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.
Four stone discs positioned at cardinal points around the temple function as sundials, showing the astronomical knowledge of the builders. These discs still allow visitors to read the time of day by observing the shadow patterns as the sun moves across the courtyard.
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