Gangadhareswara Cave Temple

Bangalore, the garden city of India, is filled with a large number of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Gangadhareswara Cave Temple is tone such temple. This religious site is regularly visited by a large number of devotees throughout the year.

The Gangadhareswara Cave Temple, Bangalore was built by Kempa Gowda, the founder of the city. It is situated in the small town of Gavipuram and hence is also referred to as the Sri Gavi Gangadhareswara Temple. A large number of people come to this temple every year, especially in the month of January to worship and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.

The Gangadhareswara Cave Temple in Bangalore is carved out of a single block of stone. The unique architecture of the structure was designed according to the principles of 'vastukala' and astronomy. This fabulous temple was built sometime during the 9th century. The most striking feature of the Gangadhareswara Cave Temple is the set of four monolithic pillars, which bears the emblem of the Shaivites. These include the 'trishul' or trident, the 'damara', the 'suryapana' and the 'chandrapana'. These pillars are located in the courtyard of the temple. Another attraction of the temple is the idol of Lord Agni or the Fire God. The idol is a rare piece and is worth taking a look. Besides these, you can take a look at the statue of Shakthi Ganapati with twelve hands. This statue is located on the left hand side of the temple doorway.

Gangadhareswara Cave Temple, Bangalore is particularly famous for a rare astronomical phenomenon that occurs over here on the day of Makar Sankranti in the month of January. On this day, a ray of sunlight passes in between the horns of the Nandi Bull and falls on the Shiva Linga located inside the cave, thereby illuminating it. This unique phenomenon clearly highlights the scientific genius of the people during ancient times.

The Gangadhareswara Cave Temple, Bangalore is an example of unique architectural marvel. A visit to this temple is truly a remarkable experience.