The legend says that Bangalore's history
dates back to 1120AD. From Benda Kalooro to Bangalore,
the city as evolved so much but the rich cultural inheritance
that it is owning is both magnificent and eye catching.
There are temples that are centuries old, mosques and
churches that are visited by a large number of devotees
across the country. The oldest of all is Bull Temple
that was built by Kempe Gowda, the founder of the city.
There are cave temples that are interesting to explore.
Temples from the period of chola dynasty still attracts
hordes of people. Hinduism being the main religion followed
here, most of the Hindu Shrines can be found here.
Apart from Hinduism, other popular religions followed
here are Islam and Christianity. A large number of mosques
and churches are located in this reign. There is great
diversity found in religions in India yet people live
with great harmony and respect for each other. Bangalore
is a perfect example of it. You will realize it only
after visiting here
ISKCON Temple
Situated on Chord road, as part of International Society
for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is built on a hillock
with scenic surroundings. As part of Hare Krishna movement
in India, its followers believe that Hindu Lord Krishna
is the creator of this world and is central theme of
their movement. This temple was established in Bangalore
in 1996.
The temple spans across the length of 4-5 football
grounds and is quite the sight to see. Massive pillars,
very flamboyant idol for worship, laser shows and living
quarters, class rooms, yoga centers, dance studios,
gift shops and restaurants signify this place of worship.
All lot of foreign visitors attend workshops and spiritual
programs here.
The annual Rath Yathra, (Chariot Procession) of Krishna
and Balrama is attended by thousands of devotees.
Bull Temple
The Bull Temple is located at Basavangudi, atop 'Bugle
hill' in Bangalore. Kempe Gowda, who is known as founder
of Bangalore, constructed this temple in a typical Dravadian
style. The temple has a mammoth monolithic bull called
'Nandi' which is 4.5m high and 6.5m long. It is believed
that the statue keeps on growing in size further and
further.
According to a legend, the temple was built in order
to appease a vagrant bull that persisted on eating away
the entire groundnut grown in the surrounding fields.
Ever since the enunciation of Bull temple, the bull
never did the same again.
Thankful farmers still hold annual Groundnut Festival
(kadalekayi parishe) near temple premises. Farmers offer
their first harvest in the month of November-December
to the bull as to show their gratitude. The temple is
adjacent to that of 'Lord Ganesha with a unique feature.
The idol of the deity is made out of 110 kg of butter
after every 4 years. Amazingly the butter never melts.
After the end of four years, butter is distributed among
devotees.
Shiva Temple
This temple is a must visit for all tourists. You will
find a Shiv Lingam, the projection of Hindu Lord Shiva.
The temple also has a statue of lord in a yoga posture
that is 65foot high, biggest in the country. The view
is just mesmerizing. The statue is surrounded by a small
pond where in people throw coins to fulfill their wishes
after chanting prayers too their deity. There is a special
box where in you can drop a letter to god.
This temple has been built by Melwanies who run a lot
of charity institutions in Bangalore.
Someshwara Temple
The temple built by Cholas is a piece of beauty. It
was renovated and expanded by Kempe Gowda's family.
The shrine located at the center is dedicated to Someswara
and the other is dedicated to his consort.
The reputation of the Someshwar temple centers on the
fact that Abbakka Rani used to worship here five centuries
ago. Abbakka Rani was a 16th century princess who hated
the Portuguese and even divorced her husband for accepting
their impositions. She faught her husband and eventually
gave up her life rather than surrender to the Iberians.
Gavi Gangadhareswara Cave Temple
Kempe Gowda built this natural monolith carved cave
temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thousands of devotees
visit this temple in January on Makar sankranti Day
when the sunrays fall on the Sivalinga between 17.00
hrs and 18.00 hrs. passing between the horns of the
Nandi. People stand in long cues to have a splendid
view of their deity.
Rare idol of Agni, goddess of fire and huge monolithic
cave attract attention of the visitors. This cave temple
witnesses a unique phenomenon that speaks volumes for
the architectural and astronomical skills of ancient
sculptors.
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Established in 1971 the Banerghatta
National Park of Bangalore comprises of the safari
park with an herbivore safari, a lion safari,
picnic corner, crocodile farm, pets corner, and
a museum besides a park consisting of prehistoric
animals.
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Kempe Gowda II
constructed this 125acre long lake in the second
half of second century. Located at the Northeastern
fringes of the city on M.G. Road, this enchanting
lake is an ideal place for boating and shopping.
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Lal Bagh is artistically landscaped with an eye
for ordering nature's beauty without confining it.
It has an expansive lush lawns with a profusion
of flowerbeds, lotus pools and tinkling fountains.
more...
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