Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, an example of Indian rock-cut architecture, is located in Bangalore in the state of Karnataka in India.
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Temple
The ancient temple was cut out of the rock probably in the 9th century. It is a natural monolith rock formation with the cave temple carved out of it. It is 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. Those worshipping this deity believe it will cure one of all eye defects.[1]
Thousands of devotees come in January every year on Makar sankranti Day to this cave temple. This is a special day when the sunrays fall on the Sivalinga for one hour as it passes between the horns of the Nandi. Such was the knowledge of architecture and astronomy that the ancient sculptors could craft the horns of the stone bull outside the temple so that the sun's rays would pass through its horns and light up the deity Shiva Linga inside the cave.[2]
This is one of few temples in Bangalore dedicated to Shiva and is visited by hundreds of devotees during Shivaratri.[3]
Protected temple
The temple shrine is a protected monument under the Karnataka Ancient and Historical Monuments, and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1961.[4]
Notes
- ^ "Temple inside an age-old cave". http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/mar292004/metro11.asp. Retrieved 2006-09-13.
- ^ "About Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple". http://www.tourtravelworld.com/hot_spots/bangalore/gavi_gangadhareshwara_temple/. Retrieved 2006-09-13.
- ^ "Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple at Bangalore(Karnataka)". http://www.templenet.com/Karnataka/gavigang.html. Retrieved 2006-09-13.
- ^ "Temple inside an age-old cave". http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/mar292004/metro11.asp. Retrieved 2006-09-13.
See also
- Bhaja Caves
- Varaha Cave Temple
- Undavalli caves
- Badami Cave Temples
- Nellitheertha Cave Temple
- Pandavleni Caves
- Karla Caves
- Elephanta Caves
- Indian rock-cut architecture
- Hulimavu cave temple
External links
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