Bangalore city is rich in spiritual and spectral cultures, which is quite evident by the number of spiritual spots reverberating Kannada traditions and cultural values. This city is also the home to several India religious mentors.
The following are the most popular spiritual spots in this city:
1. Iskcon Temple: This temple is constructed in Dravidian and modern style with stately granite stairs. This temple is devoted to Hindu Lord Krishna. The hill on which this temple is situated is called the Hare Krishna Hill which covers seven acres of land. There are in all forty Iskcon Temples in India. This temple is a breathtaking mix of glasswork and gopuram, a mix of modern and ancient architecture.
2. Bull Temple: This temple was built in the sixteenth century Dravidian Architecture by by Kempe Gowda. It is situated in Basavanagudi. A gigantic monolithic bull carved from only one granite rock measuring fifteen foot in height and twenty foot in length is housed in this temple. A significant festival oof Southern India, known as Kadalekayi Parishe is organized at the Bull Temple every year in the months of November and December. During this festival the farmers offer their very first harvest of peanuts to the holy bull.
3. Someshwara Temple: This temple is situated at Ulsoor and is built in devotion to Hindu Lord Siva. The temple is one of the most striking architectural example of the Chola Dynasty. The impressive Rajagopuram tower is housed inside this temple. A gigantic pillar called the Dwajasthamba is positioned at the temple entrance.
4. Banashankari Temple: This temple was constructed in the year 1915. The peculiar thing about this temple is that its God is worshipped during Rahukala hours of the day which are considered to be the most inauspicious hours by the staunch Hindus. This temple is located in the Kanakapura Road. On Tuesday, Friday and Sunday the temple is most visited and quite crowded.
5. Naganatheshwara Temple: This temple is known to be more than twelve hundred years old. This temple is devoted to Hindu Lord Shiva and was erected by the Cholas. It is situated at a distance of thirteen kilometers from Bangalore in the Begur village. The festival of Shivratri is celebrated great enthusiasm at this temple, the devotees stay awake all night long and perform holy rituals here. In the month of April a significant festival known as Car Festival is held here.
6. Saint Mary’s Basilica: This is situated in Shivaji Nagar. It was initially a small chapel in 1818 started by the French, and today it is the oldest and the most visited church in the city. The chapel was reconstructed in the year 1882. Later on, It was raised to the position of Basilica in the year 1973. The church is built in medieval style, along with magnificent insides and adorned stained glass on the windows. On 8th September the Church celebrates Saint Mary’s Feast each year. On this day the devotees assemble at the church to offer prayers and seek blessings of Blessed Virgin.
7. Jumma Masjid: this is the most erstwhile mosque in Bangalore, it was built near the end of the seventeenth century. Situated in the City Market region, this mosque is five stories tall and also the largest Muslim place of worship in the city. More than ten thousand devotees can accommodate in this mosque at a given time. The beautiful architecture of this mosque becomes even more breathtaking during festival season when the entire building is lit up and decorated.
