Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, Bengaluru

Address

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, Gavipuram Extention, Kempegowda Nagar, Bengaluru, 560019

Deity

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Amman: Parvati

Introduction

• Temple Name: Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple (also known as Gavipuram Cave Temple)
• Location: Hulimavu, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore, Karnataka
• Dedication: Lord Shiva
• Unique Phenomenon: In January (during Makar Sankranti), sunlight passes through the horns of the Nandi statue and illuminates the Shivalinga inside the cave
• Architecture: Famous for Indian rock-cut architecture; features two huge discs and a tall Shivalinga
• Rare Idol: The temple has a rare idol of Agni (God of fire) with two heads, seven hands, and three legs—possibly the only such idol in South India
• Other Attractions: Sculptures of Nandi, a 12-handed Shakti Ganapathi, and various monolithic sculptures
• Protected Status: The temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka Ancient and Historical Monuments Act of 1961

Puranic Significance:

• Historical Background: The temple dates back to the 9th century and was extended in the 16th century by Kempegowda I, the founder of Bangalore
• Kempegowda’s Gratitude: After being released from a five-year imprisonment under Rama Raya, Kempegowda built and revamped the temple
• Monolithic Sculptures: The temple courtyard contains monolithic sculptures, including four pillars symbolizing the Damaru, Trishul, and two fans
• Agnimurthi Idol: The idol of Agni is believed to cure eye defects for devotees who worship it

Beliefs:

• Cure for Eye Defects: Worshiping the Agni idol is believed to heal all eye-related issues
• Myths: It is said that two tunnels from the temple lead to Varanasi (in northern India) and another Gangadhareshwara Temple on the hill of Shivagange, about 10 miles away

Special Features:

• Makar Sankranti Phenomenon: During Makar Sankranti, sunlight passes through an arc formed by Nandi’s horns and falls directly on the Shiva Linga inside the cave
• Monolithic Pillars: The temple features two granite pillars supporting the giant discs of the sun and moon, and two other pillars topped with multiple Nandi figures

Festivals:

• Maha Shivaratri: Celebrated with great devotion
• Makara Sankranti: Special celebrations and witnessing of the unique sunlight phenomenon

Century/Period/Age

9th century

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Hulimavu

Nearest Railway Station

Bengaluru

Nearest Airport

Bengaluru

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