Index of Contents
- Introduction
- Google Map of Implemented Program
- Devanahalli
- Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Rangasthala
- Shri Ghati Subrahmanya Temple
1. Introduction
Temples of Karnataka feature many architectural styles :Hoysala Architecture Badami Chalukya Architecture , Vijayanagara architecture , Dravidian Architecture ,Western Chalukya Architecture ,Badami Cave Temples ,Rashtrakuta style and Ganga Architecture.
There are several temples near Bangalore that could be visited over a weekend. See blog Ancient temples near Bangalore – Weekend getaways 1 on some of the temples we had darshan over a long weekend (15 Oct 2021 to 17th Oct 2021 – 3 days) . Please also see my blog on Ancient temples near Bangalore – Weekend getaways 2 over the weekend 27-02-201 to 28-02-2010 covering Panchalinga Kshetras of Talakau, Hoysala temples of Somanathapura ,Basaralu etc. Also see my blog Ancient temples near Bangalore – Kolar – Weekend getaways 3 covering the temples we had darshan over a weekend 06-01-2009 (one day) – Trip to Kolar and surrounding temples. My blog Ancient temples near Bangalore – Weekend getaways -4 covers the temples we had darshan over a weekend 24-01-2009 & 25-01-2009 (Two days) Details of Temples in Nagamangala Bindiganavile , Basaralu, kere thonnur(Thondanoor), Hosaholalu, Melkote , Bellur, Turuvekere, Settikere, Sampige , , Kadaba Amanikere, Devarayana Durga are given.. In my Blog Ancient temples near Bangalore – Weekend getaways 5 – Details of Hampi, Anegundi and Navabrindavana have been given.
In this blog, details of temples in Devanahalli, Rangasthala and Ghati Subramanya covered on 26th June 2022 are given .The drive from Devanahalli to Rangasthala is very enjoyable with greenery and hillocks around.
2. Google Map of Implemented Program
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3. Devanahalli
Devanahalli Fort is located 35 kilometers north of Bangalore city, at Devanahalli in the State of Karnataka, India. Chieftain Malla Byre Gowda of Avathi, a Vijayanagara empirevassal, built a mud fort in c. 1501 at Devanadoddi (now called Devanahalli). In the late 18th century, Hyder Ali re-constructed the fort in stone resulting in the current structure.
It was originally built in 1501 by Mallabairegowda, which remained in the hands of his descendants until the mid–eighteenth century. In 1749, the then Dalwai of Mysore, Nanjarajaiah, attacked the fort and occupied it. Later, the fort passed into the hands of Hyder Ali and subsequently Tipu Sultan. In 1791, Lord Cornwallis laid siege to the fort and took possession during the Anglo-Mysore War. The birthplace of Tipu Sultan, is located near to the fort. The fort is situated on the side of National Highway 7, near the Bengaluru International Airport.
The name Devanahalli, literally means ‘the abode of gods’ and has plenty of temples to its name, including the Venugopalaswamy temple within the fort in Devanahalli. The fort surrounding the township has numerous temples within its walls, like the Nanjundeswara temple, Chamundeswara temple, Veerabhadraswamy temple and the Ranganathaswamy temple. The temples in Devanahalli were built in different eras but mostly are of the Hoysala architecture.
3.1 Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple
Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple, 6PX5+PGC, Devanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 562110 Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple is located at Devanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka at a distance of 35 kms from Bangalore. The temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka state division of the Archaeological Survey of India.
The name Devanahalli, literally means ‘the abode of gods’ and has plenty of temples to its name, including the Venugopalaswamy temple within the fort in Devanahalli. The fort surrounding the township has numerous temples within its walls, like the Nanjundeswara temple, Chamundeswara temple, Veerabhadraswamy temple and the Ranganathaswamy temple. The temples in Devanahalli were built in different eras but mostly are of the Hoysala architecture.
The Venugopalaswamy temple, which faces the main town road is one of the oldest among them. Though the scale of the temple is small, its size doesn’t detract people from marveling at the architectural intricacies of the temple with its pillars and frescoes decorated in the Hoysala tradition. It is a miniature version of the mega-complexes that the temples in Belur and Halebid are, and is as detailed as the other two in its carvings and statues.
This Temple is facing towards east with three tiered Rajagopuram. There are two idols of Lord Vishnu can be seen at the sides of the gopuram. These idols are believed to be of the Ganga era. Balipeedam, DhwajaSthambam and Garuda can be seen immediately after the Rajagopuram, facing the sanctum.
The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antrala, Maha Mandapa and Mukha Mandapa. The Pillars of the Mukha Mandapa have sculptures of horsemen with swords unsheathed. The Maha Mandapa has four black-stoned pillars carved with sculptures of Hayagriva, dancing female figures with attendant musicians, a conchblower, a kinnara with the lower portion of his body in bird form, a huntress removing a thorn from her leg,etc.
The Prakara has niches adorned with intricate stucco work.The mukhamantapa’s pillars are beautifully decorated with intricate carvings. The outer walls of the temple, made of stone, are cover in the frieze, depicting various scenes from the Ramayana. The northern and southern walls narrate the entire Balakandam.
The temple’s presiding deity Lord Venugopalaswamy is present in a standing posture ; the deity is in Vijayanagar tradition style while the shikara is in Dravidian style, standing testament to the amalgamation of the two chief cultures in these parts.
A teru is the big chariot used to parade the idol of Gopalaswamy around the town once a year. It is said that this was earlier called KashiVishveshwara and is regarded as the oldest temple in the town.
As per legend, Ranabera Gowda from Kanchipuram settled in Avathi Village near Benthakalur (Modern day Bangalore). His settlement was destroyed completely during a cyclone. He gathered his belongings from the destroyed house and kept them under a tree. His broom stick got struck in an ant hill and it did not comeout when they pulled out. Hence, he left it in the anthill and spend their night under the tree. He had a dream insisting that there were seven vessels of gold & jewelry and idols of Venugopala Swamy andThimarayana Swami in the idol and asked him to install the idols.
He dug out the treasure and idols in thenext day. He installed Thimarayana Swami in Gauthama Giri Beta.He reached along with his family. He decided to build a fort for himself and install the Venugopala Swamy in the fort. A Pallegara named Deve Gowda had a fort built in mud during this period. Ranabera Gowdarequested Deve Gowda to help him in building a stone fort and build a temple for Venugopala Swamy . DeveGowda accepted his request on one condition that the place should be named after him for his help.Ranabera Gowda accepted his condition and named the place as Devana Halli.
The temple timings are : 8 AM to 11 AM and 6 PM to 8 PM Sri. Kannan Bhattar, Archakar, stays by the side of the temple. Contact Phone : 9886536673. To return to Index of Contents, Click Here. Otherwise Continue
3.2 Shree Siddhalingeshwara Temple
Shree Siddhalingeshwara Temple, 6PX5+QMP, Devanahalli, Karnataka 562110 Shree Siddhalingeshwara Temple is located at Devanahalli, Karnataka at a distance of 35 kms from Bangalore.
The name Devanahalli literally means ‘the abode of gods’ and has plenty of temples to its name, including the Venugopalaswamy temple within the fort in Devanahalli. The fort surrounding the township has numerous temples within its walls, like the Nanjundeswara temple, Chamundeswara temple, Veerabhadraswamy temple ,Ranganathaswamy temple.and Siddhalingeshwara Temple.
Siddhalingeshwara Temple is of recent origin and is located very near to the ancient Venugopalaswamy temple. Sri Siddalingeshwara Swamy is a great revered Sharana Saint in the path of Lingayatha Shiva Sharana Parampare of diffusion of Thatva of Life called VACHANAS. He travelled far and wide preaching Sharana faith which is predominantly praying with ISHTA LINGA (atma linga) as envisaged by Basavanna, Allamaprabhu and a vast group of learned men and women from all walks of life (12th century in present-day Bijapur district).
He performed 12 years of penance at a garden belongs to Vokkaligara Nambiyana (Thota) and hence came to be known as Thontada Siddalingeshwara Swamy. He headed the Murugi Mutha and had a large following of disciples some of who wrote on Lingayat faith and philosophy. Hence Yedeyuru is deemed to be a seat of awakened spiritual consciousness.
He wrote Shathsthala Jnana Saramrutha, containing 701 Vachanas (Poems) which are directing Sthalas (route) to Attain Ikya, i.e., involvement to light.He travelled far and wide, preached eternal truth and performed many miracles for scores of people irrespective of their caste or creed. His life and values held by him demonstrated the divine powers attained by him to heal the sick and suffering. He is regarded as one of the greatest Saints of the Sharana Sect in the Lingayat religion.
In Shree Siddhalingeshwara Temple, He resides in linga form.
3.3 Mariyamman temple
mariyamman temple, 6PX5+MM8, Karnataka 562110 mariyamman temple is located at Devanahalli, Karnataka at a distance of 35 kms from Bangalore.
The name Devanahalli literally means ‘the abode of gods’ and has plenty of temples to its name, including the Venugopalaswamy temple within the fort in Devanahalli. The fort surrounding the township has numerous temples within its walls, like the Nanjundeswara temple, Chamundeswara temple, Veerabhadraswamy temple ,Ranganathaswamy temple. Siddhalingeshwara Temple and mariyamman temple.
mariyammanTemple is of recent origin and is located very near to the ancient Venugopalaswamy temple.It is the “kaval deivam” – one who protects the village.It is clean and well maintained. But open only on fridays and some special days
3.4 Chandramouleshwara swami temple
Chandramouleshwara swami temple, 6PX6+M2Q, Devanahalli, Southegowdanahalli, Karnataka 562110 Chandramouleshwara swami temple is located at Devanahalli, Karnataka at a distance of 35 kms from Bangalore.
The name Devanahalli literally means ‘the abode of gods’ and has plenty of temples to its name, including the Venugopalaswamy temple within the fort in Devanahalli. The fort surrounding the township has numerous temples within its walls, like the Nanjundeswara temple, Chamundeswara temple, Veerabhadraswamy temple ,Ranganathaswamy temple. Siddhalingeshwara Temple ,mariyamman temple and Chandramouleshwara swami temple.
Chandramouleshwara swami temple is located very near to the ancient Venugopalaswamy temple.It is a small temple open only on Mondays and has sannadhis for Lord Shiva, Ambal, Navagruhas, Nagar and Adi Shankara. To return to Index of Contents, Click Here. Otherwise Continue
4. Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Rangasthala
Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Rangasthala, FP42+GFW, Post, Thippanahalli, Karnataka 562101 Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple is located at Rangasthala, Thippanahalli, Karnataka at a distance of 60 kms from Bangalore.
The presiding deity here is Sri Ranganathaswamy . This is one of the oldest temples in Bangalore .The temple has been built by Hoysala kings.It is believed that the Moorthy’s at Anta Ranga at Srirangam, Adi Ranga at Srirangapatana and Moksha Ranga at Sri Rangastala – all were installed on the same day and same time. Outside praharam and Gopuram etc were constructed by Vijayanagara Kings. There is a praharam around garbhagriha.
As per the legend, during Lord Rama’s Patabhishekam Vibhishana also comes to attend it and in the end Rama presents a Lord Rangnatha’s moorthy in Bamboo basket and Vibhishana is compelled to do the Prathistai in Srirangam and to commemorate the occasion the Saptharishi s do the Prathistai of Lord Ranganatha with Bhoo and Neela Devi here in Rangasthala. So the Lord appears as if he is in Bamboo basket.
The idol of Ranganatha is four and half feet in length carved out of single Saligrama – with Bhoo and Neela Devi sitting near the leg. Lord is in Yoga Nidra and his Shesha is spreading his five hoods like a Umbrella. And Vainatheyan is sitting below . In the wall there are Sapthrishis ,Brahma, Ashta Dhikbalakas, Rambha ,Urvashi ,Pancha Ayudham’s etc. and it appears as if Lord is in Vaikunta and he is surrounded by all the gods. And All Devatha’s etc they are doing Namaskaram to Lord.
The moorthy is very beautiful and moorthy looks as if Lord is in relaxed state and His smile is very enchanting.. Then There is majestic Ustava Moorthyy with Ubhaya Nachiyars. There are Vigraham’s of Lord Chakrath Alwar, Ramanuja , Desikan and a beautiful and rare Vigraham of Nam Alwar. There are two ponds known as Shanka and Chakra Theertham respectively . The temple and Moorthy are beautiful and compact. The Brahma Ustavam is celebrate in the Month of December. If you observe the Lord During the Thirumanjanam he looks very beautiful.
The highlights of the temple are : 1) Saptarishes had installed the idol here 2) sunrays fall on idol on sankaranthi day 3) Beautiful, sharp Sridevi and Bhudevi at the feet of reclining Lord
Temple timings are : 8 AM to 11 AM and Evening 5.30 PM to 8.30 PM. Contact phone numbers : 097314 42409; 08156273565 and Tel- 08156 – 273565 .
5. Shri Ghati Subrahmanya Temple
Shri Ghati Subrahmanya Temple, S S Ghati,Doddaballapur Taluk, Bramhana Beedi, Ghati Subramanya, Karnataka 561203 Shri Ghati Subrahmanya Temple – an ancient Hindu temple – is situated near Tubagere, Doddaballapura Karnataka at a distance of 60 kms from Bangalore.
The uniqueness of this temple is that the prime deity Lord Karthikeya, is found together with Lord Narasimha. According to mythology, both idols are believed to have emerged from the earth. It is also an important centre in South India for snake worship. Ghati Subramanya has a recorded history of more than 600 years. It was first developed by the Ghorpade rulers of Sandur who ruled parts of Bellary.
The high pyramid-shaped gateway tower of the temple is one of the most distinctive features, a perfect example of Dravidian architecture. It is adorned with sculptures of various deities and events of Hindu mythology.
Some Important Facts Of the Temple are :
1. People offer their prayers to a snake mound that is present outside the temple.
2. Milk is also regularly poured into the snake mound so as to appease the Gods.
3. Snakes carved onto stones, also termed as Nagappa, can be seen under a huge Peepal tree and devotees pray for any favors they need at this spot.
4. A multi hooded snake’s silver idol can also be seen near the chief deity.
As per the temple history, this temple was built by Ghorpade from Sandur dynasty. It is believed that Lord appeared in the dreams of king and revealed his whereaobouts. King with the help of staff and villageres uncovered the self-manifested idol.
As per the legends, Ghati is a place where Subramanya performed a strict penance in the guise of serpent. Lord Subramanya prayed to Lord Narasimha to provide the Naga’s family from Lord Vishnu’s vehicle, the Garuda, known for his dislike towards serpents. He performed penance on these hill ranges. Lord Narasimha and Lord Subramanya self-manifested here on a single idol. Here Lord Narasimha facing west and Lord Subramanya facing east.
It is believed that the idols of the deities at Ghati Subramanya Temple are swayambhu idols, and the naga avatar can be seen of Lord Subramanya. People with sarpa dosha come here to be blessed by the Lord after offering him prayers and anominal fee. Many childless couples since ages have been visiting the temple for granting them their wish to bear children.
One of the distinguishing aspects of this temple is that one can find two deities here – Lord Subramanya and Lord Narasimha. The idols are found in the sanctum of the temple. The idol of Lord Subramanya, in his serpentine form, faces the east while the idol of Lord Narasimha sits at the back of the former and faces the west. Devotees can view the idol of Lord Narasimha through a strategically placed mirror, allowing both deities to be worshipped at the same time. The idol of Lord Subramanya or Karthikeya is made from a single stone.
The word ghati was derived from sanskrit. It means pot. A serpent’s hood resembles that of a pot. It is believed that this is the place where Lord Subramanya killed the demone Ghatikasura.
MAIN FAIRS : NARASIMHA JAYANTHI : DURING MAY BRAHMARATHOTSAVA FESTIVAL : DURING SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER and CATTLE FAIR : DURING DECEMBER. The Pushya Suddha Shasti is one of the biggest festivals in this temple as this day is believed to be the birthday of Lord Subramanya. The other major festival in the temple is Narasimha Jayanthi. Skanda Shasti is also celebrated with a lot of fanfare as it is a special day for Lord Subramanya and Panghuni Uttiram, the wedding anniversary of the Lord, is also celebrated.
Some of the major rituals that can be performed at the temple include Kuja Dosha, Naga Pratistha, Sarpa Dosha and Nivarana Puja. It is a firm belief of devotees that the temple should be visited by childless couples so that they may be able to conceive. Another ritual practised here is the installation of snake idols near the temple, which is believed to be an auspicious act and offering. Visitors to the temple are greeted with the sight of thousands of such idols around the complex, planted by devotees.
The temple timings are : DAILY : 6.30 AM TO 8.30 PM; Contact Phone number : +91 80 2765 7131. To return to Index of Contents, Click Here.
Kshethradanam 
Nice description. Namaskar.
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