Your Inspirational World Die/s Every Minute You Dont Read This Article: Bangalore
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Showing posts with label Bangalore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bangalore. Show all posts

Saturday, March 14, 2020

CORONA VIRUS - List of hospitals treating COVID-19 in Bangalore, Karnataka India.

Saturday, March 14, 2020 0
CORONA VIRUS - List of hospitals treating COVID-19 in Bangalore, Karnataka India.

ABOUT CORONA VIRUS, PROTECTIVE MEASURES AND LIST OF HOSPITALS TREATING COVID-19 IN BENGALURU / BANGALORE

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans. 

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans. 

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. 

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

List of hospitals treating COVID-19 in Bangalore

List of hospitals treating COVID-19 in Bangalore / Bengaluru.

1) Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases (RGICD)

Address: Someshwarnagar 1st Main Road, Dharmaram College Post, 1st Block, Hombegowda Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560029

Contact: +080 26088500

2) Manipal Hospitals

Address: 98, HAL Old Airport Rd, Kodihalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560017.

Dr. Mable- Treating only the citizens visited China, Honkong, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan Italy and Iran.

Contact: 080-25211200 (hotline)

3) Narayana Health

Address: 258/A, Bommasandra Industrial Area Anekal Taluk, Hosur Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560099.

Phone: 080675 06870

4) Fortis Hospital

Address: Address: 154, 9, Bannerghatta Main Rd, Opposite IIM, Sahyadri Layout, Panduranga Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560076.

Phone: 080-66214444.

Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus

Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. COVID-19 is still affecting mostly people in China with some outbreaks in other countries. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:

 Basic protective measures against the new corona virus

Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. COVID-19 is still affecting mostly people in China with some outbreaks in other countries. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:

Wash your hands frequently

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

Maintain social distancing

Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.


Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Practice respiratory hygiene

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority. 

 Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

 Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider

Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.

 Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading
  • Follow the guidance outlined above.

  • Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover. Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.

  • If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers. Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

Monday, November 25, 2019

Kalkunte Agraharam (Lord Ranganatha) is located in South of Bangalore in Hoskote Taluk and Bangalore Rural District

Monday, November 25, 2019 0
Kalkunte Agraharam (Lord Ranganatha) is located in South of Bangalore in Hoskote Taluk and Bangalore Rural District

Kalkunte Agraharam (Lord Ranganatha) 

Kalkunte Agraharam is located in South of Bangalore in Hoskote Taluk and Bangalore Rural District on NH-207,about 35km away from Bangalore city.This village has a mix of population speaking  Kannada,Telugu and Tamil due to the confluence of 3 States, though the education medium is Kannada.

 

Kalkunte Agraharam (Lord Ranganatha) is located in South of Bangalore in Hoskote Taluk and Bangalore Rural District

 Historically Kalkunte has been under the Vijayanagaram Empire later ruled by Magadi Kempegowda and subsequently passed onto the then Maharaja of Mysore.

Kalkunte Agraharam has an old temple dating back to at least 2 Centuries.

The presiding diety in this temple is Lord Sri Ranganatha with his consorts

Sri Ranga Nayaki (Sri Maha Lakshmi) and Sri Andaal popularly called Thaayaars.

This Agraharam was once densely populated by a large Sri Vaishnava community, also known as Iyengaars (until about 60-70 years ago). And a vast of this community has left the village now and are settled all over the World with a majority f them in Bangalore.

The Communities arrival to Kalkunte :

The forefathers of the current generation of the Sri Vaishnava community have hailed from many parts of Tamilnadu. The documented original migrated family is that of the three sons and one daughter of Annadaanam Sri.Venkateshacharya from another Agraharam called DUSI located near Kanchipuram.This place is about 8km away on the Kanchipuram -Tiruvannamalai Road. This migration  must have occurred about 230-270 years ago after the fall of Gingee (Senjy in Tamil) to Hyderali. The then Maharaja of Mysore gave them this village as grant and thus an Agraharam was settled here.

There is a well documented 10 Generations of genealogy-Family Tree of all the three sons of Annadaanam Venkateshacharya.The current Generation is the 10 generation from Annadaanam Venkateshacharya.

Then there were others moving into this village due to relationship by marriage like the Chakravarthis, the Kidaambis now called the Cadaambis in Kalkunte of Kanchipuram. They were joined by the Perumaal Iyengaar family from Sri Rangam – Perumal in the Srivaishnava lingo is Lord Sri Ranganatha of Sri Rangam – the Thogare family from Thogur , there was others like the Gomatam family who were early settlers. Apart from this there is also a group migrated from Torepalli near Hosur with 5-6 generations genealogy since migration.

All of these families have a genealogy of 7-8 generations. Apart from this there were other two families who settled in another village now in Tamil Nadu near Sarjapur called Chicchurakanahalli and Sampangere in Kolar District.These families also had marital relationship with the Kalkunte families and are now settlers of Kalkunte itself.They also have a Genealogy of 8-9 generations.

The early settlers were proficient Vedic Scholars and were dedicated to God.

The Lord Sri Ranganatha :

After settlement in the Agraharam they had established a small Temple for daily worship and the then presiding deity is known to be Lord Srinivasa.Once about 200 years ago the Lord Sri Ranganatha appeared in the dreams of a member of the Perumaal Iyengaar family and instructed to bring him from another nearby village about 15km away called Vokkaleri located in Malur Taluk,Kolar District.It is said that the Lord also appeared in the dream of the Vokkaleri Village head and instructed them to hand over the deity.

The Vokkaleri village was once ruled by Pallava kings and date back to 800A.D with copper plate inscription of that period.The close study of the iconography of the presiding deity Lord Ranganatha indicates this belonging to the Pallava architecture.

This movement of Lord Ranganatha from Vokkaleri to Kalkunte Agrahaaram must have occurred around 200 years back. The Temple was constructed right in the middle of their homes and from a small Sanctum Sanctorum was expanded into the current structure.The Raja Gopuram was built recently during nineteen seventies.

The name of the village Kalkunte is a deformed version of Kalkand ( Kallu Sakkare) According to some and another origin says Kenavil Kanda Perumaal ( The Lord seen in the Dreams).There is also a third origin where there was a Kunte a small water body totally surrounded by Kallu (Stones) located at the entrance of the village.

Today this has been land filled (about 60-70 years ago ) and is behind the Vahana Mantapam. Agraharams in the then Mysore State are the villages granted by the Maharaja for Brahmins to settle down to pursue their Vedic studies and teach spirituality to the entire community. The grant is documented in Venkatagiri Shasanam as per say.

There is a 6 line documentation about Kalkunte Agrahaaram in the Mysore Gazetteer then published by C.Hayavadan Rao in 1923 who had personally visited this village to collect the details.

The other facilities like Paakashala and the Dining Hall was added later as and when these were donated by the families migrating away from the village.

The Poojas in the Temple are conducted as per the PANCHARATRA AAGAMA method and also as per the Vadakalai Sampradayam taught by Sri Vedantha Desikan.

There is a separate sanctum for the Alwar and Aachaaryas consisting of Nammalwaar,

Sri Bhagavad Raamanujacharya and Sri Vedantha Desikan collectively called desikan Sannidhi.

The Phalashruthi for conducting Garudotsavam in Kalkunte Agraharam :

The specialty of this deity is like that of SriRama and Krishna who went in search of their devotees. Sri Rama went to seek devotees like Shabari,Hanumantha,and Vibheeshana etc to the places where they stayed. Similarly Sri Krishna went to seek his devotees like Kubja, Vidhura,Pandavaas etc.Lord SriRanganatha in Kalkunte is also special for his Chaturbhuja Avataaram with Brahma in the Nabhi Kamalam.

The presence of Garuda has a Great significance.Those who are having Sarpa Dosham / Kuja Dosham / Ashlesha Dosham  (Also called Maangalik Dosh in Hindi)  etc can be ridden of all these Dosham completely by performing an Abhishekam to Moolavar  with Garudotsava Sevas.

There is Nithya Pooja conducted in this temple managed by the Sri Ranganatha Swamy Sabha,Regd,Kaklunte – a Trust founded to manage this temple about 100 years ago.


Thursday, November 07, 2019

Champakadhama Temple - Lord Champakadhama incarnation of Lord Vishnu

Thursday, November 07, 2019 0
Champakadhama Temple - Lord Champakadhama incarnation of Lord Vishnu

 Champakadhama Temple - Lord Champakadhama incarnation of Lord Vishnu

The Champakadhama Temple is located in a distance of 20 km from Bangalore in Bannerghatta. This historical Champakadhama temple at Bannerghatta is dedicated to Lord Champakadhama incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple attracts huge number of devotees from Bangalore city and surroundings.

 The Temple is maintained by Government of Karnataka. It houses unique stone scriptures. Champakadhama is another name of Lord Rama or Vishnu.


The history of the temple dates back to 12th century. As per the inscriptions found here, it is believed that the Champakadhama Temple was built in 1257 during Hoysala period under the ruler Tamilarasa. You can also see the writing which belongs to the 12th century as soon as you enter the temple premises.


The shrine houses idol of Lord Champakadhama along with Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Bhoodevi. You can also visit temples dedicated to Lord Narasimha and Lord Sampangi on a hillock located behind the Champakadhama temple.


The three day annual fair is held here in the month of March or April every year. Temple is open for pooja from morning 6.00 AM to 12:00 PM and again later in the evening after 05:00 pm to 07:00 PM. Bannerghatta National Park is nearby attraction.

Champakadhama Temple

Near To Bannerghata National Park,

Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore - 560076

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

How to reach Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019 0
How to reach Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Tirumala town is located in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh and is easily accessible by all modes of transport. The Tirumala hills, where the Venkateswara temple is located, is part of a seven-hill range that some devotees scale by foot as well. The Temple of Seven Hills is accessible by road, air and rail as well.


The nearest airport is located at Renigunta, which is about 15 kilometres away. This is a domestic airport which is connected to Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore and New Delhi. International visitors can catch connecting flights from New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai or Bangalore.

The Tirupati Railway Station, located 25 kilometres away, is the nearest railway station to Tirumala. Major trains that ply on this route include the Tirupati Coimbatore Express, Seven Hills Express, Narayanadri Express, Tirupati Express, Narsapur Express, Vijayawada Express, Madras Express, Tirumala Express, Swarna Jayanti, Krishna Express and Gurudev Express. All major cities of India are connected to Tirupati.

Government buses connect Tirupati and other major cities of Andhra Pradesh to Tirumala. Buses ply between Tirumala and Tirupati every two minutes. Direct buses from Bangalore, Hyderabad and other cities are also present. Private taxis and vans can also be hired, although this is the most expensive option at hand.



Tirumala TempleHow to reach Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Tirupati Tirumala Temple

Source

Monday, July 27, 2015

Top 10 Must Visit Temples in Bangalore

Monday, July 27, 2015 0
Top 10 Must Visit Temples in Bangalore

 Top 10 Must Visit Temples in Bengaluru (Old name is Bangalore)

 Bengaluru has over 1,000 temples both old and new. In the heart of this modern IT city are temples that date back as early as the 10th century. Here is a look at 10 of the most famous temples in Bangalore city.

Bangalore city.

1. Chokkanathaswamy Temple

Chokkanathaswamy Temple

 Nestled in a place called Domlur near the Airport is Benagluru’s oldest temple. This temple was built in the 10th century by the Cholas and the presiding deity is Lord Vishnu. The temple which was once in shambles was renovated 20 years ago.

On the pillars of this temple we see Lord Vishnu’s Dashavathars. Another interesting feature is the pranic energy felt in the temple.

2. Bull Temple at Basavanagudi (Dodda Basavana Gudi)

Bull Temple at Basavanagudi (Dodda Basavana Gudi)

This temple is situated in South Bangalore’s NR Colony. The temple was built in the year 1537 by the local ruler of the erstwhile Vijayanagara Empire. The granite structure of the statue of Nandi the Hindu demi-god shaped as a bull is said to be cut out of a single piece of rock.

This is supposed to be the biggest temple of Nandi in the world measuring 15ft in in height and 20 feet in length. The actual temple is small consisting only of the shrine.

There is also an idol of Lord Ganesha, nearby. Every year on the last Monday and Tuesday of the Hindu month of Karthika a groundnut fair is held in the temple premises and the nut is offered to the deity. This fair is known as Kadalekkayi Parishe.

3. Dodda Ganesha Temple at Basavanagudi


This monolithic Ganesha   is in the same temple complex as the Nandi statue. It stands about 18 ft. in height and 16 ft. in width.  This Ganapati is popularly known as Shakthi Ganapati or Satya Ganapati.

This monolithic Ganesha   is in the same temple complex as the Nandi statue. It stands about 18 ft. in height and 16 ft. in width.  This Ganapati is popularly known as Shakthi Ganapati or Satya Ganapati.

The idol is adorned with different decorations each day of the week. On one of the days this huge idol is covered in butter weighing over 100 kg’s.

People from different walks of life come here to seek blessings of Lord Ganesha.

4. Gavi Gangadareshwara Temple

Gavi Gangadareshwara Temple

This Cave Temple is an example of Indian rock-cut architecture. This 9th century temple is said to have been cut out of a single rock and is also famous for its stone discs in the forecourt. It is one amongst the few temples in Bangalore dedicated to Lord Shiva, the main idol being a Shivalinga. The front of the temple is adorned by a sculptor of Nandi.

The temple also has a rare sculpture of the fire god Agni, with his two heads, seven hands and three legs. This temple see’s the largest crowd on the festival of Shivaratri. Devotees gather here on Makara Sankaranti day when it is believed that at a particular moment in the evening the sun’s rays fall directly on the Shivalinga inside the cave.

Temple timings: 7.30 AM to 12.00 pm and again from 5 PM to 8.30 PM.

5. The ISKON

The ISKON bangalore

Sri Radha Krishna Chandra Temple- This temple is situated at Hare Krishna Hill at West Chord road. This Neo-Classical temple is attached to a cultural complex occupying a seven acre hillock.

It was built to commemorate the birth centennial of Sri Prabhupada the founder of ISKON. With its ornate temple arches, fountains and elaborated Rajagopuram this temple is a feast for the eyes.

The four temple Gopurams are attached by a glass canopy. The deities worshiped are Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra, Sri Sri Krishna Balarama, Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga, Sri Srinivasa Govinda and Sri Prahlada Narasimha.

There is also a Vedic Museum, an exhibition area, and a lecture hall. The ISKON Vedic Theatre where multimedia Vedic films are shown.

The Temple also has lodging facilities for devotees.

Temple timings: 4:15 AM to 5:00 AM; 7:15 AM to 1:00 PM; 4:00 PM to 8:20 PM


6. The Shiva Temple on Airport Road

The Shiva Temple on Airport Road - Murgeshpalya

It is impossible to miss the 65 foot high Statute of Lord Shiva seated in Lotus position, on Airport Road. Built in the year 1995 this architectural wonder is a must visit place for all tourists. It has a grand look and a towering presence.  Over 400,000 devotees visit this statue on the day of festivals.

It has the backdrop of Mount Kailash the Lord’s heavenly abode and the river Ganga flowing from his matted locks as depicted in mythology.

Temple timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

7. Banashankari Temple

Banashankari Temple - Bangalore

Situated in the busy Kanakapura Road is the famous temple of Banashankari Amma .This temple was built in the year 1915 and the deity Banashankari Amma too was positioned there the same year. The Goddess Banashankari Amma is worshiped by many during the Rahukala to remove all obstacles and hardships.

Though the temple is open on all days of the week, devotees throng the temple from dawn to dusk on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays to offer special pujas to the goddess.

The main festivals celebrated are the Birthday of the deity on the 13th of September the, Dashera festival in October and the temple anniversary during Pushya Maasa which falls between the December and January.

Temple timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

8. Venkataramanswamy Temple, Basavanagudi

Venkataramanswamy Temple, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru

This temple is situated at Visvesvarapuram at Basavanagudi. This temple was built over 300 years ago and is home to some very interesting and intricate carvings.  Though it is a relatively small temple the lion brackets and carvings of human and animal figures make it a unique example of Dravidian civilization.

The figures of the Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva adorn the walls. The idol in the sanctum sanitarium, is Lord Venkatarama. The people not only come to this temple to pray but also to marvel at the architecture.

Temple timings:  6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

9. Sugreeva Venkateshwara Temple

Sugreeva Venkateshwara Temple - bangalore - bengaluru

This temple Located in the Balepet area houses idols of Sugreeva and Venkateshwara. In the sanctum sanatorium placed on a pedestal is the temple i of Lord Venkateshwara.

The Sugreeva idol, standing six feet in high may be mistaken for Lord Hanuman. The long teeth on either side of the mouth are the only thing which helps one understands the difference.

Temple timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

10. The Kanyakaparameshwari Temple


This temple is situated in in Kumara Park. The Goddess Kanyakaparameshwari is the main deity in this temple. The temple is also unique because of its Marble work as well as the Murals done on its walls.

Kannika Parameshwari Temple, Malleswaram - Temples in Bangalore

The murals depict the scenes from the Bhagavad  Gita and Vasavi history. Murals of holy places as well as of ancient Rishi’s can also be seen.

The Darpana Mandira meaning mirror temple is also a main feature of this temple.


Source: Temples in Bangalore

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Home to all Faiths

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 0
Home to all Faiths

 BANGALORE IS a cosmopolitan city with people from different regions and religions living together in harmony. The city has more than a thousand temples, 400 masjids, 100 churches, 40 Jain mandirs, three Gurudwaras, two Buddha viharas, and one Parsi Agiari.

BANGALORE IS a cosmopolitan city with people from different regions and religions living together in harmony

The tradition of temple construction, started by the founder of Bangalore, continues to flourish. The oldest temple is, perhaps, Domlur Chokkanatha temple of the Chola period (10th Century). The inscriptions here are in Tamil script, but the language is Kannada. According to these inscriptions, there was a Someswara temple here in 1266.

Ulsoor Someswara temple is possibly the next oldest, built by the Hoysalas (between 12th and 13th Century). This temple was renovated and beautified by three generations of the Yelahanka dynasty - Gidde Gowda, Kempe Gowda I and II. The temple is a strange mixture of Hoysala, Chola, and Vijayanagar architecture.

The next series of temples belonging to the period of Kempe Gowda I & II are Dodda Ganapathi, Basavanna, and Karanji Anjaneya in Basavanagudi, Gavi Gangadhareswara in Gavipura, Bande Mahakali, Pralayakalada Veerabhadra, Kalabhairava in Gavipura Guttahalli, Basaveshwara in the fort (shifted to Mamulpet), Anjaneya at Yelahanka Gate, Dharmaraya at the end of OTC Road, and Ranganathaswamy in Balepete.


Many of these temples have an interesting history. Once the river Vrishabhavati originated from the feet of the big Basavanna, but the stream has now dried up. Kadle Kai Parishe, a mela, is held on the last Monday of Karthika (October and November) to offer the first crop of groundnut to Basavanna before sending the produce to the market.

This part of Bangalore wears a rustic look during the mela. The chola style Gavi Gangadhareswara temple has huge tridents, damarus, and discs known as Suryapana and Chandrapana. People throng here on Makara Sankranthi in the evening to watch the sun rays pass through the arch, the window, Nandi's horn, and finally onto the Linga.

The Dharmaraya temple is famous for its Karaga procession connected with Adishakti in the form of Draupadi. Karaga, a five-day festival of Tigalas, who migrated from Tamil Nadu, has many unique features such as intense religious fervour, strict rituals, unchanged traditions over centuries, a fixed route and stops for the procession, welcome and respect shown at all the temples on route. The involvement of all sections of people and the unique communal harmony displayed by the special puja at Tawakkal Mastan Darga are remarkable.

Kadu Malleswara temple has given its name to Malleswaram. Ekoji had donated Medaraninganahalli for its maintenance and thus, the temple must be earlier than his time (1670 A.D). The temple structure around it was built by Yele Mallappa Shetty in 1900.

The adjoining Subramanya temple also has an interesting story. Devotees were in search of Utsava murthi for the main idol and ended up constructing a new temple. The Utsava murthi was in the possession of a Parsi businessman in Eden!

Kote Venkataramanaswamy temple was built by Chikkadevaraya in 1690 and the Basaveshwara there was shifted to Mamulpet.

Possibly, they forgot to shift the scenes from Girija Kalyana on the sanctorum walls along with Basaveswara.

There are also many temples built by the common citizens in Bangalore. Some of them are Kasi Visveswara temple (1840) in Balepete built by Sadashiva Sahu, Bennekrishna temple at Tulasi Thota, the neighbouring Sri Rama temple built by Rao Bahadur Garudachar in 1908 (the idol here was earlier worshipped by saint Tulasi Ramdas, credited with starting the Ramotsava celebrations in Bangalore), Banashankari temple built in 1915 by Basappa Shetty, Narasimha Swamy temple (1800) at Balepete, Srinivasa Mandiram (1889), Manji Someswara temple, Sugriva temple, Laldas temple complex, Subramanya temple (1821) in Ulsoor, and Subramanya temple built by the philanthropist millionaire, Sajjan Rao. The most recent example is the Rama Mandira in Malleswaram, built by the initiative of ordinary employees in Atara Kacheri.

O.T.C. Road and other localities have many temples built and patronised by certain sections such as the Devanga, Golla, Besta, Uppara, Goniga, Kshaurika, Nagartha, Ganiga, Vishwakarma, and so on. There are also a number of temples for the Grama Devathes (village dieties) - Annamma (Subedar Chatram Road), Dandina Mariamma (Shivajinagar), Patalamma (South End), Bisilu Mariamma (Lalbagh), Gangamma (Malleswaram), Muneswara, Bande Mahakalamma (Gavipura), Karumariyamma, and Duggalamma. The Anjaneya temples are popular and the oldest one in Bangalore is perhaps the Gali Anjaneya temple on Mysore Road, said to be established in 1425 by Vyasaraya. It is said to be the sixth of the 635 Anjaneya temples consecrated by Vyasaraya, Anjaneya temples at Yelahanka Gate and Karanji (Basavanagudi) are of Kempe Gowda's time.

Ragigudda and Mahalakshmi layout Anjaneya temples are quite popular and are of recent origin.

The oldest church in Bangalore is the one in Blackpalli (Shivajinagar), Kannika Matha Koil (1658), now upgraded by the Pope as St. Mary's Basilica. It is one of the six basilicas in the country. The other old churches are St. Luke's (Fort, 1830), St. Joseph's (Briand Square, 1857), St. Patrick's (Brigade Road, 1844), Sacred Heart's (Richmond Road, 1874) and others. Among the Protestant churches, the old ones are St. Mark's Cathedral (M.G. Road, 1808), Holy Trinity (M.G. Road, 1851), St. Andrews (Cubbon Road, 1867), East Parade (Dickenson Road, 1862), Wesley Church (Promenade Road, 1896), and Hudson Memorial (City Corporation, 1904).

The oldest masjid, Sangeen Jamia Masjid in Taramandalpet, was built by the Moghuls (1687-1690). Ibrahim Shah Sahele Masjid was built in 1761 (at Kumbarpete) by Hyder Khilledar Ibrahim Khan. Bademakan Masjid (Siddiah Road) was also built during Hyder's period by two Sufi saints hailing from Bijapur. Jumma Masjid (Old Poor House Road) was built by Abdul Quddus in the early 19th Century.


An important masjid is the Jamia Masjid (City Market) built in 1940 and opened by Sir Mirza Ismail. Among the 24 dargas in Bangalore, the popular ones are Kambal Posh Darga (Old Broadway), Hazarat Tawakkal Mastan Shah Darga (Cottonpet), and Besarwali Shahi Darga (Cubbonpet). Sufi saint Tawakkal worked incognito as an ordinary coolie in the construction of Tippu's Fort. His darga is dear to Muslims for its holiness and to Hindus as a resting place for the Karaga during the festival. The Dargas continue to be holy and respected. Places of worship of other religious faiths such as Jains, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Parsees have beautiful architectural features.


The car festivals of many temples and churches such as those at St. Mary's Basilica, Kumaraswamy temple (Hanumanthanagar), Subramanya temple (Sajjanrao Circle), and Ulsoor Someswara temple are popular. So are the Karaga, Kadale Kai Parshe, Dasara by Lancers of Munireddipalya, and the car festivals of Grama Devathas. The existence of these many places of worship and the observance of festivals denote a catholicity of outlook, religious fervour, and fraternity of the common people.




Source: http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2002/08/29/stories/2002082900270200.htm

Kotilingeshwara Temple - This temple hosts more than 86 lakhs Shivalingas

Tuesday, May 27, 2008 1
Kotilingeshwara Temple - This temple hosts more than 86 lakhs Shivalingas
Kotilingeshwara Temple - This temple hosts more than 86 lakhs Shivalingas

Kotilingeshwara temple hosts more than 86 lakhs Shivalingas and has the world's tallest ShivaLinga measuring 108 Ft height and Basava measuring 35 feet. It is surrounded by plush greenery amidst the Kammasandra village 5 km from Kolar Gold Fields.



TENS OF THOUSANDS The biggest linga in Kotilingeshwara is 108 ft tall

The adventurous foursome that we are, we set off to discover a few places we found in KSTDC pamphlets. With a load of hearsay and a couple of maps, we hit the road in a small family car to Chikka Tirupati via Whitefield. Most travelogues and guides flood you with dated info on popular tourist beeline ends, motorable beaten tracks and cushy spots to eat and sleep. For a change, we veered away from any such repeats and that is how we found our way to a Vaishnavaite temple in the middle of a handful of hamlets.

A homely but clean-on-the-inside mess nearby provided us with staple idlis, puris and avarekalu baath. We wended our way on routes frequented more by tractors than plush cars. We passed rose and marigold expanses, tomato, chilli, potato, cabbage, cauliflower, Bengal gram, mulberry plantations and mango and eucalyptus groves. Roses and tomatoes beckoned. We stopped to admire and even had a small chat with the locals.

Uniformly, they stand

On the way, Kotilingeshwara, we found, was one big park of lingas, lining pathways in all sizes amidst bilva and amla trees, but all in one single colour and shape, tens of thousands of them. The temple houses shrines for Manjunatha, Panduranga, Srinivasa, Panchmukha Ganesha, Panchamukha Hanuman, Rama-Sita-Lakshmana, Ayyappa, Annapoorneswari, Santhoshima and Kannika Parameswari, besides Navagraha and Raghavendra.

The biggest linga is 108 ft tall, matched by a huge figure of Nandi. Prasada lunch of anna, saru and majjige is served to all visitors between 12.30 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Then a short drive to Bangaru Tirupati. You can't miss the arch marking the entrance from the road to Mulbagal. The temple dates to Brigu Maharishi's days and is built on rocks. You reach the shrine after a climb of several hundred steps and see the deity through a chequered window. At a different level is the shrine for the consort Padmavathi, dating back to mid-19th Century.

Mulbagal lies just off the NH4. This taluk shows signs of rural progress. The well-known place here is the temple for Hanuman, said to be installed by Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, after the Mahabharata war. Sage Vasishta is believed to have installed the idols of the main deity Srinivasa, Padmavathi and Rama-Sita-Lakshmana.

Off the Srinivasapura road going north from Mulbagal, we reach Kurudumale. Two temples, within a hundred feet of each other, are now protected monuments. The Someshwara temple, where restoration work is under way, was built and dedicated to the locals by Raja Raja Chola. The priest patiently took us through the Chola king's times depicted on some of the pillar sculptures worked on by the king's sculptor, the legendary Jakanachari.

After military plunder some centuries later, just about 15 of the original 30-odd idols have been found and reinstated. The Ganesha temple has dates back to the Krta Yuga. The idol is said to have grown from a salagrama stone (originally from the Gandak river of Nepal) through the four yugas to attain its present size.

Legend has it that the Hindu trinity together installed the idol — hence the name Koodadri, now known as Koodumale or Kurudumale. The Vijayanagar king Krishnadevaraya built the temple around the idol at the request of the locals.

A recently built Prasanna Venkataramaswamy temple is located along a 1.5 km detour on the road back to Mulbagal. The place is called Doddaguruki/ Vedagiri.

Getting back to Mulbagal, it is a smooth turn into NH4 towards Bangalore. Five kilometres down the highway is a fairly huge Ayyappa Kshetram. Then Kamat group's Upachar, located after the Kolar bypass, is a good refreshment halt, 20 km short of Hoskote and is a standard stop for the KSTDC bus services. With an early start and a couple more hours in hand, it is possible to complete the day with a trip to Kaiwara, a forest department-maintained resort via Chintamani, travelling northwest from Mulbagal and get back on the highway near Hoskote.

How to get there

Chikka Tirupati (35 km from Bangalore): Turn right at Farm Cross, Whitefield; Kotilingeswara: On the right, three km short of Betamangala. Travel on Bangarpet-Betamangala- route via Malur, Tykal, Bangarpet; Bangaru Tirupati; Eight km from Kotilingeswara on the road towards Mulbagal. Entry marked by a stone arch; Kurudumale: Northeast from Mulbagal, off the Srinivasapura Road.

Surrounded by verdant greenery, Kammasandra is famous for its Kotilingeshwara temple. The temple houses 108 ft tall Shivling and 35 ft tall Basava. The shrine is surrounded by lakhs of small shivlings, which spread over an area of 15 acres. These icons are installed by the devotees to seek the blessings of the lord. The entrance from the highway to the central courtyard is majestic. Other major attractions here are ancient temples dedicated to Sri Manjunatheshwara, Trimurti, Ashta-Lakshmi, Subramanya, the Navagrahas and many other deities.


A three hour journey from Bangalore brings one to this place.


Formerly, Kolar was known variously as Kolahala, Kuvalala and Kolala. Kolar was called Kolahalapura during the middle ages, but later came to be known as Kolar. Kolahahapura in Kannada meant "violent city", as it was the battlefield for the warring kingdoms of Chalukyas in the north and Cholas to the south. It was the capital of the Gangas till 4th century AD when they shifted the capital to Talakad in Mysore. In 1004 A.D., the Cholas annexed Kolar till 1116 A.D,. Vishnuvardhana (1108-1142AD) freed Gangavadi from the Cholas, and in commemoration of his victory.

Gold was first mined in the area in the 2nd and 3rd century AD by the digging of small pits. During the Chola period in the 9th and 10th century AD the scale of the operation grew, but large-scale mining only came in the 1850s under the British with more manpower and sophisticated machinery. In 1873, M.F. Lavelle, a resident in Bangalore, applied to the Mysore Government for the exclusive privilege of mining in the Kolar district. His request was granted and he commenced operations by sinking a shaft near Urigam (Oorgaum) in 1875

There is a legend about why the Kolar Gold Fields are so full of gold. The story goes back to the Tretha Yuga, the time of Lord Rama. During his 14 years of vanavasa, Rama along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana wandered through the dense forests of the present day Avani village, which is about 10 miles from the gold fields, where they set up their hut and lived. Surpanaka, sister of Ravana, one day happened to see Rama and asked him to marry her. He refused, as he was already married, so she approached Lakshmana.

People from many different places are settled in the Kolar Gold Fields today, with the majority of them being tamil speaking people from the north and south Arcot districts of Tamil Nadu. There are also Telugu speaking people from Kuppam, Ramakuppam, V-kota and other places in Andhra Pradesh. Given the mixture of population, many festivals are celebrated; the most famous and popular one being the Lakshmi Venkateshwara Jaatre.


Saturday, May 10, 2008

Beware of land scams

Saturday, May 10, 2008 0
Beware of land scams

Beware of land scams in Bangalore

Beware of land scams
 
Source: ChilliBreeze


Today, Bangalore is the fastest growing Asian city when it comes to commercial and residential space. But is the procedure of buying land here above board? Or is there more to it than meets the eye? What are the factors you should consider before investing in a plot?

Buying land in Bangalore can generate profitable returns in the short and long term as well. Those who bought plots at throwaway prices a few years ago are earning huge returns today. However there is a constant concern about the illegal aspects of these deals. Most people are paying property taxes in the absence of a clear title.

BDA’s role

While private layouts are licensed by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), plots outside the city get a sanction from the Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA). The BDA is required to thoroughly check before sanctioning licenses to private layouts. According to its regulations 49% of the area should be formed sites, 15% reserved for parks and playgrounds, 10% for civic amenity sites and the rest for roads, drains and other infrastructure facilities.


There have been cases of developers falsely claiming that their lands have BDA approval. Recently a developer converted a park and play area into a residential locality in Indiranagar, and disappeared after selling the property. Incidents of bogus land sale are increasing as well. A property in Whitefield was sold twice. It was an easy con as the land-grabbers produced General Power of Attorney papers (GPAs) executed by a person who had died 9 years ago.

How do property owners get duped?

Many land owners especially NRIs are falling prey to the land mafia. Since many who invest here are unable to visit the site, unscrupulous real estate agents take advantage and sell it illegally at a higher price.

There are also instances where the fraudulent buyer or broker gets hold of copies of your documents and misuses them later. Some of them even change the value of the transaction.

How to prevent such fraud

There has been a demand for greater transparency in Indian real estate. The Delhi government has taken the initiative with the introduction of the Land Title Registration System to track property sales. This coding system enables online property verification and helps in preventing fraud.

The BDA has issued show cause notices to all the unauthorized layouts as per the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act. It has also brought out a list of unauthorized layouts to caution prospective buyers.

In its effort to prevent land scams near the Bangalore international airport site, the Bangalore International Airport Area Planning Authority has set up a website – biaapa.in. This website lists out approved layouts and proposed land use.

Some key points to remember:

  • Purchase the property only if the title is clear. Do not go by glossy advertisements. Look at the proven record of the developer.

  • Check the mother deed and the sale deed.

  • Try to get an approved layout plan. This will help in a hassle-free sale of your land in future.

  • Never sign any document without completely reading and understanding it.

  • It is always important to have the copies of the original title deed.

  • Make sure to visit your site occasionally to check on encroachments.

  • In case your presence is not possible, employ a caretaker.

Acquiring property in India is always fraught with loopholes and possible illegalities. Despite the risks, NRIs consider it a worthwhile investment. Would you consider buying property in India? Why? If you have already done so, did you face any difficulties, or was it smooth sailing?

Kenny G in Bangalore

Saturday, May 10, 2008 0
Kenny G in Bangalore

Kenny G to perform in Bangalore

Kenny G to perform in Bangalore


Kenneth Gorelick is coming to town. Kenneth who? You know him as the big-haired Kenny G who has long soothed the frayed nerves of many a mall shopper. He is coming to India to perform in Mumbai and Bangalore next fortnight. The Bangalore concert is on May 12, 2008 at 8 p.m. at UB City, 24, Vittal Mallya Road.

Kenny G is one of the most successful artistes since decades and his work has inspired music lovers everywhere.

There are very few instrumentalists who have transcended their genres and become household name.The 51-year-old musician, who specialises in “smooth jazz,” will bring with him a five-member ensemble comprising a percussionist, guitar, drums and the piano. He will perform all his old hits for over an hour. It is a seated show for limited crowd only and gates open at 5.30 p.m.

Tickets sales start next Monday and are priced at Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 2,000. They will be available online at www.ticketpro.in and at select Planet M outlets. For tele-booking call 080 - 2520 1115 or 1800 425.


Early life


Kenny was born in Seattle, Washington, and first came into contact with a saxophone when he heard someone performing with one on The Ed Sullivan Show. He learned how to play under the direction of local trumpeter Gerald Pfister and by practicing along with records (mostly of Grover Washington, Jr.), trying to emulate the sounds that he was hearing. Franklin High School he failed to get into the jazz band when he applied, although was accepted the following year when he tried again. He also played for his high school golf team, sport which he had loved ever since his older brother, Brian Gorelick, introduced it to him when he was ten years old. Brian Gorelick is currently a music professor and choir conductor at Wake Forest University.


Also see Music Universal Language


Career


Kenneth Gorelick began his career as a musician when he acquired his first ever professional job as saxophone soloist for Barry White's Love Unlimited Orchestra in 1976 at the age of 20, when White was impressed by his mastery of the blues scale. Kenny was also studying for a major in accounting at the same time. After being rejected as a music major from Central Washington University, he went on to get a degree from University of Washington and alsoWashington played with the funk band Cold, Bold & Together before becoming a credited member of The Jeff Lorber Fusion. began his solo career after his period with Lorber.


In 1982, Kenny G signed with Arista Records as a solo artist, after label president Clive Davis heard his rendition of ABBA's "Dancing Queen". He has released many solo albums and collaborated with various artists including Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, Natalie Cole, Steve Miller (which marked the only time he appeared on a rock and roll album), Michael Bolton, and Aretha Franklin. by the likes of saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr. and the lyricism of Barry Manilow, his own albums are usually classified as smooth jazz.


He received success quite early on, with both G Force and Gravity, his second and third studio albums respectively, achieving platinum status in the United States. These sales were topped by his fourth studio album, Duotones, which shifted over five million copies in the U.S. alone. His fifth studio album, Breathless, became the number one best selling instrumental album ever, with over 15 million copies sold, of which 12 million were in the U.S. He broke another record when his first holiday album, Miracles, sold over 13 million copies, making it the most successful Christmas album to date.


In 1997, Kenny G earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for playing the longest note ever recorded on a saxophone. Kenny G held an E-flat for forty five minutes and 12 seconds.


Gorelick's 1999 single, "What A Wonderful World" stirred controversy among the jazz community regarding the overdubbing of Louis Armstrong's classic recording. A common criticism was that such a revered recording by a musician known especially for improvisation should not be altered. "duet" was produced by David Foster who also recorded the Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole duet. Gorelick stated at the time,"...I didn't want to spoil the original. I said, 'Whatever we do, if we're not going to make it better, let's throw it away and we won't do it.' So (Foster) guaranteed that it would be better, and I hope that we did a good job on it." columnists countered the criticisms suggesting such a recording would bring classic jazz to a wider audience. Nevertheless, Kenny G fans considered the live performance of this duet with Armstrong on a video taped backdrop a "show stopper." Additionally, Gorelick has stated that all the proceeds from this single go to his Kenny G Miracles Foundation which "funnel(s) the money to charities to purchase musical instruments and to supplement funding for the arts in schools."


As of 2003, Kenny G was named the 25th-highest selling artist in America by the RIAA, with 48 million albums sold in the USA as of July 31, 2006. In 1994, Kenny G won the Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition for .....Forever in Love......


Personal life

Kenny G is currently married to Lyndie Benson, with whom he has two children – Max (aged thirteen) and Noah (aged nine). They have expressed an interest in saxophone and piano respectively.


He plays golf regularly, and has a playing handicap of +0.6. has participated in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am tournament seven times as of February 7, 2008, and Golf Digest awarded him the position of number one musician golfer in their December rankings of Top 100 in Music.


Kenny is also a pilot, and has been known to fly to many events.


He has one sister, Paula, and one brother, Brian. Brian's son David is a musician and plays bass in the band "Puking up Sunshine."

Know Namma Bangalore / Bengaluru

Saturday, May 10, 2008 0
Know Namma Bangalore / Bengaluru

Know our Bengaluru


Know namme Bangalore / Bengaluru

Legend goes that King Veeraballa of Vijayanagara once lost his way in forest. Hungry and tired, he came upon a lone hut in the thick forest where he met an old woman.When he asked for food, she gave him baked beans ('Benda Kalu' in Karnataka).The King found this humble meal taste better than the richest fare. To commemorate this incident, he called the place "Benda Kalu Ooru"(place of baked beans). Bangalore today is getting popular though for a different variety of Beans-JavaBeans.


Capital of the Southern state of Karnataka, Bangalore today is Asia's fastest growing cosmopolitan city. It is home to some of the most high tech industries in India. The I.T industry views Bangalore as the 'byte-basket' of India. Bangalore is also home to some of India's premier scientific establishments. Blessed with a salubrious climate, gardens & parks, natural lakes, architectural landmarks, shopping malls, the best restaurants and pubs in this part of the globe, business opportunities, Bangalore is the ideal gateway to India and beyond. Bangalore offers something for everyone-music and dance concerts (Western and Indian), dramas, exhibitions, carnivals, conferences and more.


Go disco-hopping or pub-crawling, shop till your feet give away,relax in the swankiest restaurants or with your favourite movie stars-in the movie hall or simply tee off to glory. Welcome to Bangalore.

Bangalore To Be Renamed As Bengaluru

Bangalore, according to state historians, got its name from Bendakalooru (the town of boiled beans) after a king strayed into the area during a hunting trip in the late 14th century. A woman offered him a meal of boiled beans which the king enjoyed so much that he named the town after the dish. Bengaluru is a transliteration of the original spelling, according to state historians.

Local sights:

The Bangalore Palace & Fort


The Bangalore Fort was built by Kempe Gowda and expanded by Tippu Sultan. Within its walls is the well preserved 16th century Ganapathi Temple.


The Bangalore Palace was built by a Wodeyar king in 1887 on the 400 acre space. Inspired by the Windsor castle, this palace was built in the Tudor style, complete with Gothic windows, foiled windows, battlements and turrets resembling the Daria Daulat Palace in Srirangapatanam, this summer palace has been constructed largely of wood and is famous for its carving and paintings.


In June 2005 Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar decided to open the palace to the public to meet its Rs 20 lakh annual upkeep costs. The special attraction is a gallery of nearly a thousand historical photos, including those of viceroys, maharajas and other famous personalities inside and exquisite carvings and paintings.

Entry Fee Structure: Indian Citizens (Adult: Rs 100, Children: Rs 50), Foreign Toursits: (Adult: Rs 200, Children: Rs 100), Video Recording: Rs 1,000, Photography: Rs 500. Visiting Hous: 10 AM to 6 PM (Sunday Holiday). Phone: +91-80-2336 0818, 2331 5789

Lal Bagh


Hyder Ali laid out this famous botanical garden and his son added horticultural wealth to them by importing trees and plants from several countries. The garden today houses over 1000 species of flora which include rare and enchanting collection of tropical plants, trees and herbs. The Glass House, modelled along London's Crystal Palace, is the center of attraction in this 2400 acre park. Bi-annual flower shows attracting participants from all over India is held in the Glass House. In July, 2003 it was decded that the Department of Horticulture and Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) would jointly take up the development of Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens.

The structure was completely renovated and inaugurated by SM Krishna on Jan 15, 2004. Renovation details:

  • Cost Rs 5 crore
  • Renovation time 3 months
  • Glass: 60,000 tonnes, 3505 unbreakable panes
  • 1,000 sq mtrs of galvanised steel
  • The 2.75 sq mts Glass House sandblasted using 75 microns of Zinc Chromide to prevent rusting.
  • 325 gutters constructed along the eduges to drain out water.
  • Silicon gel 1,577 litres
  • Foundation stone laid by Diwan of Mysore Sir Mirza Ismail restored
  • 75 lunx of illumination work done and special lighting that saves 40% energy put up inside
  • New benches made of cast iron with wooden frames constructed

Cubbon Park


This wooded and beflowered park was laid out in the heart of the cantonment in 1864. Since then, fairy fountains, an august bandstand and a wealth of atatury have been added. But the most important aspect of Cubbon Park is its newer buildings that have added beauty and cultural wealth. Lush green lawns, shady flowering trees, vibrant flower beds, make Cubbon park an ideal place for morning joggers and alike.

Government Museum

One of the important buildings, the Government Museum is one of the oldest in India(1886). A special attraction here are the antiquities from Mohenjodaro period. Situated nearby the museum is Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum named after the great engineer-statesman .

Next to the VITM is the Visveswaraya Industrial Trade Center, the first of its kind in India. In addition to its trade promotional activities, the Center has two exhibition floors housing a permanent display of all that is manufactured in Karnataka.

Near the Museum is the K.Venkatappa Art Gallery which has a permanent exhibition of the works of the great artist, K. Venkatappa. The Gallery does much to encourage art in the state.

Also in the Cubbon Park are the Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall, which houses the public library, the High Court and the Jawahar Bal Bhavan. The Bhavan, with its toy train, fairgrounds and theatre, is a recreational, hobby and educational centre for children.

ISKCON

Situated on Chord Road, it is a must visit temple in Bangalore. It stands over a small hill and is a very clean and well maintained temple. Akshaya Patra program sponsored by the temple is very popular.

The Bull Temple

This temple, built by Kempe Gowda, houses the magnificent stone statue of the sacred bull, Nandi. It stands over 15 feet tall and is over 20 feet long . In Nov/Dec every year, when the groundnuts have been harvested, a groundnut fair is held near the temple. The first groundnuts are offered by the farmers to the sacred bull.

The Gangadhareshware Temple

Known for its four monolithic pillars and rare idol of Agni, the God of fire,this temple was built by Kempe Gowda. A unique phenomena is witnessed here on Jan 13/14th every year when the rays of the setting sun enter through the window, pass between the horns of the Nandi and shine on the Shivalingam.

The Dharmaraja Temple

Located at Nazarethpet in the suburbs of Bangalore, this temple is the starting point of the annual Karaga procession. The revered idols of this temple are the Shri Dharmaraja Swamy, hero of the Mahabharata and Lord Krishna.

Dargah Hazarath Tawakkal Mastan

This Muslim shrine,located in Cottonpet, a suburban locality, is associated with the Hindu Karaga festival too. The procession annually visits the Dargah of this Sufi saint, Tawakkal Mastan. His tomb attracts both Muslim and non-Muslim pilgrims.

Jumma Masjid

The Jumma Masjid is probably the oldest mosque in the city. It is an imposing structure with tall ornamented granite pillars adorning the elevated prayer hall. Scores of devote Muslim worshippers throng this masjid during the annual festivals of the Muslims. It is located in the busy market area of Bangalore, K.R.Market.

Ravindra Kalakshetra

The Kalakshetra, built to commemorate Rabindranath Tagore's centenary, promotes cultural activity in the city. It has a superb theatre and houses the Cultural Akademi Offices. Next to it is the Gothic styled Puttannachetty Town Hall whose huge auditorium can easily accommodate over 1500 persons.

St. Mary's Church

Established by a French missionary Abbe Dubois in 1811, St.Mary's church is the only church in Karnataka state to be elevated to the status of a minor Basilica. Every September, The Virgin Mary's festival is celebrated with a procession that attracts people of all faiths. The church is situated near the Shivaji Nagar Bus Terminal.

Also known as the Tata Institute, is one of the country's finest research institutions, specializing in advanced science and engineering studies.

Gandhi Bhavan

The Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, housed in the Gandhi Bhavan, houses a comprehensive picture gallery and other exhibits of Gandhiji which depict the life and times of Gandhiji. The Bhavan is open on weekdays(10:30 Am to 5:00 PM).

Ulsoor lake

A picturesque lake with several tree-shaded islands in it, is an ideal picnic spot. You can go boating or go for a swim in the nearby swimming pool that is part of the recreational complex near the lake. You can also go to the nearby Gurdhwar, the largest Sikh shrine in Bangalore.

Vidhana Soudha


This splendid neo-Dravidian granite building that dominates the northern boundary of the Cubbon park, is the home of the State Legislature and the Secretariat. The massive sandalwood door of the Cabinet room is a spectacular feature of this imposing building. The Vidhana Soudha is bedecked in illuminated glory during special periods and is a sight worth viewing. The building is open for visitors only after 3 PM.

The Bangalore Race Course

The Bangalore Race Course is one of the finest in India, with racing events almost all year round (May to June and Nov to Mar). Some of the biggest field stakes in the country can be witnessed here.

Around Bangalore

Several places of tourist interest are located within easy each from Bangalore. Distance shown in brackets is from Bangalore.

Bannerghatta National Park (22 Km)

Those interested in natural history can go to Bannerghatta. The park situated in picturesque surrounding has a wide variety of fauna. Among the attractions are crocodiles, picnic corner, serpentarium and pets corner, lion's safari. On Dec 25, 2001 the govt announced plans of starting a butterfly park in Bannerghatta (Area: 12 acres, Cost: Rs 3.62 crores)

Tipu's Palace

Built in 1791, this beautiful two-storeyed ornate wooden structure with exquisitely carved pillars, arches and balconies was one of Tipu's favourite summer retreats.

Hesaragatta

25 Kms away, Hesaragatta is an interesting picnic spot offering water sports to the adventurous. Boating and wind-surfing is the major attraction. It also has a dairy & horticulture farm where you can picnic.

Ramohalli

Ramohalli, located 28 Kms west is a popular picnic spot. A major attraction at Ramohalli is the 400 year old giant Banyan tree which sprawls over an incredible 3 acres.

Muthyalamaduvu

Also known as the Pearl Valley, Muthyalamaduvu is 40 Kms away. The beautiful cascading water falls surrounded by verdant settings provide an ideal picnic getaway.

Ramanagaram

Rock-climbers and adventure seekers need look no further. 49 Kms south-west from Bangalore, Ramanagaram, provides the ideal location with landscaped rock faces. Another major attraction at Ramanagaram is the silk cocoon marketing centre. One of the most famous Hindi movies Sholay was shot in Ramanagaram.

Janapada Loka

Sprawling across 15 acres, Janapada Loka or "Folk-culture World" is a world of simplicity and art.Janapada Loka, a subsidiary of the Karnataka Janapada Parishath, is dedicated to preserve and promote folk art and culture. The complex has an art gallery, an open-air theatre, a studio and a museum. Janapada Loka is located near Ramanagaram and is 53 Kms away from Bangalore.

Channapatna

A bustling town, 60 kms south-west from Bangalore, Channapatna is famous for its eye-catching lacquer ware and hand-crafted wooden toys. It is also a major silk centre of Karnataka.

Mekedatu

Gushing waters, imposing landscapes, and untouched picnic spots is what Mekedatu is all about. The Cauvery river squeezing through a narrow gorge before traversing its south-bound terrain is a breathtaking sight .It is 98 Kms south of Bangalore.

Nandi Hills

One of the popular retreats of Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, Nandi Hills offers breathtaking getaway of the weary tourist. Tipu's Drop, a 600m high cliff face provides a magnificent panoramic view of the beautiful terrain. Nandi Hills is 60 Kms north of Bangalore.

Other attractions are Tipu's Drop, Yoga Nandishvara Temple, a beautiful Chola temple, Dravidian-style Bhoganandishvara temple and Muddenahalli, hometown of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, architect of modern Karnataka at the base of the hill.

In March 2005 the Toursim department decided to make Nandi Hills a popular destination by introducing a 5-star hotel, ropeway and para-sailing facility.

Essentials

Getting Here

Bangalore is well connected by air, rail and road to all the major cities such as Delhi, Madras, Bombay, Calcutta and to most other important cities and towns.

There are regular train services from Madras(4 trains per day), Mysore(7 trains per day),


Shopping

Shopping is a delightful experience in Bangalore. You'll find some of the most exquisite silks here. You can also take home handicrafts in sandalwood and rose wood, available in state-owned emporia and private stores. For gold and jewellery, you can visit the quaint Jeweller's Street. Some of the favourite shopping haunts are M.G.Road, Brigade Road, Residency Road and Commercial Street. Bargain hunters tend to favour K.G.Road, Malleswaram and Shivajinagar. The main shopping areas of Bangalore are:

  • Brigade Road
  • Commercial Street
  • M.G. Road
  • Residency Road

Some of the popular Shopping Centres at Bangalore are:

  • M.G. Road: Public Utility Building, Shrungar Shopping Centre, Bombay Store
  • J.C. Road: Unity Building
  • Residency Road: Pinto Towers and lots of furniture shops
  • Brigade Road: Curzon Complex, St.Patricks Complex,Mota Chambers & 5th Avenue.
  • Infantry Road: Safia Plaza and Copper Arch
  • St. Mark's Road: Sophia's Choice
  • Shoppers Stop
  • Lifestyle (near Football stadium)

Weather

If you visit very old houses in Bangalore you will not find a hook for the fan. The weather was so good in Bangalore even in 1970s. Compared to other cities even today Bangalore has excellent weather but the temperature seems to be rising year by year. Highest temperature recorded are as follows,

May 22, 1931...38.9 degree Celsius (highest)
2000...37.7 degree Celsius
2001...35.3 degree Celsius
2002...36.5 degree Celsius
2003...37.6 degree Celsius
2004...34.6 degree Celsius
2005...37.4 degree Celsius
2006...37.0 degree Celsius
2007...35.8 degree Celsius

Raichur recorded the highest temperature in Karnataka with a temperature of 45.6 degree Celsius on May 23, 1928.

The average maximum temperature of North interior Karnataka is 37.9 degree Celsius, coastal Karnataka is 34.5 degree Celsius and Western Ghats is 27.5 degree Celsius.

Tourist Information

If you need any assistance with booking in any hotel in Karnataka or India in general.

  • Department of Tourism. 1st Floor,'F' Block,Cauvery Bhavan,K.G.Rd. Tel: +91-80-2215489

Tourism Information Counter

Bangalore Airport: +91-80-5268012.
Railway Station: +91-80-2870068
Govt. of India Tourist Office: KSFC Building,48,Church Street. Tel: +91-80-558517.

Conducted Tours

Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation organizes a half-day Bangalore Sightseeing Tour. 

For details please call the KSTDC Head Office-Tel: +91-80-2212901/2212902/2275883/2275869. Fax: +91-80-2238016