Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, Bengaluru

Address

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

Diety

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Amman: Parvati

Introduction

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is a famous ancient cave temple located in Hulimavu, Bannerghatta Road in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. The temple is renowned due to a significant and almost magical phenomenon that occurs in the temple every year on a particular day in the month of January. Apart from the wonderful phenomenon, the temple also stands as a glaring example of the marvelous Indian rock-cut architecture. The temple is also known as Gavipuram Cave Temple. It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. The temple is unique from all other temples of Karnataka due to the presence of two huge discs in the foreground of the shrine. The inner sanctum of the temple has a tall Shivalinga. Another major attraction of the temple is the presence of a rare idol of Agni, the God of fire. The figure has two heads, seven hands and three legs. It is perhaps the only temple in South India that has such an idol. The temple has a wonderful sculpture of Nandi (a bull), Shiva’s mount. A beautiful image of Shakti Ganapathi with 12 hands adorns the left side of the main entrance to the temple. The shrine is a protected structure under the Karnataka Ancient and Historical Monuments, and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1961.

Puranic Significance

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. One of the oldest temples in Bengaluru, Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple was built by Kempe Gowda in recognition after being released from prison of five years by Rama Raya. There are other idols inside idol Agnimurthi including having two heads, seven hands and three legs. Those who worship this deity believe will cure one of the defects of the eye. The temple is also known for its four monolithic pillars, representing Damaru, Trishul and two fans on the patio. Built in a natural cave in Gavipuram, cut into a monolithic stone. The courtyard of the temple here contains several monolithic sculptures. The main attractions of Gavi Gangadhareshvara temple are two granite pillars that support the giant disk of the sun and moon, while the other two have a number of Nandi at the top.

Beliefs

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.

Special Features

On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, temple witnesses a unique phenomenon in the evening sunlight passes through an arc between the horns of Nandi and falls directly on the linga inside the cave and illuminating the interior idol. 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.