Even though Bangalore is an Information Technology (IT) hub and is very modernised, the city still maintains its culture and traditions. Bangalore or Bengaluru has heaps of things to do, including the old temples. There are plenty of ancient temples in Bangalore that have huge religious and historical significance. In this post, you will find the list of top 10+ famous and historical temples in Bangalore that you need to add to your bucket list.
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10+ Famous and Historical Temples in Bangalore
- As these are all religious sites, ensure to dress appropriately.
- Leave your footwear before entering the temple.
- No temple asks for an entrance fee in Bangalore. You can give money either on the aarti plate or at donation box.
Bull Temple
Also known as Dodda Basavana Gudi or Nandi temple, the Bull temple is one of the oldest temples in Bangalore and one of the biggest temples for Nandi in the world. Dedicated to Hindu demi-God Nandi, who is the vahana (vehicle in Kannada language) for Lord Shiva.
Built in 1537 by Kempegowda I (founder of Bangalore and also the person who built the four watch towers of Bangalore), the temple’s architectural style is Dravidian. The statue of Nandi in Garbagruha (main sanctum) is 4.5 metres high and 6.5 metres long. The famous Kadalekaayi Parishe (Groundnuts fair), held every year during the last Monday and Tuesday of Karthika Maasa, happens at this temple.
Temple Timings: Everyday 6 AM to 8 PM.
Entrance fee: None.
Closest metro station: National College (2 kilometres).
According to legend, the area where the temple is built is said to be very fertile for growing peanuts, rice and groundnuts. But every year during the harvesting period, a mighty bull would rampage the fields and consume all the groundnuts grown. Because of this, one evening all the farmers gathered to put an end to this. When the bull arrived, one farmer hit the bull on the head. And instead of running away, the bull sat down at the place and turned into a statue. But the statue kept growing day by day intimidating the villagers. They prayed to Lord Shiva and Lord Shiva happy with the prayers came to help the villagers. He placed a metal plate on Nandi’s head which stopped the statue from growing any further.
Dodda Ganesha Temple
Located right next to Bull Temple is the Dodda Ganesha Temple (meaning Big Ganesha Temple in Kannada language). The temple is also known as Shakthi Ganapathi and Satya Ganapathi Temple. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, this temple is also one of the main and historical temples in Bangalore. The statue of Lord Ganesha is one of the biggest monolithic idols in the country and is 5.5 metres high and 4.8 metres wide.
Said to be built by Kemepgowda I, the temple is very popular among the local residents. Every year the temple celebrates a week long festival where Lord Ganesha is decorated in various ways. One of the most beautiful decorations is the Benne Alankara where Ganesha is smeared with 100 kilograms of butter. The most interesting thing is that in spite of the warmth inside the sanctum, the butter does not melt.
Temple Timings: Everyday 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM, and 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Entrance fee: None.
Closest metro station: National College (2 kilometres).
According to some stories, Kempegowda I found a stone with Lord Ganesha’s engraving while he was out for a walk. He then ordered the sculptors to carve the idol from that engraving to form Ganesha from a single stone. And then the temple was built around it.
Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple
Located in Gavipuram area of Bangalore, the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is a cave temple dating back to the Vedic Period. The temple was then later renovated by Kempegowda I in the 16th century.
The temple is currently managed and protected jointly by Karnataka Ancient and Historical Monuments, and Archeological Sites and Remains Act 1961. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, there are many mysteries and stories on the temple.
Temple Timings: Everyday 6 AM to 11 AM, and 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Entrance fee: None.
Closest metro station: National College (1.8 kilometres).
According to one of the mysteries surrounding the temple, the sun rays passes through the horns of Nandi and falls on the head of Lord Shiva every year on Makara Shankrati festival.
Kadu Malleshwara Temple
Built by Venkoji, step brother of Maratha King Shivaji, the Kadu Malleshwara Temple dates back to the 17th century. This ancient temple located in Malleshwaram area of Bangalore is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple is built in the Dravidian architectural style. And recently, the famous annual fair Kadekai Parishe (Groundnuts fair) is also celebrated in the premises of the temple. And the celebration starts off with an abhisheka to Malleshwara.
Temple Timings: Everyday 7 AM to 12 PM, and 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Entrance fee: None.
Closest metro station: Mantri Mall (1.5 kilometres).
According to legend, the linga of Malleshwara was found in between the forests. And the temple was built around that temple. And did you know that Malleshwaram area got its name from Malleshwara?
Sree Bande Mahakali Temple
Situated next to Kempambudhi lake, the Sree Bande Mahakali Temple is believed to be one of the most powerful temples in Bangalore. Dating back to more than 1200 years, the temple is dedicated to the Goddess Mahakali. She is the goddess who wards off evil and negative energy.
The temple is considered very auspicious and is highly regarded as the Goddess is supposed to solve every problem of the devotee. Beware on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays as the temple is extremely crowded.
Temple Timings: Everyday 6:30 AM to 9 PM.
Entrance fee: None.
Closest metro station: National College (2 kilometres).
During the Ashada maasa, the devotees offer 9 yard sarees and blouses to the Goddess. This is with a belief that their wishes will come true. One of the prominent highlights of the temple is that the Goddess was carved in a single stone and has a glow in her face.
Sree Dakshinamukha Nandi Teertha Temple
One of Bangalore’s hidden treasures is Sree Dakshinamukha Nandi Teertha Temple in Malleshwaram. Located diagonally opposite to Kadu Malleshwara Temple, this temple has a history of more than 400 years.
Even though a small temple, the Nandi Teertha Temple is a unique temple as the Nandi faces the south direction. And Dakshinamukha Nandi means South facing Nandi in Kannada language.
Temple Timings: Everyday 7:30 AM to 12 PM, and 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Entrance fee: None.
Closest metro station: Mantri Mall (1.5 kilometres).
Found during an excavation work, the main attraction of the temple is the water that flows 24/7 from Nandi’s mouth and falls on to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the water that continuously flows from Nandi’s mouth is channeled through from Sankey Tank.
Sree Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Temple
Situated at a height of 853 metres on Omkar Hill, the Sree Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Temple is considered the highest point in Bangalore. The temple is a replica of 12 Jyotirlingas situated at various parts of the country. One parikrama (round) around the Jyotirlingas will take you on a spiritual journey around the country.
Started in 2002 and completing in 2007, this temple was founded by Brahmaleena Sadguru Sri Shivapuri Mahaswamiji with an intention and concept of providing every devotee a means to see the Jyotirlingas.
Temple Timings: Everyday 7 AM to 12:30 PM, and 4:30 PM to 8 PM.
Entrance fee: None.
Closest metro station: Rajarajeshwari Nagar (4 kilometres).
All these Jyotirlingas are made of stones obtained from River Narmada. And below each of these Jyotirlingas, there are 1000 tiny (1 inch) lingas, saligramas, rare herbs, metals, grains, mercury, yantras and precious stones.
Sree Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari Devi Temple
Formed in 1934, Sree Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari Devi Temple in Malleshwaram is managed and was built by the local Vysya Sangha now called Malleshwaram Arya Vysya Sangha (MAVS). Dedicated to Goddess Vasavi, this temple is one of the famous temples in Bangalore. On accounts and festivals like Ugadi, Sankranthi and Navrathri. the Goddess is decorated with flowers, and others.
The devotees believe that the Goddess showers boons and fulfils their wishes and desires. Considered as the epitome of beauty, Goddess Vasavi Kanyaka Parameshwari is specifically for young girls who want to improve their appearance and personality.
Temple Timings: Everyday 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM, and 6 PM to 9 PM.
Entrance fee: None.
Closest metro station: Mantri Mall (1.5 kilometres).
The temple has a peaceful arena where the devotees can either spend some time admiring the beauty of the Goddess or meditate. There is another temple for the same Goddess in Penugonda, a town in Andhra Pradesh.
Sri Kailasha Vaikunta Mahakshetra Temple
Submitted by Anusuya
Situated in Rajajinagar area of Bangalore, Sri Kailasha Vaikunta Mahakshetra Temple is a new temple where the idol was established around 50 years ago. With many Gods, including Lord Ranganatha’s sleeping idol, this temple is very significant and important among the locals. The idol is around 20 feet long.
The temple premises is huge with many small temples within the complex. Beware on the weekends as the temple is extremely crowded during the time. On festivals, the temple also offer locally prepared vegetarian meals as prasada.
Temple Timings: Sunday to Friday 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM, and 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Sunday 5:30 AM to 1 PM.
Entrance fee: None.
Closest metro station: Mahakavi Kuvempu Road (2 kilometres).
Even though not so ancient, this temple is truly one of the famous temples in Bangalore, especially in northern part of Bangalore. The decorations and the vibes during the festivals are something that can only be felt.
Sri Panchalinga Nageshvara Temple, Begur
Submitted by Harsha Balur from Harsha Balur Blog
Begur is a locality off Bengaluru-Hosur highway in South Bengaluru. It is said to be one of the prominent regions during the rule of Western Ganga dynasty followed by Cholas dating back to the 9th century. The area is also is known for the ancient Sri Panchalinga Nageshvara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Dating back to more than 1200 years old, the temple is located on the banks of a lake.
Within the temple complex there are two shrines, namely, Nageshvara and Nageshvarasvami which were commissioned during the rule of Western Ganga kings and rest of the shrines are attributed to Cholas.
Temple Timings: Everyday 6 AM to 11:30 AM, and 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
Entrance fee: None.
Closest metro station: None. The temple is around 15 kilometres from Majestic (City Bus Stand / Railway station) and there are direct BMTC buses from Majestic and Shivajinagar.
This temple is known for The Bengaluru Inscription from around 908–938 CE and it contains the first known mention of the name Bengaluru. Along with this, there are other notable inscriptions which are around 1100 years old that talk about the Battle of Bengaluru, a Cattle Raid among others, depicting the stories of bygone eras. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has done a splendid job in restoring some of these inscriptions of historical importance.
Sri Shanmukha Swami Temple
One of the unique temples in Bangalore is the Sri Shanmukha Swami Temple in Rajarajeshwari nagar. With 6 faces of Lord Shanmukha as the gopuram, this temple is another cave temple dedicated to Lord Muruga. Shanmukha means Six Faced God.
The temple is under the Sringeri Mutt management. And the temple has many prominent features such as the tall standing Trishul. The temple also has a dome made up of 2500 crystals, which is used to illuminate from natural sun rays.
Temple Timings: Everyday 7 AM to 12:30 PM, and 4:30 PM to 9 PM.
Entrance fee: None.
Closest metro station: Rajarajeshwari Nagar (4 kilometres).
The temple is situated on top of a hill Shrungagiri. There are set of 200 steps that take the devotees to the temple. You can take a cab service for an extra charge of Rupees 20 per person that takes you to the top of the hill.
Sri Someshwara Swami Temple
Sri Someshwara Swami Temple is one among the oldest temples in Bangalore that dates back to the Chola dynasty (3rd century). Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple has a mix of Chola and Vijayanagara architectural style. Situated in Halasuru / Ulsoor area of Bangalore, this temple is one of the places to visit on the Halasuru Heritage Walk.
The temple has plenty of notable features, such as the pillar that stands right outside the temple, Hindu Gods and Goddesses sculptures, two Dvarapalakas (door keepers), and the sculptures of Girija Kalyana (marriage ceremony of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi).
Temple Timings: Everyday 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM, and 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Entrance fee: None.
Closest metro station: Ulsoor / Halasuru (1.4 kilometres).
The temple has many legends associated with it. One such legend is where once while being on a hunt, Kempegowda I rode his horse far away from his capital Yelahanka. He stopped and took rest under a shade in Halasuru area. While he was asleep, Lord Someshwara appeared in his dream and instructed Kempegowda to build a temple with the hidden and buried treasure. Kempegowda found the treasure and built the temple which is now the Someshwara Swami Temple.
Closing Notes
I hope this post has given you the virtual tour of some of the ancient temples in Bangalore. Which one of these have you visited and which ones would you like to add to the list? Let me know by writing to me on bengaluruprayana@gmail.com.
If you enjoyed and liked this article, do comment, tweet or share this post.
Do you have a question or a suggestion? Or want to know more information? Write to me at bengaluruprayana@gmail.com.
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