Bengaluru, known as the Silicon Valley of India, has its roots deeply bound in culture and religion. There are over 1000 temples, both old and new, a few dating back to as old as the 10th century. These temples form the heart of this city and are a major tourist attraction too. Here is a list of the top 10 must-visit temples in Bengaluru-
1. Chokkanathaswamy Temple, Domlur
This temple is situated in Domlur near the Airport and boasts of being the oldest temple in the city. It is said to have been built in the 10th century by the Cholas and is devoted to the worship of Lord Vishnu. It had deteriorated with time but was renovated around 20 years ago to former glory. The Dashavatars of Lord Vishnu have been carved on the pillars and it has a feel of pranic energy in the air.
2. Bull Temple, Basavanagudi
The Bull Temple is located in the NR Colony, South Bangalore. Built in 1537 by the then local ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, it has a granite statue of Nandu, a Hindu demi-god in the form of a bull. This statue is said to have been carved out of a single piece of rock. This statue has the title of the biggest statue of Nandi in the world, measuring 20 feet lengthwise and 15ft in height. The actual temple, which contains the shrine, is quite small and also has a statue of Lord Ganesha. Bull Temple is also known for the Kadalekayyi Parishe, a yearly event held on the last Monday and Tuesday of each year, when a groundnut fair is help here and the nut is offered to the Lord.
3. Dodda Ganesha Temple, Basavanagudi
This statue of Ganesha is located within the Bull Temple Complex and is carved out of a single piece of rock. Standing tall at 18ft height and 16ft wide, it is locally known as te Satya Ganapatahi or Shakthi Ganapathi. Each day of the week sees varied decorations adorned onto this magnificient idol, one among them including over 100kg of butter.
4. Gavi Gangadareshwara Temple, Hulimavu
This Cave temple follows the Indian rock-cut architecture. It has been carved out of a single rock in the 9th century. This is among the very few temples dedicated to the Lord Shiva across the world, with the main statue being a Shivalinga and a sculptor of Nandi at the front entrance.
Another unique feature of this temple is an extremely rare sculpture of Agni, the Fire God, with three legs, two heads and seven hands. Shivaratri sees crowds of people thronging to this temple. Also, it is believed that the evening sunrays fall upon the Shivalinga in the cave at a certain moment on the day of Makara Sankaranti.
5. ISKCON Bangalore
Located on the Hare Krishna Hill, West of chord road, this fabulous temple spans about seven acres and follows the Neo-classical architecture. The elaborate Rajagopuram of this temple is a treat to the eyes indeed.
There are four gopurams attached to the temple by a glass canopy. The main deities are Sri Krishna Balarama, Sri Radha Krishnachandra, Sri Srinivasa Govinda, Sri Naitai Gaurnaga and Sri Prahlada Narasimha. Besides the temple, there is a Museum, a lecture hall, an exhibiitona rea and a Vedic Theatre.
6. Shiva Temple, Airport Road
This temple houses a gigantic statue of Lord Shiva seated in the Lotus position, about 65 feet high. Built in 1995, this is a wonder that no tourist can miss. The towering presence and grand look are worth the visit. Besides the usual throng of devotees, this statue attracts over four lakh devotees on festival days. The backdrop of the Lord’s abode, Mount Kailasha and the river Ganga flowing across his matted hair creates quite a heavenly feel.
7. Banashankari Temple
The famous Banashankari Amma temple is situated on the busy Kanakapura Road and was built in 1915. The Banashankari Amma is worshipped by many as she is said to remove all obstacles during the Rahukala. Sundays, Tuesdys and Fridays see devotees swarming in to offer special puja to the deity. 13th September, the birthday of the Goddess, Dussehra and the anniversary of the temple during Pushya Maasa (between December and January) see huge celebrations at this temple.
8. The Kanyaka Parameshwari Temple, Kumara Park
Situated in Kumara Park, this temple is devoted to the worship of the deity Kankaya Parameshwari. The marble work and the murals on its walls are a defining feature of this temple. These murals depict scenes from the Vasavi history and the Bhagavad Gita. Besides these, Murals of ancient Rishis and holy places can be seen too. The Darpana Mandir is another unique feature of this temple.
9. Sugreeva Venkateswara Temple, Balepet
Situated in Balepet, this temple houses statues of Venkateswara and Sugreeva. The sanctum sanatorium houses an idol of Lord Venkateswara places on a pedestal. The idol of Sugreeva, 6 feet in height, is sometimes also mistaken for one of Lord Hanuman. The differentiating feature is the long teeth extending from either side of the mouth.
10. Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple, Jayanagar
This temple is among the most famous and largest temples of Lord Hanuman. Located in Jayanagar 9thblock, it is said to have been built on 1969. It began from a small idol on a hilltop about 30 years ago. As per legend, a huge heap of Ragi turned into a rock, lending the name ‘Ragigudda’ to this temple. Lords Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma are said to have visited the spot following this event and were made to reside here permanently in the form of 3 huge monolithic blocks.