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Religious Interest |
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Gavi Gangadareshwara Temple |
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This temple, also located
near Basavanagudi, is well known for its remarkable architecture. The
Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple is one of
the oldest temples in Bangalore. Legend has it that the cave temple dates back to the Tretha Yuga.
Kempegowda built two of the oldest temples in Bangalore: the Bull temple and the
Gavi Gangadareshwara Temple. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess
Parvathi is inside a natural cave in Gavipuram. Legend has it that
Kempegowda built this temple in gratitude after being released from his five-year
imprisonment by Rama Raya. Devotees gather here on Makara Sankaranti day
when it is believed that at a particular moment in the evening the sun's rays fall directly
on the linga inside the cave, passing between Nandi's horns.The temple,
which roughly covers an area of 300 ft by 200 ft, was renovated during the period
of the local chieftain Kempegowda, who is also known as the founder of
Bangalore. This dates the temple back to nearly 500 years. The 14-pillared Mantap of the temple
has elements of the Vijayanagar style of architecture. |
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The trishula dhamaruga (a
drum attached to a trident), two monolithic pillars called Suryapana and Chandrapana,
the towers on the rock outside the temple and a stone wall on the adjoining Harihararaya
Gudda were all said to be installed during the Kempegowda period. The most interesting
feature of this temple is said to be the two paths inside the cave. It is believed
that while one path leads to temple town Shivaganga in Tumkur district, another
path leads to Kashi. Apart from the idol of Eshwara with the river Ganga springing
from his head, there are also Durga and Parvathi temples inside the cave. If one circumvents these, one can see Sapthamathruke, Sridevi and Bhoodevi idols.
Apart from these idols, there is also the idol of Agnimurthi, which comprises two
heads, seven hands and three legs. It is believed that worshipping this deity will cure one of all eye defects. The priest points out that hundreds visit the temple to find an answer to their problems. Mondays see a huge turnout of devotees,
he adds. Apart from that,
the Shudda Pournami day in February is also a special
day at the temple.
A car festival is also held during that time. The
temple blends in beautifully with the entire area, which also has a feel of old-world
simplicity to it
- a little Bangalore away from the fancy and footloose City that
we all know of. The well-lit park that adjoins the temple, with fountains et al,
is probably the only “modern” element in the vicinity. |
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Dharmaraya Temple |
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Located in Nagarathpet, this
temple has two exceptionally fine images of Lord Krishna and Dharmaraja - hero of
the epic 'Mahabharata'. The temple is also well known for the annual
Karaga festival. The Karaga festival - a form of Shakti worship, is celebrated during
March/April of every year. The Karaga procession starts from the Dharmaraya temple
at Nagarthpet at about 2 am. |
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ISKCON Temple |
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Sri Radha Krishna temple and
cultural complex, which is an architectural masterpiece is set on a seven-acre hillock
called the 'Hare Krishna Hill'. This is ISKCON's global project to commemorate the
birth centennial of its founder Sri Prabhupada. Built in the Neo-Classical style,
it combines traditional elements of temple architecture with high-tech utilities.
Ornamental arches and illuminated water cascades lead to an elaborately decorated
Rajagopuram. There is a unique open air amphitheatre for concerts and festivals.
The four temple 'gopurams' are connected by a stunning glazed glass canopy which
forms the main 'Hari Naam Kirtan' - a hall of 10,000 square feet. The hall has wonderful
ceiling paintings. There are also Vedic museums and exhibit areas, a lecture hall
with multiple language translation system and landscaped gardens. The main attraction
is ISKCON Vedic Theatre, where a multimedia Vedic film is shown. |
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Prasanna Veeranjaneya Temple in Mahalaxmi Layout |
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The uniqueness of the Prasanna Veeranjaneya temple, apart from
the 22-foot-high deity of Veeranjaneya, is its peaceful atmosphere. The cool breeze
and surrounding greenery, coupled with an aura of mysticism, bring solace to devotees
visiting the temple. |
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