10 Most Famous Temples In Bangalore, India

1. Nandi Temple

Located within the Bugle Rock Park, the Nandi temple, also known as Dodda Basavana Gudi, is the largest temple of its kind in the country. Built in Dravidian style, it houses a 4.5 meter (14.76 ft) tall and 6 meter (19.98 ft) long monolithic statue of Nandi (Lord Shiva’s mount) that is made from a single granite rock. Aside from the statue, the temple is also known for its annual groundnut fair called Kadalekai Parische.

Nandi Temple

Address: Bull Temple Rd, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560004

Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Free entry

2. ISKCON Temple

1/2 ISKCON temple

2/2 ISKCON Banglaore Temple

Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temple is one of the largest ISKCON temples in the world. It is situated on a hillock named Hare Krishna Hill and is built with four gopurams (towers) connected with each other by a glazed-glass canopy - which is a rare style of construction. It is considered to be a specimen of classic Dravidian and contemporary architectural styles. Inside the main temple you’ll find beautifully decorated idols of Radha-Krishna and intricate murals depicting Lord Krishna’s pastimes. Spiritual workshops, prayers, and chanting ceremonies are held regularly and visitors can participate in it.

ISKCON Temple Bangalore

Address: Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Rd, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560010

Website: ISKCON Temple Bangalore

Opening hours: 4:15am - 5am, 7:15am - 1pm, 4pm - 8:30pm (daily)

Price: Free entry

3. Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

Built in a natural cave, Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple or Gavipuram Cave temple is an architectural gem that stands out with its rock-cut style. The temple is primarily dedicated to Hindu god Shiva and has also idols of other gods, including Agnimurthi who is believed to cure eye problems. On the day of Makar Sankranti (held in January), thousands of worshippers flood in to witness a unique and mesmerizing spectacle - the sun rays are said to pass through the horns of Shiva’s bull (Nandi) and further light up the Shivalinga residing in the cave.This phenomenon lasts for an hour and is known as Surya Majjana (or Sun Bath).

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

Address: Gavipura, Kempegowda Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560019

Opening hours: 6am - 12:30pm, 5pm - 8pm (daily)

Price: Free entry

4. Shree Banashankari Amma Temple

Dedicated to Goddess Banashankari (Goddess Parvati’s incarnation), the 20th-century Shree Banashankari Amma temple (or, Banashankari temple) defies one of the main beliefs of Hindu religion. The presiding deity is worshipped during Rahukaal, which is perhaps considered to be an unfavourable time of the day. While at this temple, people believe that performing pooja (prayer) during this period brings good luck.

Shree Banashankari Amma Temple

Address: S Kariyappa Road, Kanakpura Main Road, Sarbandapalya, Banashankari Temple Ward, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560070

Opening hours: Mon, Wed - Sun - 6am - 1pm, 4:30pm - 8pm; Tue: 6am - 1pm, 3pm - 9pm

Price: Free entry

5. Halasuru Someshwara Temple

Nestled alongside the famous Ulsoor Lake, Halasuru Someshwara temple is dedicated to Hindu deity Lord Shiva. Belonging to the Chola period, this religious sanctuary is the oldest in Bangalore and the most stunning representation of Vijaynagara architecture. Within the complex, there are massive pillars and towers with carvings of divinities and other works of art that represent the intricacies of Hindu mythology - a sight to behold!

Halasuru Someshwara Temple

Address: Ulsoor Rd, Someshwarpura, Halasuru, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008

Opening hours: 6am - 12:30pm, 5:30pm - 9pm (daily)

Price: Free entry

6. Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple

One of the few temples dedicated to Pandavas from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, Sri Dharmaraya Swamy temple is also among the country’s most historic temples. It is over 800 years old and particularly known for its annual Karaga festival, in which Pandava’s consort Draupadi is worshipped as a goddess, and a huge procession is also carried out from here. The temple itself is spectacular, with colorful sculptures adorning the walls and roofs of the temple on the outside. As you step inside, you’ll see intricately carved chambers housing beautiful idols of deities.

Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple

Address: Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple Main Road, Old Taluk Cutchery Rd, Thigalarpet, Nagarathpete, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560002

Website: Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple

Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)

7. Shivoham Shiva Temple

1/2 Shivoham Shiva Temple

2/2 Healing Stone at the Shiva Temple

While this religious sanctuary has only been around for a couple of decades, it attracts more than 500,000 devotees and tourists from around the world every year. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple captivates the eyes of the visitors at the entrance with its 25 feet (7.6 meter) tall Shiva Linga. Inside, you’ll find a 65 feet (20 meter) tall statue of Lord Shiva seated in a meditative posture against the backdrop of icy mountains and the Mansarovor park in front of it. The interior of the icy mountains is a walk-through exhibit with 12 Jyothirlings (sacred divine shrines of Lord Shiva). The temple also features a 32 feet (9.75 meter) tall statue of Lord Ganesha and two bell towers facing the statue of Shiva. It is said that these bell towers are healing stones and that touching them improves your health. Though the entry is free, to take part in different rituals and prayers you’ll need to buy the tickets at the entrance. Proceeds go to a humanitarian home. Don’t miss the narrative light and sound show held every evening at 8pm.

Shivoham Shiva Temple

Address: 97, HAL Old Airport Road, Kemp fort mall Parking, Ramagiri, Murgesh Pallya, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560017

Website: Shivoham Shiva Temple

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Also See: 12 Best things to do in Bangalore

8. Pancha Linga Nageshwara Temple

Situated on the outskirts of Bangalore in a small town called Begur, Pancha Linga Nageshwara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The most striking feature of this temple is the Old Kannada inscriptions from the 9th century that reveals Bangalore is more than 1,000 years old. Aside from the historical significance, the temple boasts a mix of Ganga and Chola periods’ architectural styles. It comprised of an open hall that leads to the inner sanctum where five Shiva lingas are installed. There are also sculptures of other Hindu gods and goddess within the complex.

Pancha Linga Nageshwara Temple

Address: Begur Main Rd, Begur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560068

Opening hours: 6am - 12pm, 4pm - 8pm (daily)

9. Kadu Malleshwara Temple

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Established in the 17th century, Kadu Malleshwara temple (or, Mallikarjuna Swamy temple) was initially built amid the lush forests, hence the name Kadu (meaning ‘forest’) Malleshwara. Today, the temple is nestled in the buzzing area of Malleshwaram. Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the temple features a traditional Dravidian style of architecture and is popular for its annual Shivaratri festival that is held February or March. Located just opposite the Kadu Malleshwara is a 400-year-old Dakshina Mukha Nandi Teertha Kalyani Temple that is known for its unique stone Nandi (Lord Shiva’s mount) statue, from whose mouth water falls onto the Shivalinga and flows into a stepped tank set in the centre of the temple.

Kadu Malleshwaram Temple

Address: 2nd Temple Street, Vyalikaval, Kodandarampura, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560003

Opening hours: 7am - 12pm, 6pm - 9pm (daily)

Price: Free entry

10. Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple

Perched on stone hill, the Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple is a religious landmark, also cherished for the panoramic views of the city from its top. Dedicated to Hindu deity Lord Hanuman, the temple also has a huge Shivalinga along with shrines of other deities, including Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana. Also, there are three sacred stones with engravings of the Hindu holy trinity - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Every year, the temple hosts Sri Hanumajjayanthi festival that lasts for 12 days and attracts thousands of devotees from across the city and beyond.

Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple

Address: KSRTC Layout, 9th Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560069

Website: Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 12pm, 5pm - 8:30pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 1pm, 5pm - 8:30pm

Price: Free entry

Temple-hopping in Bangalore

Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India, is home to a number of temples that not only exudes a divine vibe, but also are architectural marvels in and of itself. So, if you’re visiting Bangalore, check out our above list of the most famous temples in the city worthy of a visit.