The Dodda Ganapathi Temple is easily one of the most unusual and eye-catching temples in the city. The legend goes that Kempegowda I, who founded the city of Bengaluru, was on a stroll when he found a rock that had an etching of Ganesha on it. At his behest, an idol was carved out of a single stone and it is this that is now enshrined within the Dodda Ganapathi Temple. Devotees believe that the miraculous idol grew to its monumental size all on its own from the humble sculpture commissioned by the king. On the occasion of Ganesha Chaturthi , a week-long festival venerating Lord Ganesha, the idol is dressed in a variety of ways on each day, the most impressive being Benne Alankara which involves slathering the monolith with a staggering 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of butter. A richly ornamented gopuram marks the entrance of the temple, watching over the scene from a towering height.
The Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum was an initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Culture, and was set up in 1960 as an independent entity supported by the National Council for Science Museums. The museum is named after Sir Visvesvaraya, the great engineer who has to his credit the KRS dam and Mysore University to name a few. The museum focuses mainly on science and has exhibits that trace the history of engines, biotechnological revolution, dinosaur exhibits, and science for children. It has shows like the fascinating Taramandal Show which is popular and has a separate entry fee. There is also a small store within the premises that sells scientific toys for children. The museum is a fun place to stop at with the family.
Built in the year 1970, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is a very famous cricket stadium in India that has stood testament to the Indian team's grit and winning spirit. A number of historic matches have been played here. The grounds have even hosted fixtures of the 'Cricket World Cup,' namely the 1987 Reliance World Cup and the 1996 Wills World Cup. It is one of the country's larger stadiums and covers vast grounds within its premises. To facilitate entry and also to manage the crowd better, there are separate gates for the 'Invitees,' 'Executives' or the 'Members.' Various stands called the 'Pavilion End' and the 'BEML End' can be reached through these gates. This stadium is located near Cubbon Park, which is located just across the road. The cricket matches played here are still fresh in the minds of the people of a cricket crazy nation.
Ranga Shakara is a landmark that will be remembered for long in the theater history of Bengaluru. This dream of the late Kannada actor Shankar Nag, it was realized by Arundhati Nag(his wife), who spearheaded the movement for the theater to be accessible to both patrons and troupes alike. At Ranga Shankara they follow the thought of one play a day and therefore there is some action happening every day. They also have an annual theater festival that takes places every year around October. Besides this, they also provide venue space for many other cultural activities happening in the city.
Known as the 'Garden City' for the pretty gardens found here, Bengaluru is also home to the Lalbagh Gardens. These beautiful and sought-after gardens are a must-visit with their impressive manicured bushes, trees, colorful flowers, and tranquil paths. The 19th-century greenhouse and the Kempegowda Tower attract curious visitors each year. The grand Mughal Gardens inspired the layout and design of the Lalbagh Gardens, and Tipu Sultan contributed to the gardens' completion. Maintained by the Directorate of Horticulture, these gardens have many rare plant species. They also serve as an arresting backdrop to various events held here, like flower shows or educational sessions on environment and botany. Time spent here is time well spent, especially when accompanied by friends and family.
Perched majestically atop the Hare Krishna Hill, the ISKCON temple is one of the most prominent attractions of the city. The famous temple, which features ascending gopurams (monumental towers), is dedicated to Lord Krishna and imparts teachings written in the Bhagavad Gita. In the evenings, the entire enclave is illuminated by lamps. Besides this, there are also boarding facilities for devotees at a nominal rate. The in-house restaurant called Annakuta serves the prasad or the food offerings made to the Lord. Festivals are celebrated here on a grand scale, especially Janamashtami and Deepavali, during which people flock here in large numbers. ISKCON also holds many programs such as youth programs, weekend yoga retreats, and Gita quiz competitions. They also undertake food programs such as Akshay Patra, where food is made and sent to underprivileged schools in urban and rural Bengaluru.
The 17th century built Kaadu Malleswara Temple is the genesis of Malleswaram in north-west Bengaluru. Kaadu in Kannada means forest, which is exactly what surrounded these temples centuries back. There are a number of smaller temples surrounding the main temple which enshrines the holy sanctum of Lord Shiva. Sri Gangammadevi Temple, Nandi Kalyani Temple and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple are a few to mention. The entire complex is purified with the homas and pujas, which are rituals performed by Hindu worshipers. There are some very important homas organized too wherein, the pandits are called from across the country to recite from the sacred texts. In one of the temples, there is a Nandi from which the Cauvery river's water flows miraculously and incessantly. Recently renovated, the new main gopuram (monumental tower) amidst the old forest makes it a must visit in Malleswaram. Kaadu Malleswara Temple attracts more devotees especially during the occasion of Mahashivratri.
Built on what was an old Eidgah ground by Mohammad Abdulla Basha in 1981, this imposing mosque pays ode to the beauty of Islamic architecture. The mosque is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and fountains, reminiscent of characteristic Islamic layouts. Domed arches and pillars that end in mounds are part of the construction, while cryptic Islamic calligraphy adorns the walls of the mosque. The surrounding grounds are typically used for Haj camps, while the mosque itself attracts potential pilgrims into its doors during the Haj season.
The Dodda Ganapathi Temple is easily one of the most unusual and eye-catching temples in the city. The legend goes that Kempegowda I, who founded the city of Bengaluru, was on a stroll when he found a rock that had an etching of Ganesha on it. At his behest, an idol was carved out of a single stone and it is this that is now enshrined within the Dodda Ganapathi Temple. Devotees believe that the miraculous idol grew to its monumental size all on its own from the humble sculpture commissioned by the king. On the occasion of Ganesha Chaturthi , a week-long festival venerating Lord Ganesha, the idol is dressed in a variety of ways on each day, the most impressive being Benne Alankara which involves slathering the monolith with a staggering 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of butter. A richly ornamented gopuram marks the entrance of the temple, watching over the scene from a towering height.
One of the most visited religious sights and attractions in Bangalore, St. Mary's Basilica at Shivajinagar, never sees a dull day. Built in the year 1875, the church pays gratitude to Mother Mary who was believed to have cured the plague that struck the people residing in a village called Billi Akki Palli. She was thus called Annai Arokiamarie or 'Our Lady of Good Health' by the local people. The church in the 1800s had been subjected to vandalism when the structure was damaged. According to some stories, it is believed that they were unable to demolish the smaller statues and had been blinded by a flashing light. The church with its Gothic architecture and typical stained glass windows with a steep spire was built by a French man. Besides this, the premises also has a stall that sells religious books, articles, and souvenirs. The most famous event here is the annual feast that takes places in the month of September every year and is celebrated with great fanfare by the faithful.
The Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum was an initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Culture, and was set up in 1960 as an independent entity supported by the National Council for Science Museums. The museum is named after Sir Visvesvaraya, the great engineer who has to his credit the KRS dam and Mysore University to name a few. The museum focuses mainly on science and has exhibits that trace the history of engines, biotechnological revolution, dinosaur exhibits, and science for children. It has shows like the fascinating Taramandal Show which is popular and has a separate entry fee. There is also a small store within the premises that sells scientific toys for children. The museum is a fun place to stop at with the family.
Built in the year 1970, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is a very famous cricket stadium in India that has stood testament to the Indian team's grit and winning spirit. A number of historic matches have been played here. The grounds have even hosted fixtures of the 'Cricket World Cup,' namely the 1987 Reliance World Cup and the 1996 Wills World Cup. It is one of the country's larger stadiums and covers vast grounds within its premises. To facilitate entry and also to manage the crowd better, there are separate gates for the 'Invitees,' 'Executives' or the 'Members.' Various stands called the 'Pavilion End' and the 'BEML End' can be reached through these gates. This stadium is located near Cubbon Park, which is located just across the road. The cricket matches played here are still fresh in the minds of the people of a cricket crazy nation.