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Top 7 Historical Temples to Visit in Bengaluru

Oct 4, 2024

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Bengaluru, a city that has delved into the IT sector and where people are lost in their nutshell, has an aspect of history behind the temples situated from prehistoric times. If you are interested in knowing more about historic temples, you will find out about seven such ones in this article.


1. CHOKKANATHASWAMY TEMPLE

It is an ancient Hindu Temple in Bangalore. It is more than ten centuries old and is ranked among the oldest temples of Bangalore. Even though it is named after Lord Shiva, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. There are twelve cosmic points in this temple (two outside and ten inside). It was built during the reign of the Chola dynasty in the 10th century AD.


Chokkanatha Swamy temple Gaurav Pandey

2. BULL TEMPLE

Popularly known as the Nandi temple, it is renowned for its massive sculpture of the holy bull, Nandi. The Nandi idol is claimed to be the largest globally, measuring 4.6 meters in height and 6.1 meters in length. Nandi, which means 'joy' in Sanskrit, is considered the sacred bull in the Hindu faith. While the Nandi statue looks black, it was not originally that color when it was constructed. The idol was initially grey but turned black as worshippers applied charcoal to it. As per legend, Lord Shiva put the iron plate on the bull's head to prevent the deity from getting bigger.


Bull temple Karnataka.com

3. ISKCON

Also called the Nandi Temple, it is well-known for its large sculpture of the holy bull, Nandi. The Nandi idol is believed to be the largest in the world, measuring 4.6 meters in height and 6.1 meters in length. According to Hindu beliefs, Nandi is considered to be the sacred bull and its name means 'joy' in Sanskrit. Even though the Nandi statue seems black, it wasn't originally that color when it was constructed. The idol initially had a grey color, but it became black after devotees applied charcoal to it. In a myth, Lord Shiva supposedly placed the iron plate on the bull's head to prevent the idol from getting bigger.



Iskcon Temple Malathi Vanyam

4. KOTE VENKATARAMAN

The temple of Kote Venkataraman is situated adjacent to K R market. Kote Venkataramana Swamy temple (also known as Kote Srinivasa temple) was constructed in 1686 by Chikka Devaraya around the mud fort built by Kempegowda, a chieftain serving the Vijayanagara kingdom. Kote Venkataramana Swamy temple, also known as Kote Srinivasa temple, was constructed by Chikka Devaraya in the vicinity of the mud fort constructed by Kempegowda, who served as a chieftain under the Vijayanagara kingdom.


Kote Venkataraman Wikiwand


5. SOMESHWARA

According to popular belief, it was constructed by Mummadi Kempavira Gauda. In 1712 A.D., there is a record stating that Mummadi Kempegowda generously donated to God Someshwara in Magadi, with specific mention of the village Shiraghalli being gifted to the temple. The Ulsoor Someshwara Swamy Temple is among the ancient temples in Bengaluru.


Someshwara Vihara Darshini


6. NAGESHVARA

This temple emits the historical and cultural essence of Bengaluru. This temple is unique because it originates from the 9th century. The architectural dome of this building showcases the Dravidian style of architecture. Both important shrines, Nageshvara and Nageshvarasvami, were built by the Western Ganga Dynasty Kings in the temple complex.


Nageshvara Temple Wikkicommons


7. SURYANARAYANA

A sacred Indian temple dedicated to the Sun God. Located in Domlur. It is believed that the temple, constructed in 1995 by Shri Patel Dr. Krishna Reddy, is one of the most frequented temples. This temple's distinguishing feature is that it follows the Chola temple architectural style.


Surayanarayana Temple Vihara Darshini

Oct 4, 2024

3 min read

2

18

0

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DISCLAIMER: 
This news blog is an academic project submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the Degree of Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication by the students of St Joseph’s University, Bangalore.

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