Temple Description

The history of the Shri Kalabhairaveshwara Temple in Bangalore, India, is a long and complex one. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, in his manifestation as Kala Bhairava, a fierce form of Shiva who is associated with protection and destruction.

The earliest known reference to the temple dates back to the 12th century, when it was mentioned in a Kannada inscription. The inscription states that the temple was built by the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana. However, there is evidence to suggest that the temple may have existed even earlier, perhaps as early as the 9th century.

In the 17th century, the temple was renovated by the Maratha ruler Venkoji. Venkoji was the brother of the Maratha king Shivaji, and he was a devout Hindu. He is credited with rebuilding the temple’s main tower, or gopuram, and with adding a number of new features to the temple complex.

In the 20th century, the temple was further renovated by the Lingayat community, which is a Hindu sect that worships Shiva. The Lingayats are the majority religious community in Karnataka, and they have a strong association with the Shri Kalabhairaveshwara Temple.