Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple was originally a small temple which was cut out of monolithic rock circa in the 9th century. It is located in Banglore city. The Gavi Gangadhareshwar Temple is located in the Gavipuram-Guttahalli which is about 3 km from the main city.
Video - In and Around Gavi Gangadhareshvara Temple
Significance of the Temple
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has typical attributes of Shaivite temples - including the Nandi Ox in front of the temple and the main shrine - Sivalinga - inside the temple.
There are more unique and some other sculptures which have the Depiction of Agni - god of fire and is one of the few in Southern India.
The most interesting and unique feature of this temple is there are two enormous rock-cut discs placed on the top of columns in the front yard of the temple. The first disc is called Surya Pana (Sun disc) and the other - Chandra Pana (Moon disc), both have identical size with the diameter of some 2m. Each of them rests on two smaller sculptures of Nandi bulls. Both discs have been produced in very high quality.
Discs are located parallel to each other. On both sides of the discs there are drawn orthogonal lines resembling crosshairs in the eye of telescope or marks of target.
There is no other temple in India with such discs. It is a puzzle also that the discs have crosshairs in each side. Discs are not aligned to cardinal positions of courtyard either - but their location seems to be occasional. Initial purpose of these discs is not remembered by the locals.
There are other idols inside including the idol of Agnimurthi, which has two heads, seven hands and three legs and those worshipping this deity believe it will cure one of all eye defects.
On the evening of Makara Sankranthi, the rays of the setting sun stream through the window, pass between the horns of Nandi and shine on the Shivalingam.
Hindu mythology has it that, Gavi Gangadhareshwara Guhe was earlier known as Gowthama Kshethra since Sage Gowthama is said to have performed penance here. But history books state that it was built by Kempe Gowda I, the founder of Bangalore.
The temple is known for its scientific architecture. There are three cave-paths through which people enter. The fourth is now closed. The sanctum sanctorum has a tall Shivalingam. One of the most interesting features of this temple is that on the evening of Makara Sankranthi (January 14th) between 5 and 5.30pm, the rays of the setting sun stream through the window, pass between the horns of Nandi and shine on the Shivalingam.
Time to Visit
The best time to visit the temple is in January, during this month thousands of devotees come to the temple on Makar Sankranti Day. It is a special day when, owing to the brilliance of the architecture of the Temple, the sunrays fall on the Shivalinga for one hour as it passes between the horns of the Nandi.
Nearby tourist places to Gavi Gangadhareshvara Temple
Bangalore has several temples that are visited by several devotees but what makes Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is special is because it is one of few temples in Bangalore dedicated to Shiva and is visited by hordes of devotees, especially during Shivaratri.
How to reach the Temple
Bangalore is very much well connected to all the cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Gurgoan, Hyderabad etc., in the country and even all parts of the world through airways , railways and roadways.
For local transport there are good facilities being arranged for the tourists who visit the temples here.
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