Temples

Bull Temple

Kasba Ganapati

The Bull Temple of Bangalore is a unique place of worship that houses the 4.57 m high and 6.10 m long image of Nandi, Lord Shiva's bull. This sacred bull of the temple has been carved out of a single granite stone and is a 16th century old monument. It is a classic example of Dravidian architecture. An annual festival to celebrate the harvesting of peanuts, (Kallekai parse) is held during the month of Nov-Dec which attracts thousands of tourists from all over the state.

Gavi Gangadhareswara Cave Temple

Gavi Gangadhareswara Cave Temple

This ancient temple was built inside a natural cave in Gavipuram and was earlier known as Gowthama Kshethra as Sage Gowthama performed penance here. It was renovated by Kempe Gowda in 16th century. The highlights of the temple are the granite pillars and the linga inside the cave. A special festival is held during Makar Sankranti and devotees in large numbers gather at the temple premise to see the unique phenomena-sun’s rays passing between Nandi’s horns and falling directly on the linga inside the cave.

The temple is situated to the west of Lalbagh and remains open on all days.

Banashankari Temple

One of the most popular temples of Bangalore, Banashankari

Banashankari

is situated on the busy Kanakapura road near BMTC bus stand. The presiding deity in the temple is Goddess Banashankari who is believed to be the remover of hardships and poverty. The temple was built in 1915 by a devotee, Somanna Shetty who installed a deity of Banashankari Amma brought all the way from Badami in Bijapur district.

The temple is open to public everyday but special puja is performed on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. The temple celebrates three cultural ceremonies in a year: September 13 - the birthday of Banashankari Amma, Dussehra Festival in October and the temple anniversary which falls in the end of December. Large crowd gather at the place during these occasions.

Whitefield Ashram (or Brindavan)

Whitefield Ashram (or Brindavan)

Brindavan is the summer abode of Shri Satya Sai Baba, located near Whitefield, a suburb of Bangalore. It is 24 km from the city centre and is adjacent to the Whitefield Railway Station. It is a place of divine grace as Bhagawan Baba lives there for three months during summer. Trayee Brindavan is a lotus shaped edifice in yellow and pink color which serves as the residence of Bhagawan Baba whenever he is in Bangalore.


ISKCON Temple

Sri Radha Krishna temple and cultural complex is located on the Harekrishna Hills - a seven-acre hillock in the heart of Bangalore city. ISKCON’s global project

ISKCON Temple

to commemorate the birth centennial of its founder Sri Prabhupada is built in the Neo-Classical style, combined with traditional elements of temple architecture and high-tech utilities. Ornamental arches and illuminated water cascades lead to an elaborately decorated Rajagopuram.

There is a unique open air amphitheatre for concerts and festivals. The four temple ‘gopurams’ are connected by a stunning glazed glass canopy which forms the main ‘Hari Naam Kirtan’ - a 10,000 square feet hall. The hall has wonderful ceiling paintings. There are also Vedic museums and exhibit areas, a lecture hall with multiple language translation system and landscaped gardens. The main attraction is the ISKCON Vedic Theatre, where a multimedia Vedic film is shown to the tourists.

Mosques

Jumma Masjid

Jumma Masjid or Friday Mosque is an imposing monument of the city. It is the oldest mosque in the city located in the busy K.R. Market. The tall ornamented granite pillars adorn the elevated prayer hall.

Churches

St. Mark’s Cathedral

This simple, Neo-classical cathedral is located near Mahatma Gandhi Road. The cream coloured structure was built in the year 1812 which has an imposing portico in the front and apsidal recess at the back.