodda Ganapathi temple, Yellamma Devi temple and Kondadrama temple and more.

Dakshinamukha Nandi Tirtha Temple

The temple is said to be one of the oldest temples in Bengaluru. Unlike other shiva temples, this temple has ‘nandi’ situated above the shivalinga as it is Lord Shiva’s vehicle. A continuous stream of water flows out of Nandi’s mouth which later falls on shivalinga and then is collected in the kalyani, because of which it has become in home for a lot of turtles and gold fishes. The water from the Kalyani is evacuated into a well outside the temple which is considered holy by the devotees. This temple also has a navagraha of shiva and has a small shrine of ganesha. According to Archaeological Survey of India, this temple was built in the 17th century by Maratha king Venkoji and exhibits vesara features of architecture. It was buried in mud until 1990’s and was discovered by chance. Monday is considered to be the busiest day of the week because the shiva devotees fast on this day. Maha Shivarathri is celebrated in a grandeur way.

Location:

2nd temple street, Malleshwaram

Timings:

7:30am to 12:00pm and 5:00pm to 8:30pm.

Other Vesara style temples in Bengaluru are: Iskcon temple, Shivoham Shiva temple, Gavi Gangadeshwara temple and more.

Sri Shanmukha Swamy Temple

It has a gopuram of Lord Shanmukha. The temple is built in Dravidian style of architecture which was designed by Dr. Arunachalam. It was built by Sri Bharati Theertha Maha Swamiji during 2004-2005. The word ‘shanmukha’ means ‘six faces’ so this temple has six faces of Lord Subramanya.It is built in such a way that the scorching sunlight pierces through the six faced gopuram at any given point of the year because of the high sunlight sensor that is fitted on the top. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya who is worshipped as Murugan by tamilians. He is considered as a great warrior according to mythology. There is also a museum of Lord Ganapathi which has idols of various shapes and sizes. A temple dedicated to Goddess Parvathi can also be seen. Meditation centre, Panchamukhi temple are other important aspects in this temple. Pongal is given to the devotees who visit the temple.

Location:

Shrungagiri Hills of Rajarajeshwari Nagar

Timings:

6:30am to 12:30pm and 4:30pm to 9:00pm.

Other Dravida style of temples: Dodda Basava Gudi, Vishveshwaram Subramanya Swamy Temple and more.