Temple Description

The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, also known as Sri Gangaadhareshwara or the Gavipura Cave Temple, is a notable example of Indian rock-cut architecture situated in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was constructed in the 16th century by Kempe Gowda I, the city’s founder. It is renowned for its intriguing stone discs and precise architectural design that allows sunlight to illuminate the shrine during specific times of the year.

Historical Background Though the temple is commonly associated with Kempe Gowda’s era, it is traditionally believed to have been originally established by ancient sages Gautama Maharishi and Bharadwaja Muni during the Vedic period. Kempe Gowda, having been imprisoned for five years and later released by Rama Raya, undertook the renovation of the temple in the 16th century as a mark of his liberation. The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple stands as one of Bengaluru’s oldest temples and remains a significant site of worship and architectural interest.

Architectural Features Carved into a natural cave in Gavipuram, the temple is hewn from a single stone and showcases exquisite rock-cut artistry. The courtyard is notable for its monolithic sculptures, including two granite pillars that uphold massive sun and moon discs. Additional highlights include two pillars adorned with carvings of Nandi in a seated position and four monolithic pillars symbolizing the Damaru, Trishul, and two large circular discs. Historical paintings by Thomas and William Daniell from May 1, 1792, depict modifications and additions to the temple, including new walls and enclosures.

Deities Worshipped The temple complex houses numerous shrines dedicated to a variety of deities, including:
• Parvati Devi
• Vinayaka
• Subramanya
• Gautama Maharishi
• Bharadwaja Muni
• Chandikeswara
• Uma Maheswara
• Vallabha Ganapathi
• Durga Devi
• Agni Deva
• Sapthamatrikas
• Dakshinamurthy
• Kala Bhairava
• Veerabhadra
• Lakshmi Narayana
• Surya and Chandra
• Ayyappa
• Anjaneya
• Mahaganapati
• Subramanya with Valli and Devasena
• Navagrahas