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Among the two sons of Shiva and Parvathi, Shanmukha is worshipped in different forms. Shanmukha is seen as a great warrior in the Hindu mythology and is known by various names. He is called as Subrahmanya by the Kannadigas and for Tamilians, he is Murugan.
Shrungagiri Temple Gopura
Photo Courtesy: Kiran Gopi
Once the Maha Guru Sri Sri Sri Bharati Thirtha Swamiji of Shringeri Sharadapeetha dreamt about Lord Shanmukha and as per the visions a beautiful Shanmukha temple was constructed at Shrungagiri. It would not be wrong if we say that this shrine is a unique structure.
Shrungagiri Shanmukha Temple is located in a small hill called Shrungagiri at Rajarajeshwari Nagar (R R Nagar) in Bengaluru (Bangalore). Here Lord Subrahmanya is manifested as Shanmukha. While travelling towards Mysore road, a deviation from Rajarajeshwarinagararch will take you to this temple.
Shrungagiri Temple
Photo Courtesy: Brunda Nagaraj
The name Shanmukha means 'six faces'. Hence, the temple tower is adorned by the six faces of Shanmukha. This beautiful temple was designed by Dr. R. Arunachalam and no doubt it is one of the exotic temples in Bangalore.
Shrungagiri hill is around 240 ft and the Shanmukha temple is built on top of it. The shrine is 123 ft and the temple tower (gopura) is about 62ft. While the sanctum reflects the traditional architecture, the extra design has a modern touch!
Presiding Deity Shanmukha
The speciality of this temple is its Gopura and the crystal dome like structure. The elegant lighting provided for this crystal structure gives a grand look during the evening times. Morever, this six faces of Shanmukha looks mesmerizing from the surrounding areas.
Another speciality of this structure is that of the sensors that attract the sun-rays. These sensors track the sun-rays from morning till evening and make sure they fall on the idol of Shanmukha at all times. So, the faces of Shanmukha is bathed in sun during the day time.
There are steps leading to the main shrine and around the main deity you would also get to see a museum dedicated to Lord Ganapati in his various forms, sizes and shapes. It is a must see when you visit the temple. Do not miss the prasadam at the temple - the yummy Pongal.
A closer look
Photo Courtesy: Manavatha
You may also visit the beautiful Panchamukhi Ganapati temple right at the entrance and opposite to the Shanmukha temple there is a separate temple dedicated to Goddess Parvathi.
How to Reach Shrungagiri Shanmukha Temple
- By Bus: You can either come from the Rajarajeshwari Arch or through Uttarahalli. Since this is a well developed area there are several buses in this routes. However, no buses go till the temple. One has to get down near Arehalli Arch or Poorna Pragna Layout bus stop and take an auto or walk to the temple. This route is for people who travel from Uttarahalli route.
- Shrungagiri Temple is open from 6.30 AM to 12.30 PM and from 4.30 PM to 9 PM in the evening.
- Parking facility : Available
- Footwear stand : Available
- Flower vendors : Available
Must do : If you are at this temple during evening times; try to get the glimpse of the scenic view as the sun sets.
