12 Popular Temples in Bangalore That You Must Visit

Looking for the most popular temples in Bangalore? Bangalore is the undisputed “IT Capital of India” but that’s not very right to describe this cosmopolitan city from Karnataka. In spite of being a quickly developed city, Bangalore comes with long-standing cultural heritage that nobody can deny.

Beautiful Temples in Bangalore

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Bangalore is the home to more than 1000 temples. Most of these temples feature typical Dravidian architectural style but few showcases modern façades along with a touch of a traditional pattern. Whether you are a spiritual seeker or just architecture enthusiast, you must visit at least a few of these temples to explore the true spirit of the city. Here are the best ones from the lot, awaiting your presence.

Here is a list of the most popular temples in Bangalore

Dodda Ganesha Temple

Dodda Ganesha Temple is one of the oldest and most celebrated Hindu temples in Bangalore. Located at Bull Temple Road in Basavanagudi area in South Bengaluru, Dodda Ganesha Temple is known for its rocky idol which is the largest monolithic Nandi statue in India.

This idol is actually a single stone sculpture that measures 18 feet high and 16 feet wide. So, if you are travelling to Bangalore then Dodda Ganesha Temple is a must-visit, especially during Ganesha Festival.

The temple stays open every day from 6.00 am to 12.00 pm and from 5.30 pm to 9.00 pm. The best time to visit this holy shrine is from October to May. There is no entry fee to enter the temple.

Chokkanathaswamy Temple

Chokkanathaswamy Temple is one of the most ancient but spectacular holy places in Bangalore. This temple, located at Domlur Layout, is very close to the airport and everyday devotees from every walk of life visit this temple to seek divine blessing.

Chokkanathaswamy Temple is a 10th Century made structure depicting fascinating Chola style architecture. The main attractions of this temple are its ten large pillars.

Each of these pillars is adorned with stunning sculptures and Tamil inscriptions. Ten pillars of the temple represent ten avatars of Lord Vishnu.

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Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

Gavi Gangadareshwara Temple or Gavipuram Cave Temple is another most popular religious attraction in the city of Bangalore. Situated at Gavipura locality in Kempegowda Nagar, the Temple of Gavi Gangadareshwara is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

This historic temple was built back in the 16th century and devotees believe that the great Hindu Saint Gowthama used the temple for atonement. Counted as one of the greatest monolithic architectural wonders in India, Gavi Gangadareshwara Temple is a must visit while you are in Bangalore.

The temple is open on all days of the week and the timings are from 6.00 am to 12:30 pm and 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm.

Shiva Temple

Not just as a prominent holy shrine but Shiva Temple has earned its fame as one of most awe-inspiring structures in Bangalore. As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva but this place also houses a beautiful Ganesha idol.

Statue of Lord Shiva here measures about 65 feet in height and it sits at the centre of an artificial pool of water against a massive replica of Mount Kailash (which is the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva). Maha Shivaratri and Ganesh Chaturthi are the best times to pay a visit to this temple.

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Banashankari Temple

Banashankari Temple, also known as Banashankari Amma Temple is another famous shrine in South Bangalore. Situated at Cholachagudd near Badami in Bagalkot district of Karnataka, this beautiful temple was built during 7th century by the Chalukyas.

Dedicated to the great Hindu Goddess Parvati, Banashankari Temple is visited by thousands of devotees and tourists each day. During the time of Rahukala which is believed to be an unfavourable time as per Hindus, the temple gets even more overwhelming.

Flaunting the grace and class of Dravidian architecture and design, Banashankari Temple is surely one of the most charming sights to visit in Bangalore. The temple remains open every day from 6:00 am to 9:30 pm.

Sugreeva Venkateshwara Temple

Located at Balepet Main Road in Bangalore, Sugreeva Venkateshwara Temple is another marvellous religious site in the city. This temple is dedicated to Sugreeva, one of the major characters from the Hindu epic Ramayana.

The main temple houses a statue of Sugreeva which measures about six feet tall. Here, Lord Sugreeva can be seen in folded hand position along with the statue of Lord Rama.

Apart from these two idols, Garbhagriha of this shrine comes with a Lord Venkateshwara idol on pedestal. As per local belief, the temple was built by Kempegowda I for the Uppara community.

The Bull Temple

Located amidst the lush greenery of Basavagudi region from South Bngalore, the Bull Temple or the Dodda Basavana Gudi is often described as the biggest Nandi temples in the world.

Erected by the former ruler of Vijayanagara Dynasty in the year 1537, this temple is particularly known of its 15 feel tall granite bull or Nandi statue cut out from a single rock.

The temple opens its door at 6 am to 12 pm and again at 5.30 pm to 9.00 pm. This holy shrine is decorated with strings of light during the last Monday and Tuesday of Karthika month making is a wonderful sight to behold.

The ISKCON Temple

Another mesmerizing combination of modern engineering and ancient motifs is the ISKCON Temple in Bangalore. This gorgeous temple is positioned at Rajajinager and surrounded by glistening greenery of the area.

The ISKCON Temple is one of the largest Vaishnav temples in the world. Established in 1997, this religious structure is known for its architectural style and elegant look.

Flaunting a neo-classical design, the ISKCON Temple attracts hundreds of Vaishnav followers to its beautiful premises. Inside the temple, you can find adorable idols of Lord Krishna and you can also join prayers there.

Venkataramana Swamy Temple

Basavanagudi area of Bangalore city is dotted with several beautifully ornated temples and the Venkataramanswamy Temple is one of the most eminent one from the lot.

Located on the Krishnarajendra Road, this temple was built in the year 1689 which makes it the oldest temple in the town. Flaunting enticing blend of Dravidian and Vijayanagara architectural styles, the Venkataramanswamy Temple is a peaceful refuge to Lord Venkataramana.

It also features walls with stunning carvings and pillars with beautiful inscriptions. The temple remains open on all days from 3.00 am to 8.00 pm except Saturday when timing changes to 9.00 am – 9.00 pm.

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Chennakeshava Temple

Located at a distance of 100 kms from the main city of Bangalore, Chennakeshava Temple is a wonderful ancient shrine that shouldn’t be missed during your trip to the city.

If you are interested in exploring architectural wonders, then Chennakeshava Temple is surely the best one to head for. Loathed in beautiful carvings and sculptures, this temple is an epitome of unparallel Dravidian architectural style.

This is really an extraordinary heritage site near the city of Bangalore to behold. Panoramic view of this temple is enough to make your day.

Shri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple

Bangalore is the land of a series of ancient temples and Shri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple is the most vibrant one among them all. This 12th century made structure is nothing less than an architectural marvel.

Located off the Old Taluk Cutchery Road in Bangalore, Shri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple is one of those very few temples in India which is dedicated to the Pandava brothers and their consort Draupadi from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. During Karaga Festival which is held between March and April, it is best to head for this temple.

Shrungagiri Shanmukha Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shanmukha, Shrungagiri Shanmukha Temple is another ancient temple from Bangalore. This temple is praised for its typical Indian style of architecture.

The exterior of the temple is made in resemblance with the six faces of Lord Shanmukha and interior features a large crystal dome-shaped Gopuram. Timings of the temples are 6.30 am to 12.30 pm and 4.30 pm to 9.00 pm.

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