There are many stories that are a part of the mystery and wonder called Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple in Bengaluru. Every bit of the tale surrounding the temple represents scientific knowledge, intriguing local history, and architectural prowess. Here are the top 10 things that you should know about the famous temple which also is sometimes called as Cave Temple:
Kempe Gowda I Constructed Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple
Kempe Gowda I is credited with the construction of Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple in the 16th century AD. He constructed several other temples around Bengaluru because of obvious reasons. This temple, in particular, is the earliest temples that he constructed outside his fort’s perimeter. For reaching the temple you have to reach the bus stop that overlooks Kempambudhi Lake. A short walk from there takes you to the temple.
Temple With Distinctive Features
The outside walls of the temple do not reveal the remarkable and distinctive features that you see on entering into the forecourt. The temple’s main idol sits inside a cave that you can reach by descending a few steps.
It Has Astrophysical Relevance
The Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple defies the traditional alignment related to cardinal directions that the South Indian temples usually follow. The temple faces south-west and hence is not aligned to any of the cardinal directions. It is one of the first few clues that depicts the temple’s astrophysical relevance.
Monolithic Pillars And Structures
The temple has monolithic pillars and structures in the courtyard that indicates that the construction is more than three centuries old. Named Chandrapana and Suryapana, these two structures each consist of a massive disc on the top of a supporting pillar.
Gavi Gangadhareshwara Secret Tunnels
According to popular belief, the temple has two secret tunnels. It extends up to the Garbha Gudi or the sanctum sanctorum of the Shivagange Temple located around 50 km away on the periphery of Bengaluru city. Another tunnel leads to Varanasi.
Makar Sankranti Special Phenomenon
Makar Sankranti is a special day for the devotees of Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple. Usually celebrated on the 14th of January in the evening hours the sun shines directly on the idol of the deity Shiva after it passes through the Nandi (bull)’s horns. The Nandi is placed facing Almighty Shiva. Many consider it a miraculous phenomenon and is a subject of research for many scientists.
Steady Water Stream Flows Through Cave
According to Hindu mythology, the holy river Ganga trapped in the hair of Shiva flows constantly. Depicting the same relevance, a steady yet thin stream of water always flows inside because of the cave just next to the Shiva’s idol.
Eastern Terrace Offers Different Views Of Temple
Once you reach the eastern terrace you will be astounded with the different views of the temple from the top. The overall structure looks dynamic and changes its look as the Sun moves from East to West during the day.
Carved From One Stone
Carved out of one single huge boulder, the shrine of Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple also has idols of other deities such as Agni, the God of fire. Inside the shrine, it feels all cool and pleasant as you soak the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.
A Military Artist Depicted Temple As Mosque
James Hunter, a military artist who served as a lieutenant in the Royal Artillery during the Third Anglo-Mysore war depicted the temple as a Moorish mosque. He misinterpreted the orientation of various structures in the Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple.
Also, Read: 8 Popular and Old Shiva Temples in Bangalore Which are a Must-Visit
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