Bangalore Sightseeing - Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is an ancient temple cut out of the rock probably in the 9^th century and is a natural monolith rock formation with the cave temple carved out of it. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple has four monolithic pillars and a rare idol of Agni, the God of fire. There are other idols inside including the idol of Agnimurthi, which has two heads, seven hands and three legs and those worshipping this deity believe it will cure one of all eye defects.

Every year in January, thousands of devotees come to the temple on Makar Sankranti Day to this cave temple. It is a special day when, owing to the brilliance of the architecture of the Temple, the sunrays fall on the Shivalinga for one hour as it passes between the horns of the Nandi.  

While Bangalore has several temples that are visited by several devotees but what makes Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is special because it is one of few temples in Bangalore dedicated to Shiva and is visited by hordes of devotees, especially during Shivaratri.