Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, Rock-cut Hindu temple in Gavipuram, Bangalore, India.

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is a rock-cut Hindu temple in Gavipuram, a neighborhood in southern Bengaluru. The complex consists of monolithic pillars, ancient stonework, and corridors carved into natural rock formations within a cave setting.

The temple was established in the 16th century under the rule of Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bengaluru, as a site for worshiping Shiva in the form of Gangadhareshwara. Later dynasties expanded the complex and added additional shrines that remain in use today.

During Makara Sankranti in January, sunlight passes through stone arches to reach the inner shrine in a precise astronomical alignment. This moment draws devotees from across the region, who gather to witness the annual event and pray together.

The temple opens in the morning from 6:30 AM to noon and in the evening from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM, with ceremonies held especially at sunrise and sunset. The cave passages can be slippery, so sturdy footwear is recommended, though it must be removed before entering the shrine area.

The two granite pillars in the courtyard carry large discs of the sun and moon, not sundials; two further pillars are topped with seated Nandi carvings. The four monolithic pillars represent a damaru, a trishul and two circular discs. The tall stone pillar in the photograph, crowned by a trident, stands before the striped compound wall.