Shri Dharmarayaswamy Temple is one of the famous and oldest temples situated in the heart of Bengaluru City. It is unique in its own way and such a marvel of architecture showcasing various civilizations cannot be found anywhere else. This temple is dedicated to Pandavas. The deities of the temple are - in the centre is Adi Sakthi, to the sides are Arjuna and Draupadi, at the back are Dharmaraya and Sri Krishna and in the front there are Bhima and Nakula-Sahadeva. Bengaluru Karaga is a famous festival celebrated here in the honor of Draupadi.

History

The history of the temple is as old as the history of Bengaluru city. Its date of construction and name of the builder is still not clear. It is believed by the people that it was built by Ganga Arasu people. These people were also known as “Thigalas’ or Vanhi Kula Kashatriyas. Archeological survey has declared that this temple is about 800 years old it could be concluded only after a study of the stone and masonry of the temple. It is believed that Bengaluru city was built in 16th century by Kempe Gowda, 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 Bellary Road Tower in the North-West, Ulsoor tower in the North-East, Gavipura Tower in the South-West and Lalbagh Tower in the South-East. It is worth noticing that Ganga Arasu kings built their temples at lower level to the ground and towns near lakes or river beds. So is Dharmarayaswamy temple which was built on the Sidhikatte lake bed area below the land level. It is believed that this old town was called as Kalyanpuri, means town of ponds, temple and religious centers. Later, it was renamed as "Bendhakaluru" and now it is “Bengaluru”.

Architecture

This temple is famous for its colorful exterior carvings. Its architectural features resemble a mix of many styles -that of the Gangas, Vijayanagara and the Pallavas styles. Temple Vimanagopura is in Pallavas style, Garbhaguraha recall the Ganga style and Mukhamantapa resembles the style of Vijayanagar, which shows that it was developed in three different ages. The last stage of development was completed in 20th century by Rajapoura and Sabhangana.

Kempe Gowda was a very passionate devotee of this temple. Bengaluru city was planned keeping this temple as indication. Halasuru Pete developed the temple area which is also known as Kalyanpuri. There are Pallavas style carvings between chambers which was later removed and replaced by Ashtalakshmi Idols.

Best Time to Visit the Temple

The Climate conditions of Bengaluru are very unpredictable. Best time to visit the temple is in winters i.e., from October to Feb when the temperature is between 15 degree to 20 degree. You can also visit the temple in summers because it is less hot and dry in comparison to north India. During March - May temperature rises up to 38°C.

How to Reach

By Road

Bengaluru city is connected with other cities/town/states of the country. Hence, devotes can easily get the road transportation and temple is just 3 Km from the Bengaluru city.

By Train/Rail

The nearest station to the temple is Bengaluru City Junction Railway station, which is just 1 km away from the temple

By Air

The airport nearest to the temple is Bengaluru International airport, which is at a distance of 32 km.