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The enhancement of this temple is attributes to Kempegowda, the 16th century chieftain who founded Bangalore.

The sanctorum is carved out of the boulder, in the typical indian rock cut architecture style. Outside, on to of the boulder above the the sanctorum are the 'Kalasha Shikaras', the towers.

The outer mantapa (open pavilion) is done in the typical Vijayanagara sty (a 16th century addition)

Pillars At the outside are four giant pillars. The first two are associated with Lord Shiva, the other two are astronomical devices.

The capitals of two pillars are carved with a trident and a twin drum. Both are symbolisms connected with Lord Siva.

The other two with large disk like shape carved on it is aligned to map solstices, an astronomical phenomena where the sun appears to reach its most northerly or southerly excursion relative to the celestial equator. These two pillars faces each other, located across the temple courtyard.

Makara Sankranti The annual celestial landmark day called the Makara Sankranti attracts huge crowd to this temple for a reason. On this day (typically on Jan 14), on this day sun starts the northward journerney (solstices). This also marks the harvest season in India, a county with agrarian background the astronomical heritage.

On this day, the idol inside the cave ( Shiva Linga) is lit by the direct sunray, thanks to the ingenuity and precision with which this simple looking shrine is architected.

Hari Hara Gudda This hillock slightly east of the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple houses Shiva, Vishu and Subrahmanya. The white and ochre striped outerwall, is typical of a south india temple.

Temple is open from 7am to 12:30pm. And 5:30pm to 8:30pm.

[#tip]There are many other attractions around the vicinity. The popular Bull Temple of Bangalore is located 1km south of the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple.

[#food] Gandhi Bazar is a popular shopping area (local markets). The legendary Vidyarthi Bhavan nearby is a popular snacks joint.

[#metro]The National College metro station is the nearest metro station (1½km). Take the Green Line.

See how to combine the attractions around this area of Bangalore into a 1 day or 2 days itinerary.