Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, also known as Gavipuram Cave Temple, is an example of Indian rock-cut temple architecture. This temple is a must visit if you are on a trip to Bangalore.
What is famous about shri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple ?
The temple is famed for its strange stone discs in the forecourt, as well as the precise planning that allows the sun to shine on the shrine at specific times of the year.
On Makar Sankranti, the temple witnesses a one-of-a-kind event in which the sunset sunlight flows through an arc between Nandi’s horns and lands directly on the linga inside the cave, illuminating the inside idol.
This phenomena demonstrates the ancient architects’ technological prowess.
Who built Gavipuram Cave Temple?
Kempe Gowda I, the city’s founder, built the temple in the 16th century.
This Shiva cave temple in Bengaluru is a popular tourist destination.
Temple Gavi Gangadhareshwara, is an architectural masterpiece that draws thousands of devotees.
Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple, one of Bengaluru’s oldest temples, was established by Kempe Gowda in commemoration of Rama Raya’s release from a five-year prison sentence.
The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and cut from a monolithic stone, is built in a natural cave at Gavipuram.
Several monolithic statues may be found in the temple’s courtyard.
The two granite pillars that support the gigantic discs of the sun and moon are the main features of Gavi Gangadhareshvara temple, while the other two have a number of Nandi at the top.
Other idols within idol Agnimurthi include two heads, seven hands, and three legs. Those who worship this deity believe he will cure one of the eye’s problems.
The temple is also noted for its four monolithic pillars on the patio, which represent Damaru, Trishul, and two fans.
Makar Sankranti Day
Every year on Makar Sankranti Day, thousands of devotees flock to this cave temple. This is a remarkable day because the sun shines on the Sivalinga for an hour as it passes between the Nandi’s horns.
The ancient sculptors knew enough about architecture and astronomy to carve the horns of the stone bull outside the temple so that the sun’s rays would pass through them and illuminate the deity Shiva Linga inside the cave.
When modern structures are compared to previous paintings by Thomas Daniell and William Daniell, it is clear that the temple had fewer structures and the Sun illuminated the shrine during the summer and winter solstices.
The Sun also illuminates Shivalinga twice a year, from 13 to 16 January in the late evenings and from 26 November to 2 December.
The Karnataka Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1961 protects the temple shrine.
This is a very important temple and is of immense historical significance. Do visit this temple if you are in Bangalore.
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