Vidyaranyapura Sri Kalika Durga Parameshwari- Karnataka

Address

No 447, 11th Cross Rd, HMT Layout 3rd Block, Vidyaranyapura,

Bengaluru, Karnataka 560097

Amman

Sri Kalika Durga Parameshwari

Introduction

Sri Kalika Durga Parameshwari Temple, located in Vidyaranyapura, Bangalore, is dedicated to Goddess Kalika Durga. Established in 1988 by the late Sri Ramu Sastry, a devout follower of Goddess Durga, the temple is renowned for its majestic 108-foot-high Gopura (temple tower) near the main entrance. Often referred to as Swetha Kshetra, the temple is a spiritual landmark in Bangalore, attracting devotees from around the globe. The temple complex also houses shrines for Lord Mahaganapathy, Lord Nartaka Krishna, Lord Subramanya Swamy, and Lord Narasimha Swamy, making it a hub of divine energy and devotion. Special pujas, particularly during Dussehra and Ashtami, are key highlights of this temple.

Puranic Significance
The temple’s mythology is deeply rooted in the tale of Sage Jabali and his efforts to counter the drought caused by the demon Arunasura. The legend unfolds as follows:

Sage Jabali’s Yagna and Nandini’s Curse:
A severe drought parched the earth, causing widespread famine. Sage Jabali, through his penance, discovered that the demon Arunasura, who had escaped Goddess Kali’s wrath during her battle with Shambasura, was behind the calamity. Jabali sought the sacred cow Kamadhenu to participate in a yagna, but Kamadhenu’s daughter Nandini refused. As a result, Sage Jabali cursed her. Later, Nandini repented and was redeemed by agreeing to flow as a river.
Arunasura’s Defeat:
Armed with a boon from Lord Brahma that no being with two or four legs could harm him, Arunasura grew invincible. Goddess Durga, adopting the form of a beautiful maiden, lured him and then transformed into a rock. When Arunasura tried to break the rock, it shattered into countless bees that annihilated him. After the battle, Sage Jabali calmed the Goddess by offering tender coconut water, leading her to assume the form of Bramarambhika, the queen of bees. The location, later named Kateel (Kati meaning center and Eel meaning area), became a sacred site for worship.

Beliefs
Sri Kalika Durga Parameshwari Temple is regarded as a mystical abode of the nine incarnations of Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Parvati. The temple is believed to:

Fulfill the wishes of devotees, especially those seeking progeny or marriage.
Grant blessings for success in arts, science, and other pursuits.
Provide divine protection against life’s challenges, with Goddess Durga acting as a shield for her devotees.

Special Features

Temple Architecture:
The 108-foot-high Gopura stands as a marvel of temple architecture, adding to the grandeur of the complex.
Deities and Shrines:
The temple is home to the nine avatars of Goddess Durga and other deities, including Lord Ganesha, Lord Krishna, Lord Muruga, and Lord Narasimha. A Navagraha (nine celestial bodies) shrine is also present, amplifying the temple’s spiritual aura.

Festivals
The temple hosts several vibrant festivals that attract thousands of devotees:

Simhamasa Festival: A grand celebration honoring Goddess Durga.
Durgashtami and Navaratri: Prominent festivals celebrated with fervor and devotion.
Other Festivals: Deepavali and Ugadi also hold special significance at this temple.