Tuesday 29 January 2008

Sri Anjaneya Temples in Bangalore

Bangalore is home to many temples , Ancient and New.

In Particular , there are many temples dedicated to Lord Anjaneya or Hanuman. I will be listing few of the temples I know of in Bangalore in this post.

  • Gali Anjaneya temple -Said to be the oldest one in Bangalore is on the Mysore Road, said to be established in 1425 by Vyasaraya. It is said to be the sixth of the 635 Anjaneya temples consecrated by Vyasaraya,
  • Ragiguda Anjaneya Temple at JP Nagar (Atop a Hill Near Woodys/ Jayanagar East End)
  • Ancient Anjaneya Temple at Banaswadi
  • Veera Anjaneya Temple at Mahalaxmi Layout (Near ISCKON Temple)
  • Anjaneya temple at Yelahanka Gate (Near Mysore Bank)
  • Karanji Anjaneya at Basavanagudi (Behind BMS Law College)
  • Anjaneya Temple at Hanumanth Nagar (Atop a hill)
  • Anjaneya Temple at Bazaar Street in Ulsoor
  • Ancient Anjaneya Temple at Domlur (Near Rama Temple Off Airport Road)
  • Anjaneya Temple in Madiwala (On Hosur Road) - Big Anjaneya
  • Anjaneya Temple on Aghara Circle (Outer Ring Road) - If the above one is big, then this is Huge
  • Sundara Anjaneya Temple  NRI Layout , TC Palya Road - A Beautiful Temple
  • KATTANAGIRI ANJANEYA TEMPLE, BILESHIVALE, off Hennur Bagalur Main road, Bngalore North

Thursday 24 January 2008

My Visit to an Ancient Temple - Sri Someshwara Temple in Old Madiwala (Bangalore)

Few months back, I had the opportunity to locate one of the long forgotten heritage of the Bangalore City.

In the by lanes of Old Madiwala, near Silk Board/Dollar Colony lies the Ancient Someshwara Temple. This temple is more than 800 year old and was built by Chola Kings

The whole Madiwala, Silk Board Area, Madivala Lake and Maruthi Nagar once belonged to the temple.

The temple houses a "Swayambu" Shiva linga in it Sanctum Sanctorum (Shiva lingam formed by natural Rock Formation). But unlike other ancient temples which I visited in Bangalore , this temple is in good shape and cared well by people around. This shows the real strength people have in protecting our heritage without outside help.

I came to know from the priest that renovation work was done during 2004, before that temple was in very bad shape. Many of the inscriptions which temple once had are lost in sands of time but still the temple has been renovated with proper guidance.

This temple also has the word Bengaluru inscribed in one of its Wall stones inscriptions which survived to tell the tale of the temple , about the rulers and assets it once owned

When one hears of Someshwara temple in Bangalore , only Ulsoor temple comes into our minds but this temple built by the same dynasty(Cholas) and time is not known to many. Even for the people residing near it. The same dynasty had built Ulsoor Someshwara temple and Begur Pancha Lingeshwara Temple

I request all those interested in preserving our heritage to have a visit once to this temple.

Your feedback and suggestions are highly appreciated.

Please find below some Articles on the temple

http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/jan222004/metro3.asp

http://www.hindu.com/2004/08/20/stories/2004082016400300.htm

(Origin Of Word: 'Benga-val-oru', the City of Guards in old Kannada)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bangalore

History and Origin Of Madivala and its Lake
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/42766601.cms

Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Koramangala (Bangalore)


Dear All,

Shirdi Sai Temple in Koramangala 7th Block will be celebrating its 2nd Year Anniversary on 7 Feb 2008.

Temple Address :
Sri Someshwara Temple/Sadguru Sai Temple
1st Main Road , 7th Block , Koramangala

Route :
Take the Road Beside Robert Bosch (Opp Forum) or
Take the Road Beside Adayar Ananda Bhavan , Koramangala (Opp HDFC Bank)

Tuesday 22 January 2008

Mother ! The Great.

"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother."
-- Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)


The thoughts I am going to share and dwell upon today are best summarized by the above quote by Abraham Lincoln.

Being far away from home for a long time, I realized the true value of my mom after shifting to Bangalore.First haunted by emptiness then by Absence of my family, especially, my mother. Her never dying love and affection, had created such a  vacuum in my life which could not be filled up by anyone else.

After a while, I began to realize the fact that we never understand and recognize the real value of our loved ones and we take their affection for granted.  Reality hits us on the face when we have to live being detached from them.

Not being with my loved ones,  I understood and realized that accessibility of many aspects in life, especially, the love and affection of our parents, are to be cherished and preserved . If we assess the importance of mother's love deeply, we will find that “Greatness of our Mothers lies in the simple fact that the pain of bearing us was not a pain at all. In fact, it brought the joy of bearing a life inside.”

We may feel burden by wearing an extra pullover in winter, but think of our mothers who irrespective of seasons and situations took utmost care and precautions for us even before we were born. For a mother, her child(ren) are the best in the world.

The famous cliché - “A face only a mother could love.” , a clear testimony to mother’s unconditional love. (the cliché used in depicting unpleasantness holds a pleasant truth within it).

We can find a number of instances in history and among us which depicts the greatness of motherhood. But I think we don’t have to look far as we can see a living example in our own lives.

After the realization, I made it a point to always express my gratitude each and every time I speak to her. I believe that this small token of gratitude is nothing and not even enough when compared to the priceless love and affection of a mother that is always there, even if you are living miles away.

As always I will like to have feedback and suggestions !!

Monday 21 January 2008

Light from Many Lamps -Lillian Eichler Watson , A Gem of a book

My "tryst" with the above mentioned book started while watching a TV interview of India's former president Mr APJ Abdul Kalam , when the interviewer asked him "what did you buy from your first Salary?"

The reply was " A Second hand edition of the book LIGHT FROM MANY LAMPS - L Watson and a gift for his father" (Not to Quote)

Immediately it struck me that if a wise man like Kalam sir had brought this book from his first Salary, then it must be really good.

Next Day I went about purchasing the book from a bookshop near my place and had a glance through it.

The striking feature of this book was its nicely divided sections for different facets of life like happiness , work etc.

It is not too textual and contains inspiring quotes and short poems from many different sources.

Most of the quotes and poems have been elaborated by giving their history of origin.

I still have to go through the book completely but I think one should not read this book in a hurry but contemplate after reading each quote or poem.

One can achieve full utility from this book only when one compares and implements the goodness this book holds.

Believe me this book is one to cherish and to be kept along for all times.

It is easily available in all major bookshops. and cost around 270 Rs.

I would like to have your feedback on the book once you read it.

Amazom.com Links : http://www.amazon.com/Indian-President-Abdul-Kalams-List/lm/2ZRSH7OVCTYLE/ref=cm_lmt_srch_f_1_rsrsrs0

http://www.amazon.com/Indian-President-Abdul-Kalams-List/lm/2ZRSH7OVCTYLE

Friday 18 January 2008

My visit to an Ancient Temple - Basavanna Temple Mamulpet

This time my visit to the temple was by sheer luck


Tucked Inside the corner of the Busy Avenue Road, Right in Middle of Mamulpet (literally as it on the Middle of the Road) is the ancient temple of Basaveshwara / Basavanna. I came to know about this temple during my periodical visit to Mamulpet for buying Incense Sticks (The place is very famous for Incense Sticks)


Previously I just went past the temple without having much interest.


But after my previous visit, I read a article in The Hindu which stated the place where Kote Venkateshwara temple (Fort Area) stands there used to be a Shiva temple which was shifted to Mamulpet.


After reading this article I could make out that it was the same temple as the structure of the temple in Mamulpet is very old.


The Excerpts and link of the Article:

http://thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/08/29/stories/2002082900270200.htm


"Kote Venkataramanaswamy temple was built by Chikkadevaraya in 1690 and the Basaveshwara there was shifted to Mamulpet. Possibly, they forgot to shift the scenes from Girija Kalyana on the sanctorum walls along with Basaveswara. "


This time I made up my mind that I will have a visit to the Temple. But due to circumstances I had to visit the place during noon. To my disappointment the temple was closed and I gave up the thought.

I went ahead with my primary task of purchasing. After returning from the shop to my Amazement I saw that the temple door Open. I approached the main door and enquired the Security Guard there about the place.


Looking at my curiosity may be, he took me inside and showed the Idol. Later I came to know that door was opened just for few minutes for the purpose of shifting some Materials inside. I really felt lucky to have got a chance to see the Lord and thanked the Lord and Security Guard.


Description of the Temple:

What remains of the temple is just the main structure (A Hall) containing the Sanctum Sanctorum. The main beauty or the specialty of the temple is the Shivlinga is placed between the horns of the Nandi and Nandi is in the Main Sanctum Sanctorum itself. Once this temple may have been a big structure but now it stands a single structure in middle of the road (Basavanna Road after the Temple).


If you are in the vicinity of Avenue Road Area, Do try to visit this forgotten Heritage of Bangalore.


Landmark : Near NSK shetty's Incense Maker in Mammulpet ( Ask for Basvanna Temple in Mammulpet) Off Avenue Road . Near from KR Market Bus Stand


Compilation of Links on Bangalore's History and Heritage


Her majestic mien still reigns - Deccan Herald
www.deccanherald.com/Archives/mar62006/metromon165310200635.asp

Chapel of St Maria Goretti
http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/dec202004/metro10.asp

Mayo Hall: Still a picture of elegance - Deccan Herald
http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/july122004/metro9.asp


Magnificent visionary - Deccan Herald - Internet Edition
http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/sep192005/metromon1340492005918.asp


Sentinel of secular structure - Deccan Herald
http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/jan242005/metro13.asp

Adventure in visual art & history - Deccan Herald - Internet Edition
www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/may162005/metromon165352005515.asp

Avenue into past & present - Deccan Herald - Internet Edition
http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/oct172005/metromon1346620051016.asp

Centre of artistic excellence - Deccan Herald
http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/july262004/metro13.asp

A monument to faith in Ulsoor - Deccan Herald - Internet Edition
http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/aug222005/metromon1237262005821.asp

Swampy area to a swanky one - Deccan Herald
www.deccanherald.com/Archives/aug232004/metro11.asp

Charmingly old world - Deccan Herald - Internet Edition
www.deccanherald.com/Archives/jul112005/metromon183932005710.asp

Weekend for history buffs - Deccan Herald - Internet Edition
www.deccanherald.com/Archives/apr212005/metrothurs1435592005420.asp

Withstanding ritual by fire - Deccan Herald
www.deccanherald.com/archives/mar212005/metro.asp


Creating a future worthy of the past and present - Deccan Herald ...
http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/aug292005/metromon14522005828.asp


A ride on Bangalore’s pride - Deccan Herald - Internet Edition
http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/mar132006/metromon1659552006312.asp


Digging up history - Deccan Herald - Internet Edition
http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/mar202006/metromon142282006319.asp


Frozen in a time warp - Deccan Herald - Internet Edition
http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/apr182005/metromon1716362005417.asp


Bangalore Club beckons - Deccan Herald - Internet Edition
http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/apr252005/metromon143532005424.asp


A Chola temple in Domlur! - Deccan Herald
http://www.deccanherald.com/Archives/apr192004/metro9.asp


From Tipu to the Raj Bhavan - Deccan Herald - Internet Edition
http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/jul182005/metromon1354182005717.asp

My Visit to An Ancient Temple - Chokkanathan Temple , Domlur

Continuing on my curiosity and liking for exploring the hidden and forgotten heritage sites of Bangalore An article in Deccan Herald prompted me to visit a temple in Domlur .

This blog is on perhaps the oldest and ancient temple in Bangalore encompassed by congested vicinity of Domlur.

The notes in article which heightened my curiosity were :
  • The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu built by the rulers of Chola dynasty who were mainly followers of Lord Shiva
  • The Lord is known as Chokkanathan, a name attributed to Lord Shiva
  • The main idols in sanctum sanctorum are made of Saligramam, a rarity
  • Historically, it also tells the reign of the Chola dynasty

I decided to visit the temple. But there was a problem. Majority of people I knew in Bangalore didn’t seem to know about the temple. But finally after lot of enquiry I got a fair indication on the location of the temple from one of my friends in Domlur.The temple was at a high base and seemed to be renovated recently. After climbing small steps we reached the entrance. Near the entrance there was a portrait depicting the state of the temple as on 15th August 1947 (India’s Independence Day). Only a mound with entrance existed then.

The idol is small but very beautiful and the place has some thing special about it. There is also a very old Anjaneya temple near the Chokkanathan temple which is worth visiting. The head of Anjaneya is said to be at the level of Lord Chokkanathan’s feet.

The temple had suffered the ravages of time but now has been restored.
I would request all those, who are interested in cherishing and preserving our ancient heritage to visit the temple at least once

========================================================================
 Brief History of the Temple and Domlur:

Tombalur (the present Domlur) alias Desimaanikka Pattinam in the region of Ilaippakka Nadu (the present city of Bangalore) of the country the Thadikaipaadi (Karnataka).Renamed as Rajaraja Chola Valanaadu after Chola Conquest later renamed Rajendra Chola Valanaadu during Rajendra Chola era.

Temple was constructed by a Tamil Chettiar named Thiripuraanthakan of Talakkaadu and his wife Chettichchi Parpathi in the 10th Century.

(Reference: Epigraphia Carnativa Vol 9) 

Landmark to visit the temple : The Road Besides Steve's Gym on Airport Road (Domlur) opposite New Shanti Sagar leads to the temple.

Update: Now the temple has become famous and can be easy to locate once you reach BDA complex in Domlur

========================================================================

My Visit to an Ancient Begur Temple - Sri Panchalingeshwara Temple


When One thinks of Bangalore , the first thing that comes to mind is a Hi-Tech city.But behind this Glamor and Glitz there exists a city full of rich heritage waiting to be explored and cherished.

I will be taking up different aspects (Temple and Monuments), Which I have explored or will be exploring in this blog.Let me start with my visit to one of the oldest temple in Bangalore , rich in History and spirituality

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Visit to ancient Temple of Sri Pancha Lingaeshwara Temple,Begur
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Entrance to the Main Hall of the Begur Temple


It all strted when I stumbled upon an article of this temple while surfing on the web for Bangalore history. The article was very informative and briefed me on the oldest mention of the word "Bengaluru" which is found in an inscription at this temple of "Begur".

Reading the article tickled my inquisitive cells and I decided to explore more on the temple.
 

In the beginning I faced some problems in pin-pointing the location but as usual the web came to my help, by providing a link to another article that had loads of information. The information I needed and more . I immediately got motivated to visit the place which was off Hosur Road (on Begur Road,Bommanahalli)
.
The Journey Begins....

On a misty Sunday Morning, Me and my friend embarked upon the "exploration" on a bike . After taking the turn for Begur road off Hosur Road, we understood that we are going to have a rough ride ahead.

It seems there was a road among potholes and not the other way around. After a lot of maneuvering and inquiring, we finally reached the place. From a distance itself the temple had a look of antiquity.

The entrance to the temple was through a small gopuram. (Which has been replaced by a new one now).The proximity to the Begur lake added to the Charm.The temple basically consists of 5 Shiva lingas, each having its own specialty with its own special meditation spots..

The surroundings gave us a soothing feeling of serenity and warmth.Fortunately we reached at the time when Aarthi (Showing of Burning Camphor to the God) was to be performed for all the lingas.

After the Aarthi got over , we inquired about the temple past.The priest (the 15th Generation of the Priest Family of Temple) informed us about the temple . It is believed to be more than 1000 years old and received the patronage of Gangas , Cholas and all the dynasties that followed.


 
 
The environment encompassing the temple is of peace and serenity. One really feels calm and cool just by visiting the place esp. in the early mornings. Far from the crowd and congestion of the city , the temple is a wonderful, peaceful and serene place to visit .

There are few places where you get the feeling of Peaceful Bliss and this is one of those places.The place where you can speak to your inner self and get a kind of unexplainable comfort. Do visit this place when you can get time.



Just to enumerate particular and unique info about the temple :
  • Boasts of Five lingas , each having its owns specialties.
  • One of the Oldest Ganesha idol in south is in the temple
  • In the temple you will the oldest mention of the world of "Bengaluru" in Stone slab.
  • Inscription is much older than the famous story of Benda Kadalu.
  • The slab is in a neglected state and needs immediate attention.
  • Temple is a Bhaskara Shetra ( Sun God ).
  • Temple has a rich history and received the patronage of many rulers.
Special Days :

  • Maha Shivratri : celebrated every year on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of the month of Maagha (as per Shalivahana) or Phalguna (as per Vikrama) in the Hindu Calendar (that is, the night before and day of the new moon). 

  • Pradosham : Occurs once in every 15 days and considered most auspicious by Shaivites, almost 2 days before either Amavasya (black moonday) or Pournima (full moon day). 

Note : The best time to visit the temple is 7:30 AM in the morning and 6:00 PM in the evening. Temple has a bus stop in its name in Begur . There are many buses which ply from KR Market and other areas to Begur. (343 Series of BMTC Buses Ply on this Route)

Some of the temple's Historic relics are housed in Bangalore Museum (Next to Vishweshwaraya Industrial & Technological Museum)

Noteworthy Inscriptions in Epigraphia Carnatica
==================================


On a stone now in the Bangalore Museum, from temple at Begur

svasti samasta-bhuvana-vinuta Ga.nga-kula-gagana-iiirmruala-t,arapati jaladhi-jala-vipula-valayamekhala-
ka]apalankriteladhipatya-lakshmi-svayamvrita-pati talv-ady-aganita-guna-gana-vibhushana-
vibhu9hita-vibhuti srimad-Ej^yappa-arasar pagevar ellamam nih-kshatram madi Gangavadi
tombhattaru-sasiramuman eka-chchhatra-chchhayeyol aluttam ijdu Bira-Mahendranol kadal endu
Ayyapa-Devange samanta-sahitam Nagattaranam dandu veldode Tumbepadiyol kadi kalegam imb
alidode aneyoj ant iridu sattod adara keld Ereyapam mechchi Irugange Nagattara-vattam gatti Bempur-
ppanneradumam sasana-baidham kalnad itan aviiv endode || Berapuru Tovagiiru Puvina-Pullimangala
Kutanidu-Nalluru Nalliiru Komarangundu Tggaluru Dugmonelmalli-Galafijavagilu Sajamu
Elkunde Paravuru Kfidale initumam polainere-sahitam ittan Ereyapam sevucharan Naga[ttal range
maugajam aha sri



Date about 890 AD
Be it well. When,—a spotless moon in the sky the Ganga-kula praised in all the world, the
self-chosen lord of the Lakshmi of sovereignty over the earth decorated at her waist with a z me of
the wide circle of the waters of the ocean, his greatness adorned with the ornament of these and a
host of countless virtues,—srimad Erejarjparasa, having made all his enemies powerless, was ruling
the Gangavadi Ninety-six Thousand under tbe shadow of one umbrella :—on ordering Nigattara
along with his feudatories  and the army to Ayyapa-Deva in order to fight against Bira-Mahendra, fighting in Tumbepadi when the battle was losing ground, going close up among the elephants, he
slew and died.Hearing that, Ereyapa was pleased, and binding the Nagattara crown on Iruga, gave
him the Bempur Twelve, secured by a sasana, as kalnad. Those are as follows :—Benpuru,
Tovaguru, Puvina-Pullimangala, Kutanidu-Nalluru, Nalluru, Komarangundu, I'jrgaluru, Diigmonelmalli-
Galanjavagilu, Saramu, Elkunde, Paravuru, Kudal. Thus rauch, with the fields and
boundaries, did Ereyapa give for the dutiful Naga[tta]ra. Great good fortune,




P:S: A Very useful link www.puzha.com/puzha/selfpublish/1092802792.html

Update:During my second visit to the temple I learnt from the priest that there are two other temples of the same antiquity and style at Nandi Hills. i.e.Bhoganandeeswara temple and Yoganandeeswara Temple.

I have not personally visited these temple at Nandi Hills but will like to do the same in near future. I would appreciate if anyone can share more detailed info and experience on these temples at Nandi Hills.