Temple Description

The Bandi Mankalamma temple exudes an old-world charm that’s distinctly inviting. The goddess is adorned in a different saree each day, and her elaborate decoration during the Navratri festival is truly mesmerizing. Daily “Prasad” is distributed to devotees, and during the Navratri season, the temple precincts are adorned with various dolls for the “golu” celebration. The temple employs three priests who, despite their occasional boredom, consistently prepare the Prasad, thanks to the accommodation and large kitchen available behind the temple.

The temple’s appeal lies in its simplicity and genuine atmosphere, offering a contrast to the more opulent temples in Bangalore. Entering the temple feels like stepping into a village shrine rather than a city temple, maintaining a strong South Indian essence. On Tuesdays and Fridays, from 4:30 to 5:30 pm, the temple becomes a hub for women who gather to recite the Lalita Sahasranama.

As one enters the temple, the sanctum sanctorum is immediately noticeable, situated directly opposite the entrance. Although separate queues for men and women are arranged, they are not strictly enforced. The priests do a commendable job of dressing the goddess like a new bride every day. Devotees who have had their prayers answered sometimes present gifts such as a silver sword, gold nose ring, or saree to the goddess. A Navagraha is also present in the temple grounds.

Devotees who seek relief from negative emotions visit the temple, offering a lemon to Bandi Mankalamma. After the pooja, the priests return the lemon, which devotees are expected to juice and consume or place in their home pooja room. The belief is that as the lemon dries, so do the devotee’s problems.