Temple Description

The Chokkanathaswamy Temple, located in Domlur, Bangalore, Karnataka, is dedicated to Chokkanathaswamy, a form of the Hindu god Vishnu. As one of the city’s oldest temples, it features numerous inscriptions in Kannada and Tamil, which have been recorded in the Epigraphia Carnatica Vol 9 (1905 edition). These inscriptions indicate that the temple dates back at least to 1200 CE.

History

Regarded as one of the earliest temples in Bangalore, Chokkanathaswamy Temple boasts several remarkable sculptures and decorative elements within its complex. The temple faces east, and a Tamil inscription from 1270 CE on a door frame notes that the doors were donated by an individual named Alagiyar. Additionally, another inscription mentions a donation from Talaikattu, while one dated 1290 CE references contributions made by Poysala Vira Ramanada. The temple also features later additions in the Vijayanagara architectural style, including the Navaranga and its pillar