Temple Description

Kerala is home to numerous temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, with the most revered being the one at the sacred Sabari Hills. Lord Ayyappa’s influence has expanded beyond Kerala, leading to the establishment of new Ayyappa temples in various regions across South and North India, as well as internationally. The first Ayyappa shrine outside Kerala was established at Jalahalli West in Bangalore, with its installation ceremony taking place on April 17, 1967.

The Jalahalli Sree Ayyappan Temple was particularly honored during its 1967 installation, which was conducted by the then Supreme Priest of the Holy Sabarimala Temple and Travancore Devaswam Board, Late Brahmasree Thazhaman Madham Kantararu Sankararu Thanthri, who had also performed the re-installation at Sabarimala. The temple features a remarkable Panchaloha idol of Lord Ayyappa, crafted by the renowned sculptor Late Sri. T.M. Neelakanta Panicker of Chengannur, known for his divine work at Sabarimala.

Over time, this temple has evolved into a major spiritual center, attracting millions of devotees not only from Karnataka but from around the world. Located on Subroto Mukherji Road at Jalahalli West, about a kilometer north of Jalahalli Cross on the Bangalore-Pune NH, the temple has undergone significant renovations.

Responding to the wishes of many devotees, a Devaprasnam was conducted by esteemed astrologers, leading to a complete renovation of the temple complex as per Vaastu principles. The new Sreekovil was designed to mirror the Sabarimala Sreekovil, and additional shrines were built for Lord Ganapathi, Devi Durga, Lord Subramanian, Navagrahas, and Nagadevathas.

The re-installation ceremonies for Lord Ayyappa, Lord Ganapathy, and Devi Durga were conducted on April 26, 2004, and Lord Subramanian in 2005, by the then Chief Priest of Sabarimala, Late Brahmasree Thazhaman Madham Neelakantararu Thanthri. The Navagraha prathishta took place on June 8, 2006, performed by Brahmasree Thazhaman Madhom Rajeevaru Thanthri. The renovation included the construction of a new Valiyambalam, Vilakkumadam, Balikkalppura, and Thidappalli, and a Kumbhabhishekam of the new Rajagopuram in traditional Kerala style, along with a new teakwood Dhwajasthambham with gold covering.

The temple’s renovation showcases exceptional craftsmanship, with intricate woodwork using teak from Nilambur forests and stonework in ‘Krishnasila.’ The re-installation of Lord Ayyappa involved the ‘Shadadhara Prathishta’ and ‘Garbanyasa’ processes, which are rare in many temples.

Additionally, a new Office-cum-Library Complex equipped with modern amenities was inaugurated by Art of Living Chief Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on November 1, 2006.