Bangalore is rich in religious and spiritual cultures, which
can be seen in the numerous religious places echoing Kannada art, culture and
tradition. Bangalore is also the home of many of India's spiritual gurus. Here
are top temples in Bangalore, as well as ashrams, mosques, and churches.
ISKCON Temple
Bull Temple
The 16th century Bull Temple, built in Dravidian style, is
located in Basavanagudi. It has a four
and a half meter (15 foot) tall, six
meter (20 foot) long, mammoth monolithic bull that's carved out of a single
granite rock. It was constructed by Kempe Gowda. An important festival of
Karnataka, called Kadalekayi Parishe (Groundnut Fair), is held at the temple
during November-December, when farmers offer their first groundnuts to the
sacred bull.
Someshwara Temple
Located at Ulsoor, the Someshwara Temple is one of the
architectural masterpieces of the Chola dynasty, with a striking feature
Rajagopuram (tower). A huge pillar, known as Dwajasthamba, is also placed in
front of the temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Banashankari Temple
The unique feature of the Banashankari Temple, built in
1915, is that its deity is worshiped during Rahukala -- usually considered by
Hindus to be the most inauspicious time of the day. The temple can be found in
Kanakapura Road. It's more crowded with devotees on Tuesdays, Fridays and
Sundays.
Naganatheshwara Temple
The anicient temple of Naganatheshwara (Lord Shiva), built
by the Cholas, is said to be 1,200 years old. It's located in Begur village,
off Bangalore-Hosur Highway, 13 kilometers (8 miles) from Bangalore. It's
believed to be the first place where an inscription records the city's ancient
original name of 'Bengaluru'. During the festival of Maha Shivratri, devotees
throng this temple to perform pujas and stay awake the whole night. Another
important festival held at the temple is the Car (Chariot) Festival, in April.
Saint Mary's Basilica
Saint Mary's Basilica can be found opposite the Russel
Market Square, in Shivaji Nagar. Originally started as a small chapel by the
French in 1818, it's one of the oldest churches in Bangalore. The present
structure was built in 1882, and was elevated to the status of Basilica in
1973. The architecture of the church is Gothic style, with splendid interiors
and decorated stained glass windows. The most important day of the Church,
Saint Mary's Feast, is celebrated on September 8 every year. At this time, the
devotees throng the church to get the blessing of Virgin Mary. A car procession
is also held during the feast.
Infant Jesus Church
Located in Vivek Nagar, Infant Jesus Church is one of the
oldest and famed churches in Bangalore. Irrespective of caste and religion,
devotees flock to the church to experience the amazing power of the Infant
Jesus. Built in 1979, the shrine is known as a place for miracles and divine
solace. The fame of Infant Jesus is widespread. Special Novenas are held here
on Thursdays. In 2005, a new church adjacent to the old shrine was inaugurated
and opened for devotees.
Saint Mark's Cathedral
Situated on MG Road, Saint Mark's Cathedral is the oldest
Anglican Church in Bangalore, built in 1812. The church is made in a beautiful
colonial structure, with an elegant dome over a semicircular chamber. It was
consecrated by the Bishop of Calcutta in 1816, and rebuilt in 1927 with stained
glass work, elaborate woodwork, and ornate carvings.
Jumma Masjid
Located in the busy City Market area, Jumma Masjid is the
oldest mosque in Bangalore. This five storied building, built around 1790, is
also the largest mosque in the city. It can accommodate over 10,000 people its
prayer hall. The mosque an architectural marvel with elaborate Jali work and
floral motifs. Its exterior of pristine white marble dazzles in the sun. During
festival times, this magnificent mosque is lit up in the night and radiates
with a divine aura.
Bangalore Art of Living Ashram
Perched on a small hillock and spreading over a large area
in Kanakapura Road, the Ashram of the Art of Living was founded by Sri Sri Ravi
Shankar. It's a great spiritual center and offers the Art of Living Course. The
Art of Living is all about leading a normal and enjoyable life, amidst all the
tensions and stresses that inundate living today. People come here to listen to
the Guru and learn the technique of coping with life through this Course.
Brindavan Sri Sathya Saibaba Ashram
The second of Sri Sathya Saibaba's ashrams, Brindavan is
located in Whitefield, 24 kilometers (15 miles) from Bangalore's city center.
It was inaugurated on June 25, 1960. Every year during the summer, Sri Sathya
Sai Baba stays at this ashram for nearly three months.
About PRABISH BISHUNGKHE
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