From The Historical To Modern, 13 Temples In Bangalore That Are A Must-Visit

Kadu Malleshwara Temple is located in the suburbs of Malleshwaram, to which it lends its name as well. Said to been have built by Vyankoji Bhosale, the half-brother of Shivaji I, the 17th-century temple primarily features a Dravidian style of architecture. The presiding deity is Shiva and Shivratri is the main festival celebrated here. The temple is a popular tourist spot whenever folks are doing Old Bangalore walks. The main entrance features a towering and colourful gopura. 

Timings: 6 AM to 12 Noon and 5 PM to 8 PM 

Dodda Basavana Gudi or Bull Temple is located in Basavanagudi’s Bugle Rock Park. it was built in the year 1573 by the city’s founder — Kempe Gowda I and the presiding deity is Nandi, the bull demi-god. The temple features a large monolith carving of Nandi. The Groundnut Festival or Kadalekai Parishe is annually held here. Equally visited is the Dodda Ganesha Gudi, which is a short walk away.

Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM

Built by Kempe Gowda I in the 16th century, Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is famous for its rock-cut architectural style and large monolithic sculptures. The presiding deity is Shiva and the main sanctum is housed inside a natural cave. The courtyard features monolithic sculptures such as the trident. There are tall pillars that are topped by renditions of the sun and the moon. Another interesting fact is that the rays of the sun pass through the horns of the Nandi and fall on the lingam on Makara Sankranthi.

Timings: 6 AM to 12:30 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM

One of the more modern religious structures, ISKCON’s gopuram features blue glass and intricate, traditional carvings. Dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha, this is one of the largest ISKCON temple complexes in the world. Inside, you can walk by a lake and marvel at a gold-plated flag post.

Timings: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM

This one is impossible to miss! Located on Old Airport Road, you’ll be welcomed into the temple by a 65-foot statue of Lord Shiva. He sits in the lotus position on a tiger skin and serenely gazes at you. Around him, the icy (recreated) mountains of Kailash stand. And in front, devotees walk by in reverence. The best time to visit this temple is during the festival of Mahashivaratri.

Timings: Open 24 hours

Travel back in time to the 10th century, as you step into the Chokkanathaswamy Temple in Domlur. While it has been renovated through the centuries, the inner sanctum and a couple of ardhamantapas (hallways) stand intact. You can spend time gazing at the walls that have been inscribed in Tamil and also the sculptures.

Timings: 6 AM to 11 AM and 5:45 PM to 8:30 PM

Another old temple, the Sri Someshwara Temple in Halasuru dates back to the Chola period too. It was, however, extensively renovated during the days of the Vijayanagar Empire. A colourful gopuram greets you at the entrance. Inside, you’ll encounter intricately done pillars. There are also sculptures that you should watch out for; like the one that depicts Lord Shiva’s and Parvati’s wedding. And the one where Goddess Durga conquers Mahishasura. 

Timings: 6 AM to 12:30 PM and 5:30 PM to 9 PM

Sitting atop a hillock, this temple makes for an impressive sight thanks to its unique gopuram. Dedicated to Lord Shanmukh (meaning, six faces), the massive gopuram features the six faces of the Lord on each side. The Temple Tower too, dazzles with thousands of LED and laser lights besides being fitted with a Sun Tracking System that ensures the deity is bathed in sunlight throughout the day.

Timings: 7 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 9 PM

Said to be one of the oldest in Karnataka, the temple was modified over time by the Ganga dynasty, the Cholas, the Hoysalas and the Vijayanagara Empire. Eminently as a result of these modifications, you can observe different architectural influences that these empires brought to the temple. In the South, there is the Arunachaleswara shrine that was erected by the Ganga dynasty. On the other end, is the Bhoga Nandeeshwara shrine that includes a king’s sculpture, believed to be of King Rajendra Chola. The Uma Maheshwara Shrine, perched in the middle, is built entirely of black stone and showcases the intricate stonework of the Hoysalas. The yali (a mythical creature) pillars that can be found around the temple complex have been contributed by the Vijayanagar Empire.

 Timings: 7:30 AM to 7 PM

An exploration of the Devanahalli Fort, on the outskirts of the city, will bring you face-to-face with Venugopalaswamy Temple. Though on a smaller scale, the architecture and the frescoes of the temple reflect the aesthetic of Belur and Halebidu. Pay close attention to the walls of the temple that depict scenes from the Ramayana and also Lord Krishna’s infancy. The Dravidian style vimana (that’s right above the sanctum sanctorum) is also another highlight.

Timings: 8 AM to 11 AM and 6 PM to 8 PM

Tucked into the busy streets of Balepet, this little-known temple honours Sugreeva, the king of monkeys. He is represented by a daunting, six-foot-tall statue at the temple. On the opposite side, there is another temple that is dedicated to the Lord Venkateshwara. While not overtly ornate, the temple’s fading carvings and sculptures will surely impress you.

Timings: 6 AM to 8:30 AM and 3 PM to 8:30 PM

One of the rare temples to be dedicated to the Pandavas, the Dharmaraya Swamy Temple is known to be around 800 years old. A colourful gopuram invites you in. Inside, you can discover the architectural touches left by the Gangas and Pallava dynasties along with the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple, which stands in the Pete area, is said to have been a favourite with Kempe Gowda. These days, the temple is famous for its annual karaga festival that honours Draupadi. Spread across eleven days, the highlight of the festival is the colourful procession (karaga) that happens on the ninth day. 

Timings: 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM

A huge gopuram flanked by busy streets, there is more than energy surrounding this place. Make your way to the sanctum sanctorium and offer your blessings to Lord Hanuman. The statue of Lord Hanuman is said to be one of 732 idols installed by Sri Vyasa Raja. Here, you will always find a long line of devotees wanting to catch a glimpse of the lord's idol with the bell tied to its tail. It is widely believed that the sacred thread given as prasadam wards off evil and obstacles in one's life. 

Timings: 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM