Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is a natural monolith carved cave temple, located at Gavipuram Guttahalli, about three kilometers from the city market, in
Bangalore of
Karnataka. Dating back to the ninth century, the temple was built by Kempe Gowda in Vastukala style combined with the principles of astronomy.
The presiding deity is Lord Shiva. A unique image of Lord Agni, apart from an image of Lord Ganesh with 12 hands, is enshrined here. The temple is also noted for its four monolithic pillars, which represent Damaru, Trishul and two fans in the courtyard. The sculptors seen here reflect the architectural and astronomical skills of the ancient times.
Devotees throng here on Makar Sankranti (January), as on this day the sun’s rays pass through the horns of the Nandi bull image outside the temple, illuminating the Shivling inside the cave.
