Famous 5 Shiva Temples in Bangalore
Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka, is not only known for its IT industry, cosmopolitan culture, and pleasant weather but also for its rich religious and cultural heritage. The city is home to many ancient and modern temples dedicated to various Hindu deities, especially Lord Shiva, the supreme god of Shaivism.
In this blog post, we will explore five of the most famous and beautiful Shiva temples in Bangalore, each with its history, architecture, and significance.
Consider reading: Top 10 Famous Temples in Bangalore: Must Visit, Best, Historical and Old Temples
Halasuru Someshwara Temple
Halasuru Someshwara Temple, located in the neighborhood of Halasuru (also called Ulsoor) in Bangalore, is one of the oldest temples in the city dating back to the Chola period. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as Someshwara, or the lord of the moon.
The Halasuru Someshwara Temple was built by the Chola kings in the 10th or 11th century CE, and later renovated and expanded by the Vijayanagara rulers, especially Kempe Gowda I, the founder of Bangalore, in the 16th century CE.
The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture, with a gopuram (tower) at the entrance, a pillared hall (mantapa), and a sanctum (garbhagriha) housing the lingam (symbol of Shiva). The temple also has many sculptures and inscriptions depicting the legends and history of the temple.
The temple is famous for its exquisite carvings of various gods and goddesses, animals, and floral motifs on the pillars, walls, and ceilings. The temple also has a large water tank (kalyani) in front of it, which is believed to have healing powers.
The Halasuru Someshwara Temple is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM on all days. The temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year, such as Shivaratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, etc. The temple is also a popular destination for weddings and other ceremonies.
Halasuru Someshwara Temple is one the famous Shiva Temples in Bangalore visited by devotees during Maha Shivratri.
Consider reading: Bull Temple Bangalore Basavanagudi Timings, Entry Fees, History, How to Reach
Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple
Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, also known as Gavipuram Cave Temple, is a unique and ancient temple located in a natural cave in Gavipuram, Bangalore. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as Gangadhareshwara or the lord of the Ganges.
The temple is believed to have been built by the sage Gautama and his disciple Bharadwaja in the Vedic period, and later renovated by Kempe Gowda I in the 16th century CE.
The temple is an example of Indian rock-cut architecture, where the cave has been carved out of a single monolithic stone. The temple has a narrow entrance, leading to a spacious courtyard, where there are several monolithic sculptures of Shiva and his attributes, such as the trident, the drum, the sun, and the moon.
The sanctum of the temple is inside the cave, where there is a lingam and an idol of Agni (the god of fire), who has two heads, seven hands, and three legs. The temple also has a shrine for Nandi (the bull of Shiva) outside the cave.
The temple is famous for its astronomical significance, as it witnesses a rare phenomenon every year on Makar Sankranti (around January 14th), when the sun rays pass through an arch between the horns of Nandi and fall directly on the lingam, illuminating the sanctum for about an hour. This phenomenon is said to demonstrate the scientific and architectural brilliance of the ancient builders of the temple.
The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is open to visitors from 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM on all days. The temple does not charge any entry fee, but photography is prohibited inside the temple. The temple celebrates various festivals, such as Shivaratri, Makar Sankranti, etc.
Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is one of the famous Shiva Temples in Bangalore visited by devotees.
Consider reading: Dodda Ganapathi Temple Timings, Entry Fee, Location, History, How to Reach
Kempfort Shiva Temple
Kempfort Shiva Temple, also known as Shivoham Shiva Temple, is a modern and majestic temple located on the Old Airport Road in Bangalore. The temple was built in 1994 by RVM Foundation, a charitable organization, and inaugurated in 1995 by Sri Shankaracharya of Sringeri on the auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is depicted here as a 65-feet-tall white marble statue, sitting in a lotus position on a platform surrounded by an artificial pool of water. The statue is said to be one of the largest Shiva statues in the world.
The temple is a popular spiritual destination that attracts thousands of devotees and tourists throughout the year. The temple offers various facilities and services for the visitors, such as free darshan, special poojas, meditation, yoga, pranic healing, etc.
The temple also has a museum, a library, a gift shop, and a cafeteria. The temple also organizes various social and cultural events, such as blood donation camps, free medical camps, music concerts, etc
The Kempfort Shiva Temple is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM on all days. The temple charges a nominal fee of Rs. 150 per person for special darshan and aarti. The temple celebrates various festivals, such as Shivaratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, etc.
The temple is especially famous for its grand celebration of Shivaratri, when the statue of Shiva is decorated with flowers, lights, and colors, and a huge crowd of devotees throng the temple to offer prayers and witness the divine spectacle.
Kempfort Shiva Temple is one of the famous Shiva Temples in Bangalore visited by lakhs of people throughout the year.
Consider reading: Shivoham Shiva Temple Timings, Ticket Price, Photos and Reviews
Kadu Malleshwara Temple
Kadu Malleshwara Temple, located in the Malleshwaram locality of Bangalore, is a 17th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as Malleshwara or Mallikarjuna. The word ‘kadu’ means forest, referring to the thick greenery that surrounded the temple in the past.
The temple is said to have given its name to the Malleshwaram area, which is one of the oldest and most prominent residential areas in Bangalore. The temple was built by Venkoji, the brother of Maratha king Shivaji, in the Dravidian style of architecture.
The temple is a simple and elegant structure, with a gopuram at the entrance, a pillared hall, and a sanctum. The temple also has a shrine for Parvati, the consort of Shiva, and a Nandi statue outside the sanctum. The temple also has a water tank, which is believed to have curative powers. The temple is known for its peaceful and serene atmosphere and is a popular spot for meditation and relaxation.
The Kadu Malleshwara Temple is open to visitors from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM on all days. There is no entry fee. The temple celebrates various festivals, such as Shivaratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Karthik Somavara, etc.
The temple is also famous for hosting the annual Kadalekai Parishe (groundnut fair), which is a traditional fair where farmers from nearby villages sell their produce of groundnuts. The fair is inaugurated with an abhisheka to Malleshwara and attracts thousands of people from all walks of life.
Kadu Malleshwara Temple is one of the famous Shiva Temples in Bangalore visited by devotees throughout the year.
Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Temple
Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Temple, situated in Omkar Hills in Srinivasapura, is a remarkable and splendid temple that showcases the replicas of the 12 jyotirlingas, which are the most sacred and powerful forms of Lord Shiva, scattered across India.
The temple was initiated by Brahmaleena Sadguru Sri Shivapuri Mahaswamiji, to provide a chance for the devotees to have the darshan of all the jyotirlingas, which otherwise requires a lot of time, money, and health. The temple was completed in 2012 by his successor, Sri Madhusudhanananda Puri Swamiji, the head of Omkar Ashrama Mahasamsthana.
The Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Temple is a masterpiece of architecture and engineering, with each jyotirlinga having its garbhagriha (sanctum) and vimanagopuram (tower). The temple also has a huge shikhara (spire) that rises to a height of 108 feet, and is visible from a long distance.
The temple also has a giant clock, which is one of the biggest clocks in the world, with a diameter of 42 feet. The temple also has a religious harmony memorial, which depicts the symbols of various religions, and promotes the message of universal brotherhood.
The Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Temple is famous for its spiritual significance, as it offers a glimpse into the rich and varied traditions of Shaivism, one of the major sects of Hinduism. The jyotirlingas are very sacred and auspicious and are different from the ordinary Shiva lingams. The scriptures say that Lord Shiva first manifested himself as a jyotirlinga on the night of the Arudra Nakshatra and thus the special reverence for the Jyotirlinga.
The names and the locations of the 12 jyotirlingas are mentioned in the Shiva Purana. This Dwadasha Jyotirlinga temple is in the Omkar ashram which is an abode of temples and religious activities.
Kadu Malleshwara Temple is one of the famous Shiva Temples in Bangalore.
Final Thoughts on Shiva Temples in Bangalore
Shiva temples in Bangalore are a testimony to the devotion and diversity of the people of the city. They are not only places of worship, but also of art, culture, and history. They offer a glimpse into the rich and varied traditions of Shaivism, one of the major sects of Hinduism.
They also provide a serene and spiritual atmosphere for the visitors, who can experience the grace and blessings of Lord Shiva. If you are in Bangalore, do visit these temples and feel the divine presence of Shiva. Om Namah Shivaya!
FAQs on Shiva Temples in Bangalore
Which are the 7 Shiva temples in Karnataka?
The seven key Shiva temples in Karnataka include the Murdeshwar Temple, Bhatkal; Manjunatha Temple, Dharmasthala; Virupaksha Temple, Hampi; Kotilingeshwara Temple, Kolar; Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu; Gokarna Mahabaleshwara Temple, Gokarna; and the Kukke Subramanya Temple, Subramanya. These sites are pivotal in Shiva worship, attracting thousands of devotees annually.
Which Shiva temple is found in Bangalore?
In Bangalore, the notable Shiva temples include the ancient Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, the architecturally distinct Kempfort Shiva Temple with its massive statue of Lord Shiva, and the historic Kadu Malleshwara Temple. Each temple is a significant pilgrimage and tourist spot, showcasing Bangalore’s rich spiritual heritage.
What is the famous temple in Bangalore?
The famous temple in Bangalore is the ISKCON Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. As a spiritual hub, it attracts devotees for its serene ambiance and traditional Rajasthani-style architecture, playing a vital role in the city’s cultural and religious landscape.
Which is the largest shivling in Bangalore?
The largest Shivling in Bangalore is located at Kotilingeshwara Temple, where the world’s tallest Shivling stands at a height of 33 meters. This impressive monument draws visitors from around the globe, serving as the centerpiece amidst over 90 lakh smaller Shivlings. The temple’s vast complex showcases the spiritual significance and grandeur of this holy site.
