4 July 2015
It was surprising that I did not visit this Temple before. The main reason was that I believed it to be just a religious Temple. I am not sure how this belief entered into my mind but it was strange that I did not give my much importance to this Temple. It was only recently when my brother who, visited this Temple mentioned that it was an architecturally important monument. After that, it didn’t take much time for me to plan the visit!!
Situated at the base of Nandi hills, it is an easy place to reach from Bengaluru. The Temple complex is huge with a park at the front.
According to ASI “This is a twin temple built side by side. The north one is dedicated to Bhoganandishwara and the south shrine to Arunachaleshwara. Each consists of a garbhagriha, a sukanasi and a navagraha. They have two pierced windows opposite to each other in both the sukanasi and navagraha. The four pillars of the navagraha of the Bhoganandeeshwara shrine are carved with fine small figures on all the sides. The ceiling over the, over 7 feet square has, astadhikpalakas with Shiva and Parvathi in the central panel. In front of navaranga entrance is Nandi Mantapa. The outer walls of north and south shrines have pilasters, turrets and pierced windows with a few figures here and there. The base has a frieze of elephants, yaalis and lions intercepted with each other. Both the shrines have fine sikharas built of stone which are mostly similar in design”.
This Temple was built by Ratnavali, the consort of Bana King Bana Vidyadhara in AD 810. It was under the patronage of later dynasties of Ganga, Chola, Hoysala and Vijaynagar Empire.
The main kalyani in the temple is surprisingly kept clean. You can see Nandi hills in the backdrop.
Kalyani is a good place for fish pedicure.
Another small kalyani in the park does not enjoy similar cleanliness.
Look at the window art. Very beautiful!!
Equally beautiful are the sculptures on the wall.
The vasantha mantapa has distinct Vijaynagar era style.
And so is the Mahanavami dibba.
I was immensely satisfied with this temple. A must visit anyone who staying in Bengaluru and interested in Architecture. Even Tanu was very happy with the Temple and its surrounding. Here is something she is trying hard to push. Of course, it was just for photography!!
R Niranjan Das
Such beautiful captures!
Vineeta Yashswi
Lovely shots…
aravindgj
Niranjan, Vineeta,
Thanks for your comments.
india tour
Good place, Nice pictures and narration. Enjoyed. Still East is pending in my list
India tour services
india tour
Great article with excellent idea! I appreciate your post.
Indiatour services
india tour
Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very helpful information specially the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was looking for this certain info for a long time. Thank you
india tour services
Sana
Beautiful pictures Aravind.
aravindgj
Sahana,
Thanks for your comments.