Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple (Bangalore)

About the Temple

A rock-cut cave temple in Bangalore dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is famous for the unique solar phenomenon where sunlight passes through the horns of the Nandi statue and falls on the Shiva linga on Makara Sankranti day.

History: The temple was built in the 16th century by Kempe Gowda I, the founder of Bangalore. It was carved out of a single massive rock.

Significance: The annual Makara Sankranti solar phenomenon is a spectacular event where sunlight enters through a window and passes between the horns of a Nandi statue to illuminate the Shiva linga. It is a testament to ancient astronomical knowledge.

Visitor Information

Darshan Timings: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Major Festivals: Maha Shivaratri, Makara Sankranti (special solar darshan), Kartika Purnima

Poojas / Sevas: Rudrabhishekam, Archana, Abhishekam

Contact & Location

Other Deities: Goddess Parvati, Nandi, Agni

Address: Gavipuram, Bangalore, Karnataka