Bengaluru is known for its modern IT world. But it is also true that the Bengaluru is a treasure of temples. Each and every temple has its own legacy. Many temples have history of centuries. Among those temples Gavi Gangadhareshwar Temple stands atop.
Temple is located in Hulimavu, Bannerghatta Road in the City. The Temple is also known as Gavipuram Cave Temple. It is dedicated to the Hindu deity, 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 sactorum 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 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 marvellous Indian rock-cut architecture.
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.
Every year on the 14th January a rare and significant phenomenon takes place inside the inner sanctum of the temple. The rays of the setting sun on the Western horizon shoot a beam of light that passes from under an arch on the western wall of the Temple before moving towards the inner sanctum. It first lights the back of the statue of Nandi and passes over its horns and reaches the feet of the Shivalingam. Finally the beam of light illuminates the body of the Shivalingam.
Cubbon Park, Banneraghatta National Park, Lalbagh are the nearby places one can visit during Gavi Gangadhareshwar Temple visit. The Temple can be visited throughtout the year.
