Dharmaraya Swamy Temple, Bengaluru, Karnataka
| Date built: | – |
|---|---|
| Deity: | Pandavas |
| Architectural style: | – |
| Major festivals | Bangalore Karaga |
| Locale: | – |
| District:: | Bengaluru |
| Address: | Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple Main Road, Old Taluk Cutchery Rd, Thigalarpet, Nagarathpete, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560002 |
| Phone |
09360017000
|
Architecture
When we look at the history of the temple, it is believed that the temple was constructed by the Ganga Arasu people. These people also known as Vanhi Kula Kshatriyas or “Thigalas” The Archeology survey department which has undertaken a study of the stone and masonry has concluded that this temple is about 800 years old. It is also learnt that when Bangalore city was built by Kempe Gowda in the 16th century, the Kempegowda Gopuras (towers) were built in the four corners of the city keeping the Sri Dharmarayaswamy Temple vimanagopura kalasa as a centre point. The four towers are the Ulsoor tower in the North-East, The Bellary Road Tower in the North-West, The Lalbagh Tower in the South-East, The Gavipura Tower in the South-West.
The Gonga Arasu or Ganga Arasu kings used to build their towns near lakes or river beds and also, built their temples at a lower level to the ground with a further lower level pradakshina patha. Sri Dharmaraya Swamy temple was built in the Sidhikatte lake bed area & it is below the land level that existed prior to current Bangalore. It is also learnt that this old town was called as Kalyanapuri, a Town of Temples, Ponds & Religious centres. Later, it was named as “Bendhakaluru” and then as “Bengaluru”.
Legend / Local stories
The temple resembles the architectural features of the Gangas, the Pallavas and the Vijayanagara styles. The garbhagruha is in Ganga style, the vimanagopura is in Pallava style and the mukhamantapa is in Vijayanagar style, which shows the development of this temple in three different ages. The fourth stage of development of rajagopura and sabhangana was taken up in the 20th century.
The earlier rajagopura was built well before Kempe gowda founded Bangalore in the year 1530 A.D. Kempe Gowda was an ardent devotee of this temple. Bangalore city was designed keeping this temple as its reference. The temple area was developed as Halasuru pete. This area is also known as Kalyanapuri. The temple had vast area around with a Kalyani & Dharmachatra, which however are not found today.
There were Pallavas style carved chambers between prangana & the newly built sabhangana, these carved chambers were removed and replaced by Ashtalakshmi Idols. The study quotes that the vimanagopura which is in the Pallava style matches with that of the Magadi temples & Halasuru temples built by Kempe Gowda.
Photo Gallery
How to Reach:
By Air: Bangalore is well connected to all other major cities by air and hence, you can catch a direct flight to Bangalore airport. From the airport, you can hire a direct cab to Dharmaraya Swamy Temple. The distance between the temple and the airport is 36 km.
By Rail: There are direct trains available to Bangalore railway station from all all the major cities and towns. From the station, you can take a taxi to the temple, which is located in the Thigalarpet locality.
By Road: You can either catch a bus or drive on your own directly to Dharmaraya Swamy Temple in Bangalore as it is well connected to other cities and towns by road.
Contact Details
Official Address