Shree Dharmaraya Swamy Temple

Overview

Shri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple is a popular shrine located in the city of Bangalore, Karnataka. The temple is quite old and is unique in a way. The temple is primarily dedicated to the Pancha Pandavas. There is no other temple in India which is dedicated to them.

About the Temple

The details of the temple’s history is quite unclear. The temple has three different styles of architecture pertaining to the Ganga, the Pallava and the Vijayangara kingdoms. The present temple is built following the later Vijayanagara style. The Raja Gopura has a central panel where scenes of Sri Krishna , Arjuna, Draupadi, and Anjaneya are depicted. On the either side of the Mahadwara are shrines of Lord Ganapathi and Muthyalamma. The top layer of the mukhaamantapa has niches depicting stories associated with the temple. Its central panel contains the images of Adi Sakti, Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesvara and few other Rishis.

There are documentary evidences found in the temple which supports the visit made by Shri Immadi Krishnaraja Odeyar to the temple. Shri Immadi Krishnaraja Odeyar declared a order on 4th december 1811, proclaiming the ownership of the temple. From then on, he is said to have controlled the administration of this temple.

The Karaga mahothsava is celebrated every year in the ancient temple of Shri Dharmaraya Swami in Bangalore. There is no certain information on when the temple was built. Whether it was built by Kempe Gowda or it was in existence as a part of original Bendakaloor. Bangalore was also called as the Southern Kashi (Kalyananagar) in the olden times. Kalyanapura or the presently developed Bangalore has 7 namely Dharmambhudi, Kempambudhe, Siddikatte, Sampangikere, Alasurukere, Koromangalakere, 7 mutts, 7 sqaure ponds and 7 important temples.

The famous Karagothsava is celebrated every year on the Chaitra Pournami day. Chithra Pournami is the full moon day falling in the hindu month of Chithra. There is an organising committee in the temple that usually meets two months prior to the Karaga festival and decides the various programmes to be held as part of the Karaga Utsava. They also advertise the Utsava by printing brochures and distributing those to the public. The committee also discuss the various sponsors and donations made from the government and the steps to be taken to meet any deficit in the budget.

Festivals

Karaga utsav is the most important festival of this temple that is held on the day of chaitra pournami. Nine days prior to the Karaga procession day, a formal flag is hoisted (dwajarohana) in the temple, signifying the commencement of the utsav. Special poojas are performed in different temples after this flag hoisting. As part of the Karaga festival, the Karaga priest visits nine different nearby temples along with the Vira Kumaras. After taking a holy bath in all the nine temple tanks, the Karaga priests along with the vira kumaras perform poojas in all these nine temples.

How To Reach Shree Dharmaraya Swamy Temple

Road

The nearest bus stops include the Town hall bus stop, Corporation bus stop, City Market bus stop and Martha's hospital bus stop. These stops are located at aa distance walkable from the temple.

Railways

The closest railhead is the Bangalore central and Cantonment railway station.

Airport

The nearest Airport is Bangalore International Airport.

Temple Address

Shree Dharmaraya Swamy Temple,
Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple Main Road,
OTC, Road, Thigalarpet, Nagarathpeta,
Bengaluru, Karnataka - 560002.