The most popular Indian rock-cut architecture signifies the beauty of Gavi Gangadareshwara Temple. It is also known by the name of Gavipuram cave temple, counted as one of the top places to visit near Bangalore. This temple has many mysteries of sandstone discs in the courtyard. It is built in a way that determines the exact plan permit the sunlight to come inside the shrine in a specific moment of the year.

The temple was built around the 16th century by the notable ruler Kempe Gowda. He was the founder of the city of Bangalore. The Gavi Gangadareshwara Temple is one of the oldest temples. This temple was a result of gratitude to Kempe Gowda once he unconstrained himself from the penal complex for the last five years by the Rama Raya.

Gavi Gangadareshwara Temple has four monolithic pillars which is the representation of Trishul, Damaru and the two supporters on the courtyard. It is a naturally built cave dedicated to worship Lord Shiva. The monolithic stones were cut out to build in the courtyard containing several monolithic sculptures.

There are other idols inside having two heads, three legs and seven hands. It is a rare idol of Lord Agni.  It is believed that those who show adoration to such deities will heal from the flaws in the eye.  There is a beautiful image of the 12 hands of Shakti Ganapati adorning at the main doorway of the temple to greet the visitors.
  
There are two granite pillars inside the temple which act as a giant disk for the sun and the moonlight entering the temple, whereas, the other two have a Nandi on the top of it. 

Gavi Gangadareshwara Temple sun rays

During the popular occasion of the Makar Sankranti, the Gavi Gangadareshwara Temple witnesses an exclusive incident. In the dusk the sunlight surpass through a semicircle between the Nandi, the bull, horns. The light directly falls on the head of the Shiva linga inside. This illuminates the dark interior of this temple.

Thousands and lakhs of the devotees ponder inside the temple to witness the special effect on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. As per the historians and researchers, the contemporary structure of the temple is built in a way that will illuminate during summer solstice and winter solstice.  Even today, the sun rays illuminate the Linga from 13th – 1st January and 26th – 2nd December.

The shrine is sheltered under the concern of the Karnataka Ancient and Historical Monuments; and even the Department of Archaeological of the state of Karnataka. The temple is of great importance due to the preserved Indian culture and heritage.

People tend to believe that there is a tunnel txhat directly leads to the pilgrimage place in north India, Kashi. They flock here to even give bath to the Shiva Lings with litres of milk on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. Although, no proper proof is found on this truth.

Gavi Gangadareshwara Temple timings

Gavi Gangadareshwara Temple generally opens from 6 AM in the morning till 12:30 PM at noon. It again resumes from 5 PM  to 8 PM in the evening. It remains open on all the days of the week. It is best to visit in the early morning or the early evening times to avoid congestion.  

One day trip from Bangalore is explored perfectly if you visit Gavi Gangadareshwara Temple on weekdays or even on weekends. This pilgrimage and historical place has wonderful mystic features inside. Explore it and plan a trip.