Shri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple in Bangalore

Information About Shri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

Shri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is India's very oldest temple located at Hulimavu, Bannerghatta Road in Bangalore, Karnataka.The temple was built in about 9th century.The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva ,here known as Shri Gavi Gangadhareshwara.Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple also Gavipuram Cave Temple, an example of Indian rock-cut architecture.The temple is unique from all other temples of Karnataka due to the presence of two huge discs in the foreground of the shrine.Shri Gavi Gangadhareswara Temple of Bangalore houses a unique image of Agni, the God of Fire, probably the only one of its type in the entire South India. To the left of the main entrance, is a splendid image of Shakti Ganapathi, with 12 hands. There are four monolith pillars in the courtyard, which represent Damaru, Thrishula and two fans. Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is popular because of somewhat mysterious stone discs in forecourt in addition to the accurate planning permitting for Sun to shine on temple in certain time of the year.Devotees gather here during the Makar Sankranti festival in January to witness a unique phenomenon - the evening sun's rays passing between Nandi's horns and falling directly on the Shiva Linga in the shrine inside the cave.In the courtyard outside, past the mysterious stone structures – two large vertical discs on pillars, a large Trident of Shiva and His damaru (a small two-headed drum) – thousands of people flock in front of a large screen, waiting with bated breath to have their devotion to Shiva rewarded by this phenomenal event.  Though photography inside the cave is prohibited, an exception is made on this day to TV news channels that transmit the occurrence live to hundreds of thousands of others straight to their homes. The Shivlinga inside the main shrine of the cave is tall and attractive. Interesting part of it is that, the water of the pedestal of Shivlinga is to the right, always thin stream of water flows in this cave. Ishwara adorns Ganga in the cave to become Gavi Gangadhareshwara to the right of the main shrine are the smaller shrines of Parvathi and Durga, there is a long path surrounding all these shrines, beautiful idols of Sapthamathrikas, Sridevi and Bhoodevi installed in this passage. Another cave path bifurcates, belief is that one goes to Kashi and the other to Shivaganga.

There are lots of beliefs and myths associated with the temple. It is believed that anyone who worships the idol of Agni (the God of fire) situated inside the temple,  will be cured of all eye defects.Devotees also believe that there are two tunnels, that extend from the inner sanctum of the temple. One of them proceeds towards the city of Varanasi in the northern part of India. The other extends up to another temple of Shiva with the same name, the Gangadhareshwara temple, located on the hill of Shivagange, about 10 miles from this temple. Temple timings are from Morning: 7 am to 12.30 pm and Evening: 5 pm to 8.30 pm.The feativals are celebrated in this temple like Makar Sankranti, Maha Shivaratri, Pradosham large celebration.

Illumination of Shivalinga by the Sun
 

It’s most special attribute is the fact that on Jan 14 and/or 15, the day of Makar Sankranti, the rays of the setting sun finds its way into the dark cave for an hour or so and illuminate the Shiva Linga. This architectural and astronomical wonder ensures that on the day of Makar Sankaranti, the rays of the setting sun pass through the horns of Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva and then light the feet of the Shiva Linga before illuminating the body of Lord Shiva for a brief moment. Lakhs of devotees come to see this live event in person. As the temple is too small to accommodate so many people, they show the live event through television sets at the entrance of the temple. Personally, I have never seen this celestial event as I don’t do that well with crowds, but I like the simple cave like aura of this temple where you have to crouch everywhere inside the temple, especially to see the Sannadhi of Goddess Parvathi.

History of  Shri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple Bangalore

The history of the temple dates back to the 9th century. It is believed that the temple was cut out of a rock in the 9th century. It was used by the great sage Gowthama to perform penance. Later in the 16th century,Kempegowda I, the founder of Bangalore, revamped and extended the temple.
According to local legend, Kempegowda was imprisoned by Rama Raya. He suffered imprisonment for five years. When he was released, he constructed this temple to show his gratitude.Artistic depiction of the temple is found in the painting of the British artist James Hunter in 1792.
 

Architecture of  Shri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple stands amongst best architectural monuments in the world. Embroideries, sculpting, each and every thing at Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple orates class of Indian culture, art and heritage. Kempe Gowda had built this temple as honor and gratitude. Granite pillars at Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple are yet another thing to see! There are two discs as the representatives of sun and moon. Also, figure of Nandi (companion of Lord Shiva) has been carved adding to the grace of the place.Outside the temple, tall monolithic structures like the disc-shaped Suryapana, trident, dhamaru (Shiva’s musical instrument) and a parasol were all etched during Kempegowda’s period. The prominence of this temple even in the British era is very clear - These structures are all beautifully painted by a British Artist James Hunter.

Nearest Tourist Attraction of  Shri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple Bangalore 

Sugreeva Venkateshwara Temple
Spend a day at the races at Bangalore Turf Club
Tipu Sultan Fort and Palace

Iskcon, Sri Radha Krishnachandra Temple
St. Mark’s Cathedral
Bull Temple
Dodda Ganesha Temple
Kempfort Shiva Temple
Kote Venkataramana Temple
Sree Siddaganga Mutt
Oralakallu Teertha
Ghati Subramanya Temple
 

Nearest Hotels of  Shri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple Bangalore

Hotel Swagath-3.1 Km
Amshi International Inn-3.7 Km
Casa Piccola Cottage-4.8 Km

Nearest Restaurants of  Shri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple Bangalore

Udupi Sri Krishna Bhavan-0.3 Km
Sana-di-ge- 1.3 kmS
Karnataka Bhel House-1.8 Km

Nearest Shopping Places of  Shri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple Bangalore 

The Collective-2.1 km
Kimaya-2.1 km
Cinnamon-2.1 Km

How To Reach  Shri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple Bangalore 

By Road : There are local buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws that can be hired to reach the Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple from any part of Bangalore.The people can reach Lalbag Garden of 2 km to Shri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple Bangalore.The NEarest Bus stand is Kempegowda Bus Stop. 

By Rail : The Bangalore city station  is well connected  many major station of country.The nearest Railway station is Bangalore city Railway Station.

By Air: The Nearest Airport is Bangalore International Airport.

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Google Map of  Shri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple Bangalore