The Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple is a very famous and most revered Hindu temple that is located in Gavipuram, Hanumantha nagar, Bengaluru in the state of Karnataka, India. The temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and the main significance of this temple is the mysterious stone alignment and unique rock-cut architecture. The temple has a very rich history that the people believe that the temple was built in the 9th century and after that, it was innovative in the 16th century.
The temple is also called as Gavipuram Cave Temple because the temple is in a cave-like structure. There are four stone pillars in the courtyard and they represent Damaru (drum), Trishul (trident), Chakra (discus), and a Surya Yantra (sun disc), That all are associated with the Lord Shiva. The famous thing about this temple is the annual phenomena that occurs in this temple during the Makar Sankranti on January 14th or 15th during the sunset the sunrise passes through the arched windows and illuminates on the shiva linga inside the sanctum.
Arunachalam Temple Timings & Darshan Tickets, Pooja, Online Booking 2025
Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple History & Architecture
The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, a quiet monument to Shaivite devotion and ancient engineering, is tucked away in a busy Bengaluru neighborhood. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this magnificent cave temple is thought to have been constructed in the ninth century and refurbished in the sixteenth century under Kempe Gowda I. Lord Shiva is revered here as Gangadhareshwara, the bearer of the sacred Ganga. The temple, which was carved straight into a rocky hill, is a prime example of India’s early mastery of stone architecture as well as its spiritual legacy.
The architecture of the rock-cut temple is its most fascinating feature. The interiors, which are entirely carved from natural monolithic rock, feature shrines, stone pillars, and a sanctum that exudes an unadulterated, age-old energy. A stunningly carved Shivalinga is housed in the sanctum, and the cool, dark passageways of the cave evoke a sense of mystical awe. The astrological alignment of this temple, however, is what really makes it special. Every year on Makar Sankranti (mid-January), the main deity in the sanctum is illuminated by the rays of the setting sun as they precisely pass through an arc, a feat of astronomical precision created centuries ago.
The monolithic sculptures of trishulas (tridents), damarus (drums), and two enormous stone discs in the courtyard—which are believed to be the sun and moon—all contribute to its enigmatic nature. In addition to devotees, historians, architects, and scholars are drawn to the combination of Vedic symbolism and creative architecture. Despite its ancient origins, the temple is still a thriving center of worship where faith, science, and myth coexist peacefully.
Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple Darshan Timings [2025 Updated]
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple |
| Location | Bangalore, Karnataka, India |
| Darshan Timings | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Pooja Timings | Morning: 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM, Afternoon: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM, Evening: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
| Abhishekam Timings | 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM (Daily) |
| Special Darshan | Available on request |
| Entry Fee | Free for general darshan |
| Seva/Pooja Charges | ₹100 – ₹1,000 (varies by pooja) |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning or during festivals |
| Contact Information | Available at the temple premises |
Morning and Evening Timings
| Day | Morning Hours | Evening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Sunday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple Darshan Timings
| Day | Morning Darshan | Temple Break | Evening Darshan | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Sunday | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple Online Booking
currently the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple does not provide any online booking services like Puja booking or darshan ticket booking for booking of tickets is only available on site the devotees directly reach to the temple to get their direction tickets and Puja tickets. So the devotees need to be remember this point visiting the temple is must follow the dress code which follows a traditional attire.
Temple Dress Code – Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple
Men: Traditional wear such as dhoti, kurta, or full-length pants and a shirt. Avoid sleeveless tops or shorts.
Women: Saree, salwar kameez, long skirts with blouses, or any attire that covers shoulders and knees. Avoid tight-fitting or revealing clothes.
Footwear: Must be removed before entering the temple premises, as is customary in Hindu temples.
Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple Pooja Timings and Offerings
| Pooja | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Abhisheka | 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM |
| Madhyana Pooja | 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM |
| Evening Pooja | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple Abhishekam Timings
| Abhishekam Type | Timing | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Abhishekam | 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM | Daily |
| Rudrabhishekam | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Daily |
| Ekadasha Rudrabhishekam | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Daily |
Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple Pooja Ticket Prices
| Pooja/Seva | Timing | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Abhishekam | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | ₹200 |
| Rudrabhisheka | 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM | ₹300 |
| Bilva Archana | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM | ₹150 |
| Mahamrityunjaya Homam | On Request | ₹1,000 |
| Nandideepa Seva | All Day | ₹100 |
| Ekadasha Rudra Pooja | 10:00 AM (Mondays) | ₹500 |
| Panchamruta Abhishekam | 8:00 AM (Special Days) | ₹600 |
| Alankara Seva | 9:30 AM (Festivals) | ₹800 |
| Special Pooja on Mondays | 8:00 PM | ₹500 |
How to reach Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple by metro
The ways like road, metro, train and air well connect Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple.
By Road:
- The temple is located in Gavipuram, Hanumantha Nagar, Bangalore And the nearest bus stop to the temple in Bengaluru is Majestic (Kempegowda Bus Station) Approximately 4 kilometers.
- The busses and taxi are available from the Hanumantha Nagar to the temple and also alternative way is You take BMTC buses to Basavanagudi or Hanumantha Nagar and then walk or take an auto-rickshaw to the temple.
By Metro:
- The nearest metro station to the temple is Lalbagh Metro Station When the temple is approximately 2 kilometres from the metro station.
- From there you had a taxi to reach to the temple it takes approximately five to ten minutes to reach to the temple.
By Train:
- The nearest railway station to the temple is Bangalore City Railway Station (Majestic) In Bangalore and the temple was approximately two kilometers from the railway station from there we can hire a taxi or busses also available to reach to the temple.
By Air:
- The nearest airport to the temple is Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) The temple was approximately forty kilometers from the airport.
- From there you can hire an airport taxi, cab, or BMTC Vayu Vajra bus (KIAS-9 or KIAS-10) to Majestic and then follow the road route.
Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple Contact Details
Address: No. 14, Gavipuram Extension, Hanumantha Nagar, Banashankari, Bangalore – 560019 Landmark: Near Ram Krishna Ashram.
Contact Number: 080 2235 2828
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Q1: Where is Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple located?
A: The temple is located in Gavipuram, near Basavanagudi, in Bengaluru (Bangalore), Karnataka, India.
Q2: Who is the main deity of the temple?
A: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here in the form of Gangadhareshwara, the bearer of the Ganga river on his head.
Q3: What is special about this temple?
A: It is famous for its rock-cut cave architecture and the sunlight phenomenon that occurs on Makar Sankranti, when the evening sun’s rays illuminate the Shivalinga through a precise opening in the rock.
Q4: When was the temple built?
A: The temple is believed to date back to the 9th century but was renovated in the 16th century by Kempe Gowda I, the founder of Bengaluru.
Q5: What are the temple timings?
A:
- Morning: 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
(Timings may vary on festival days.)
Q6: Is there an entry fee to visit the temple?
A: No, entry is free for all visitors.
Q7: What is the best time to visit the temple?
A: The temple is open year-round, but Makar Sankranti (January 14th) is the most auspicious time due to the unique sunray event.
Q8: Is photography allowed inside the temple?
A: Photography is generally not allowed inside the cave sanctum, but visitors may take pictures in the outer temple premises.
Q9: Are there any facilities near the temple?
A: Yes, basic amenities like parking, water, and shops are available nearby. It is also well-connected by public transport from all parts of Bengaluru.