Religious site

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

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Gavi Gangadhareshwara TempleNvvchar · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
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Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is a unique rock-cut cave temple in Bengaluru, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Carved out of a single granite rock, the temple features a linga and idols of other deities. Its main claim to fame is the astronomical phenomenon where, on Makara Sankranti (mid-January), the setting sun's rays pass through an opening and illuminate the linga. The temple's ancient origins and serene, dimly lit interiors offer a glimpse into Karnataka's architectural heritage.

Don't miss

  • The annual sun rays piercing the linga on Makara Sankranti
  • The cave's rock-cut architecture with intricate carvings
  • The two large stone discs (surya pana and chandra pana) near the entrance

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

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