Temples in Bangalore are not just places of worship—they are timeless sanctuaries that echo the city’s rich spiritual and cultural legacy. Amidst the glass towers, tech hubs, and sprawling malls, these sacred spaces offer moments of serenity, awe-inspiring architecture, and a glimpse into traditions that have flourished for centuries. These temples in Bangalore connect the city and its people to their roots.
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Temple Trails – Unveiling Bangalore’s Sacred Secrets
The temples in Bangalore that embellish its landscape represent its history, and the growth of Hinduism in a city that today is a cosmopolitan World city which occupies an important place on the global stage. The religious and spiritual landscape of the city was shaped by the Gangas, Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara Kings, and, more recently, the Wodeyars of Mysore. It is through these temples of Bangalore that we learn about the history of the city and the evolution of Bangalore or Bengaluru. One of the oldest temples in the city, the Panchalingeshwara Temple in Begur, holds the distinction of bearing the earliest known inscription that references the name ‘Bengaluru’.
Temples In Bangalore That You Must Visit | Bangalore Temples
Whether you are seeking divine blessings or a deeper connection to the city’s heritage, these ten temples in Bangalore promise an unforgettable journey —a pause in your fast-paced life to reflect, introspect, and rejuvenate. Here are ten must-visit temples in Bangalore that offer both spiritual solace and open a fascinating window to the city’s heritage, history, and culture.
Majestic Dodda Ganesha – Famous Temples In Bangalore
One of the city’s most enduring religious and spiritual landmarks is the Dodda Ganesha temple, which is located on the Bull Temple Road in South Bangalore. The temple is considered very sacred and auspicious, and there is hardly any venture in the city that begins without the blessings of the deity of this temple. The Dodda Ganesha temple is to Bangalore what the Siddhi Vinayak temple is to Mumbai.
The deity is a gargantuan monolithic idol of Ganesh that measures 18 feet in height and is 16 feet wide. The temple dates back to the times of Kempegowda I, during the 16th century. One of the highlights of the temple is the Benne Alankara, or decoration with butter. The idol is covered with about 100 kgs of Butter, and it is remarkable to note that the butter does not melt inside the sanctum.
Monolithic Bull Temple | Basavanagudi – Temples In Bangalore
The famous bull temple or Basavanagudi, also referred to as the Big Bull Temple, stands majestically adjacent to the Dodda Ganesha temple. The Bull Temple is another icon that connects the city to its roots, ancient traditions, and culture.
Dodda Basavana Gudi, famously known as the Bull Temple, stands in the heart of Basavanagudi, Bangalore. This revered shrine enshrines one of the world’s largest monolithic Nandi statues—measuring an imposing 4.5 metres in height and 6 metres in length—masterfully hewn from granite in 1537 under the patronage of Kempe Gowda, in the classic Vijayanagara architectural style. According to local legend, the temple was constructed to pacify a formidable bull that once ravaged the region’s farmlands. A trident was placed upon Nandi’s head to halt its mythical growth. Each year, the temple becomes the centre of the colourful Kadalekai Parishe, or groundnut fair, held during the month of Karthika.
Historic Panchalingeshwara Temple – Ancient Temples In Bangalore
The venerable Panchalingeshwara Temple of Begur dates back to the 9th – 11th centuries CE under the Western Ganga and Chola dynasties. The complex comprises five distinct shrines, each enshrining a Shiva linga — Sri Nageshwara, Choleshwara, Kali‑Kamateshwara Nagareshwara, and Karneshwara—rendering it a rare Pancha‑Linga sanctuary. This temple is a bridge between the Bangalore of the present and Bengaluru of the past.
An inscription found here refers to a battle in Hale Kannada (Old Kannada), as the “Bengaluru Kalaga,” which means “Battle of Bengaluru.” This inscription belongs to the 9th century and gives an indication of the prominence of the city, even more than 1000 years ago. The Panchalingeshwara temple, which is also referred to as Nageshwar temple, is truly a very important component of the city’s history, a temple you must visit when in Bangalore.
Mysterious Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple – Old Temples In Bangalore
A temple that is enveloped in an aura of mystery and is known for its many myths and legends is the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple in Bangalore.
The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, also known as the Gavipuram Cave Temple, is a magnificent 16th-century rock-cut shrine nestled within a natural cavern in Bengaluru. Commissioned by Kempe Gowda I, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is renowned for its awe-inspiring architectural features, including massive monolithic pillars and symbolic stone discs representing the sun and moon. Each year on Makar Sankranti, a divine alignment allows sunlight to pass precisely through the horns of Nandi to illuminate the sanctum’s Shivalinga—a rare and ethereal phenomenon. The temple also enshrines a singular image of Agni, the fire god, with two heads, seven hands, and three legs. It stands today as both a sacred site and a protected architectural marvel.
Ancient Kadu Malleshwara Temple – Temples In Bangalore
A rare temple in Bangalore, which was built by the Marathas, is the famous Kadu Malleshwara Temple in the Malleshwaram area of Bangalore. The Kadu Malleshwara Temple is a 17th-century shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built by Venkoji, half-brother of Shivaji Maharaj, it once stood amidst a forest—hence the name Kadu (forest). The temple is revered for its Dravidian architecture and spiritual ambience. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Malleshwara.
Regal Someshwara Temple – Temples In Bangalore
The Someshwara Temple in Ulsoor, Bengaluru, stands as one of the city’s most ancient and venerated sanctuaries, consecrated to Lord Shiva. It was built during the Chola era and later embellished by the kings of the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple is a masterpiece of South Indian architecture, adorned with exquisitely sculpted carvings, elegant mandapas, and towering gopurams. The sanctum, devoted to Someshwara—an esteemed manifestation of Shiva—attracts throngs of devotees, particularly during the sacred festival of Mahashivaratri. Its weathered inscriptions and rich iconography echo a legacy of enduring faith. Amidst urban sprawl, it endures as a luminous emblem of Bangalore’s sacred and cultural soul.
Powerful Banashankari Temple – Temples In Bangalore
The Banashankari Temple, situated in the southern part of Bengaluru, is a hallowed sanctuary dedicated to Goddess Banashankari—an intense and protective manifestation of Parvati. Believed to have originated during the 7th century under the Chalukya dynasty and later restored in the 20th century, the temple exemplifies a graceful confluence of Dravidian and Vijayanagara architectural idioms.
Uniquely, devotees offer prayers during Rahu Kala, a period traditionally deemed inauspicious, reflecting the temple’s esoteric traditions. The annual Banashankari Jatre draws throngs of pilgrims in a vibrant celebration of divine feminine power. Amidst the urban chaos outside, the temple endures as a radiant oasis of enduring faith and spiritual solace.
Timeless Chokkanathaswamy Temple – Temples In Bangalore
The Chokkanathaswamy Temple, nestled in the Domlur area of Bengaluru, stands as a venerable testament to the city’s ancient spiritual and architectural legacy. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his resplendent Chokkanatha form—meaning “the handsome one”—the temple is believed to have been established in the 10th or 11th century under the patronage of the Chola dynasty.
Its granite sanctum enshrines a majestic deity, while the temple’s walls bear inscriptions in Tamil and Kannada, chronicling royal endowments and devotional offerings. Embellished with intricate Dravidian carvings, sculpted pillars, and elegant gateways, the temple radiates a sense of timeless sanctity, echoing the deep Vaishnavite roots of early Bengaluru.
Beautiful Jalakanteshwara Temple – Temples In Bangalore
The Kote Jalakanteshwara Temple, situated near the historic City Market in Kalasipalya, Bengaluru, is a sacred edifice dedicated to Lord Shiva in his divine aspect as Jalakanteshwara—the Lord of the Waters. Originally established during the Chola dynasty and later restored by Kempe Gowda I under the artistic influence of the Vijayanagara Empire, the temple exudes architectural and spiritual grandeur. It houses three sanctums: the principal shrine to Shiva, flanked by Parvati and Kailasanatheshwara. Intricate granite pillars, Navagraha icons, and carvings of sacred animals like the tortoise, snake, and fish enrich its iconography. Amidst urban tumult, it endures as a serene spiritual sanctuary.
Contemporary ISKCON Temple – Temples In Bangalore
Perched atop the serene heights of Hare Krishna Hill in Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, the ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna Temple stands as one of the most resplendent and expansive Krishna shrines in the world. Inaugurated in 1997, the temple is an architectural marvel that seamlessly fuses traditional Dravidian aesthetics with contemporary design, graced by a 17-metre gold-plated dhwaja stambha and an 8.5-metre kalasha shikhara. Within its sanctified halls lie six richly adorned sanctums, including those of Sri Radha Krishnachandra, Krishna Balarama, Nitai Gauranga, and Prahlada Narasimha. A hub of devotion, it reverberates with daily aratis, kirtans, spiritual discourse, and the distribution of prasadam, offering a luminous blend of divine worship, Vedic culture, and compassionate service.
Top FAQs About Bangalore Temples – Everything You Need to Know About Temples in Bangalore
Bangalore temples are a blend of ancient heritage, spiritual depth, and stunning architecture that reflect the city’s rich cultural tapestry. Whether you are a seeker, traveler, or history lover, these temples in Bangalore offer timeless experiences worth exploring. Here are some frequently asked questions to guide your temple trail through Bangalore.
What are some must-visit temples in Bangalore for first-time visitors?
Some must-visit Bangalore temples include Dodda Ganesha Temple, Gavi Gangadhareshwara, ISKCON Temple, and the Chokkanathaswamy Temple, known for their cultural and architectural significance.
Which are the most famous temples in Bangalore?
The famous temples in Bangalore include Bull Temple (Basavanagudi), Banashankari Temple, Kadu Malleshwara Temple, and the grand ISKCON Temple in Rajajinagar.
Are there any ancient temples in Bangalore worth exploring?
Yes, several ancient temples in Bangalore like the Chokkanathaswamy Temple (over 1,000 years old) and Panchalingeshwara Temple are must-visits for history buffs and spiritual seekers.
Which are the most peaceful temples in Bangalore for quiet meditation?
For serenity and spiritual calm, some peaceful temples in Bangalore include Jalakanteshwara Temple, Kadu Malleshwara, and the ISKCON Temple during early morning hours.
What is special about the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple in Bangalore?
This is one of the most mysterious Bangalore temples, famous for its unique rock-cut architecture and the annual sunbeam phenomenon during Makar Sankranti.
Are there any old temples in Bangalore with Dravidian architecture?
Yes, the old temples in Bangalore like Someshwara Temple in Ulsoor showcase stunning examples of Dravidian-style architecture dating back to the Chola period.
Which Bangalore temples are ideal for photography and architecture lovers?
ISKCON Temple, Someshwara Temple, and the Dodda Ganesha Temple are some Bangalore temples to visit for their grandeur and photogenic ambiance.
What temple is the Bull Temple in Bangalore dedicated to?
The Bull Temple in Bangalore, or Dodda Basavana Gudi, is dedicated to Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, and features one of the largest monolithic Nandi statues in the world.
Can tourists visit all temples in Bangalore, or are some restricted?
Most temples in Bangalore welcome tourists, though some rituals or sanctum access may be restricted to devotees during specific times.
Are there guided temple tours available in Bangalore?
Yes, several heritage walks and spiritual tours include Bangalore temples to visit, providing insights into their history, legends, and architectural beauty.
Which temples in Bangalore are popular during festivals?
During festivals like Maha Shivratri, temples like Gavi Gangadhareshwara and Kadu Malleshwara, some of the oldest temples in Bangalore, attract huge crowds of devotees.
What is the best time of day to visit peaceful temples in Bangalore?
Early morning or late evening is ideal for visiting peaceful temples in Bangalore to enjoy calm surroundings, peaceful chants, and cool temple courtyards.
Are there any lesser-known ancient temples in Bangalore?
Yes, lesser-known yet ancient temples in Bangalore like the Jalakanteshwara Temple in Varthur and Panchalingeshwara Temple in Begur offer hidden spiritual experiences.
What temples should spiritual seekers not miss in Bangalore?
Spiritual seekers must not miss Bangalore temples like ISKCON, Chokkanathaswamy, and Banashankari Temple, known for their devotional energy and historic significance.
How old is the Chokkanathaswamy Temple in Bangalore?
The Chokkanathaswamy Temple is one of the oldest temples in Bangalore, believed to have been originally built in the 10th century during the Chola reign.
From centuries-old stone sanctuaries to towering architectural masterpieces, Bangalore’s temples are gateways to the city’s rich spiritual and cultural legacy. Whether you are a seeker of the divine or a lover of heritage, these sacred spaces offer moments of serenity and awe that resonate far beyond the visit.
How many of these temples have you visited? Please let us know your thoughts about these temples in the comments section below. Subscribe to our blog and newsletter for regular travel related content, and of course, let us stay connected on social media.
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