Temple Description

A Revered Shrine Located on a small hill called Shrungagiri in Raja Rajeshwari Nagar, Bangalore, the Shrunga Giri Sri Shanmukha Swamy Temple is approximately 13 km from the city. The temple, named after Lord Shanmukha (also known as Lord Muruga and Subramanya among Tamilians and Kannadigas), features a distinctive tower adorned with six faces representing the Lord’s multiple attributes. Devotees seek blessings from Lord Skanda, who is worshipped here.

Legend of the Temple

The legend of Shrunga Giri Sri Shanmukha Swamy Temple is closely linked to its founder, Sri Bharathi Tirtha Mahaswamiji, the 36th Jagadguru of the Sringeri Sri Sharada Peetham. In a divine vision, he saw Lord Shanmukha and chose a barren hillock as the site for the temple. The foundation stone was laid under his guidance. Sri Bharathi Tirtha Mahaswamiji, who began serving his guru, Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Mahaswamiji, at the age of 15, embraced Sanyasa in 1974 and later ascended as the Jagadguru Shankaracharya in 1989. Since then, he has provided spiritual guidance to countless followers.

Architectural Marvel

The temple’s design is a creation of renowned architect Dr. R. Arunachalam, who utilized his artistic vision to reflect the essence of Lord Shanmukha, symbolizing the “Six-Faced God” and the concept of a “star.” The structure, including the sanctum (Garbha Graha), hall, and outer walls, features star-shaped architecture. The most striking element is the temple tower, which stands at 62 feet and is adorned with six 6-inch thick concrete faces of the Lord, representing his attributes: fame, wealth, divine power, wisdom, dispassion, and strength.

The temple sits atop a hill 240 feet above ground, with the entire structure reaching 123 feet in height. The tower’s dome is embellished with 3,000 crystals, creating a rainbow effect when sunlight strikes them and a dazzling LED light display with 138 patterns and 16 color combinations at night.

Sanctums and Deities

The temple’s sanctums include one dedicated to Lord Ganesha, represented as Panchamukhi Vinayaka, or the five-faced Ganesha on a lion. A red cave with a large Shiva Trishul and a precious Spatika Shivalinga are also featured. The sanctum of Lord Arunachaleswara houses the Spatika Shivalinga and an idol of Goddess Parvati.

The primary sanctum houses Lord Shanmukha with his consorts, Devasena and Valli, who bless devotees from this central shrine. Additionally, the Prakara museum displays over 1,000 unique idols of Lord Ganesha.