Ancient Someshwara Temple – Bengaluru - Karnataka

Talking of Older Temples in Bangalore, you cannot  miss the Someshwara Temple which is one the oldest temples of Bangalore. Built during the 12th and 13th Centuries by the Hoyasalas(Cholas), this is the oldest temple in Halasuru(Ulsoor). This temple is one of the most striking examples of ancient Indian architecture and a mixture of Hoyasala, Vijaynagar and chola architectures. There are large number of eloborately carved pillers inside the temple premise.This temple has been rebuilt and beautified by the great King Kempe Gowda, during the 16Th Century by building a Compund wall and the Rajagopuram

The temple is dedicated to Someshwara (Lord Shiva). Also present are Godess Kamakshamma, Arunachaleswara, Bhimeswara, Nanjundeswara and Panchalingeswara.Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma are also worshipped over here. 

The Someshwara Temple, Bangalore is one of the most beautiful temples of the city. You can come over here and take a look at the amazing sculptures and carvings that beautify this Shiva temple.

This is one of the great ancient temples and the Government of Karnataka is trying to declare this temple as a Heritage site. Please support this cause.

Festivals

The Main Festival here is obviously Maha Shivaratri. The visitors will be in large numbers and visit mainly the Someswara and Panch Lingeswaras and offer Jalaabhishekam.

Brahmotsava on the full moon day.

Kamakshamma Pallaki Utsava in April.During the Kamakshamma Pallaki Utsav, the idol of GoddessKamakshamma is taken out in procession in a palanquin around the temple.

During Ugadi and Karthik Poornima Special Poojas and rituals are offered.

Gavi Gangadhareswara Temple, Gavipuram, Bangalore

Gavi Gangadhareswra Temple is located in Gavi Puram, Bangalore.
This temple is the one example of scince meeting Religion.  It is a natural monolith rock formation with the cave temple carved out of it. It is dedicated to Lord ShivaThis temple has a speciality. Every year on the day of Makara Sankranti, The sun Rays pass throught the horns of the Nanid and light up the sanctum sanctorium on the shivaling. The precission of the timing of the event denotes the advances made by science in the ancient days.
On this day thousands of devotees visit this temple and see the spactacle.
it is also the day where many astronomers visit the place for finding the science behind the event.
The other things include four monolithic pillars and a rare idol of Agni, the God of fire. this is a unique Agni murthi which has two heads, seven hands and three legs. Those worshipping this deity believe it will cure one of all eye defects.