Temple Description

Known by many as Sri Kumaraswaami Temple, Kumara Swamy Devasthana is a Hindu temple situated in Hanumanthanagar in Bangalore, Karnataka, southern India. It is devoted to the god Kartikeya, also known as Subrahmanya, Kumara Swamy, or Murugan.

The temple is located on top of a hill, known as Mount Joy, with walkways and stairs leading to the summit. Special prayers are performed during “Subbaraya (Subramanya) Shasti”. Adjoining the statue of Kumara Swamy, are the sacred Shiva Lingam, Ganesha in a seated posture and Parvati. Also have been consecrated, the Navagraha are in a separate shrine adjoining this shrine within the same hall. The Gopuram at the entrance preceding a huge open hall, preceding the hall enshrining the Main Shrine that is sculpted with the image of Murugan’s role as a guru to Shiva. This is identical to those of the Swaminatha Swamy Temple in Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu.

The panchaloha idol that was originally housed in the sanctum sanctorum predates the granite idol that is currently on exhibit and is revered by many. The original Panchaloha idol is currently on display, housed alone in the hall that precedes the chamber that houses the sanctum sanctorum.

At the foot of the hill is Pancha-Mukhi Ganesha shrine. The term Pancha-Mukhi Ganesha comes from the idol of Ganesha in this contemporary temple, which has five heads. There, his vahana deviates from the conventional portrayal of Ganesha. His vahana there is that of a lion.
On Sankastha Chaturdasi, the temple is packed because special poojas (prayer ceremonies) are held on this day.

The traditional Ganapatya technique is followed when worshiping Lord Ganesha. This is one of the rare temples in Bangalore that uses this form of worship. The Navaragha sanctuary is situated on the other side of the temple, and next to it is a picture of Anjaneya (Hanuman), who is said to be blessing her followers.