A well-known old cave temple, Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, is situated near Hulimavu, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore. The temple is well-known for a remarkable, almost mystical occurrence that takes place there once a year in January. In addition to the remarkable phenomenon, the temple is a striking illustration of the magnificent Indian stone-cut structure.
Two sizable rock-cut cave shrines are one of this temple's most notable characteristics. They are located inside the temple structure. The caves are said to be natural formations that were created by the breeze over an extended period. A striking statue of Nandi, the bull god who serves as Lord Shiva's mount, is also housed at the shrine.
The temple is especially well-known for a special astronomical event that takes place on certain days of the year. The Shiva Linga in the sanctum is illuminated with an orange light on this particular day by sunlight that enters from a tiny gap between the Nandi statue's horns and falls straight on it. "Makara Sankranti" is this celebration, and it brings a lot of worshipers to the temple.
History of Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple
The temple has a long history that began in the ninth century. The temple was allegedly made from rock in the ninth century.
The great sage Gowthama utilized it to carry out yoga. Kempegowda I, the founder of Bangalore, renovated and expanded the temple afterwards during the 16th century.
Folktales claim that Rama Raya arrested Kempegowda. He had been imprisoned for five years. To express his thanks for being freed, he built this temple.
James Hunter, a British artist, painted a representation of the temple in 1792.
It is renowned for its distinctive design and is the epitome of a Dravidian temple building. A sizable courtyard, an inner sanctum, and an antechamber are all part of the temple structure.
Overview of the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple
Gavipuram Temple is another name for the temple. It is devoted to Lord Shiva, a Hindu god. Due to the two enormous discs in the foreground of the shrine, the structure stands apart from the rest of the temples in Karnataka.
A big Shivalinga can be found in the temple's main sanctuary. The unique idol of Agni, the God of Fire, is another significant draw of the shrine. Two heads, seven hands, and three legs make up the figure. Such magnificent idols may only be found in one temple in South India. Shiva's mount, Nandi, is shown in a beautiful sculpture in the temple. On the left side of the temple's main entrance is a stunning representation of Shakti Ganapathi with 12 hands.
This heavenly event, the Shivarathri festival, draws countless believers each year.
Amazing facts about the temple
Listed below are a few astounding details about the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple:
The "Brahma Ratha," a huge rock disc located in the temple, is thought to rotate on its axis. But it had been several decades since this occurrence was noticed.
Two naturally occurring rock-cut cave shrines can be found at the temple, and it is thought that wind erosion over a long time developed them.
The temple is well-known for a special event on a particular day each year. The Shiva Linga in the sanctum sanctorum is illuminated by golden light on that specific day by sunlight that enters from a tiny gap within the Nandi statue's horns and falls straight on it.
The temple is decorated with stunning carvings and sculptures that were constructed in the Dravidian style.
There is a little tunnel inside the temple that leads to the hill's other end. The rulers of Bangalore are thought to have utilized the passageway as a means of escape in situations of conflict or disaster.
Other attractions to visit nearby
There are many other attractive places near Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple that tourists can visit, including:
Bull Temple: The Dodda Basavana Gudi, popularly known as the Bull Temple, is just one kilometer from the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple. The enormous figure of Nandi, Lord Shiva's mount, that stands at the temple is well known.
Wild Valley Adventure Resort: Located 20 Kms from Banshankari and one of the best resorts in Kanakapura Road, it features a variety of lodging alternatives, including tents, cottages, and rooms, to meet various spending ranges. There's a buffet facility that provides delicious veg- non veg food items along with adrenaline rush adventure activities like Zipline, Kayaking , Russian ladder and many more
Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace: The Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace is a stunning palace that was constructed in the 18th century and is situated around 7 kilometers from the temple. The palace is a popular vacation spot and is renowned for its excellent architecture.
How to reach Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple
The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is situated in Bangalore's Gavipuram neighborhood and is accessible by some transit options.
Kempegowda International Airport, which is situated around 40 kilometers from the temple, is the closest. To get to the temple from the airport, one can take a bus or a cab.
Bangalore City Railway Station, which is roughly 6 km distant, is the closest. You can take a bus or a taxi to go to the temple from the train station.
Buses run frequently between all areas of the town and the temple, making it easy to travel there by bus. Frequent trips to the temple are made by BMTC buses and other private buses.
In conclusion, the temple is a distinctive and ancient temple that has significant cultural and religious value. For tourists and Lord Shiva worshippers, the temple is a must-visit location because of its distinctive architecture, extensive history, and spiritual significance. It is an amazing sight to see the astronomical phenomenon of the temple, where the sun's rays fall directly on the Shiva Linga via a little aperture in the roof. The temple is situated in a prominent area of Bangalore, and visitors can explore some other well-known tourist attractions nearby. In conclusion, the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is an intriguing location that is undoubtedly worthwhile visiting.