Kote Shri Prasanna Venkataramana Swami Temple — Attraction in Bengaluru

Venkataramana Swamy Temple, Bangalore Fort:

Spiritual Heritage: The temple, dedicated to Lord Venkataramana, exudes spiritual vibes and is an important cultural and religious landmark in Bangalore. Devotees and visitors alike appreciate its serene atmosphere, providing a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle.

Architectural Marvel: The temple showcases Dravidian architecture with intricate carvings and artistic embellishments. The gopuram (entrance tower) and the sanctum sanctorum are notable features, reflecting the craftsmanship of the artisans of that era.

Historical Significance: Being situated within the Bangalore Fort, the temple has historical significance dating back to the Kempegowda era. Exploring the temple and its surroundings offers insights into the cultural and historical evolution of Bangalore.

Religious Practices: The temple actively engages in traditional religious practices and ceremonies. Devotees often participate in rituals, prayers, and festivals, contributing to a vibrant and spiritual ambiance. The temple's priests and staff play a crucial role in maintaining the sanctity of the place.

Festivals and Celebrations: The temple celebrates various Hindu festivals with enthusiasm. During festivals like Brahmotsava, Ugadi, and Vaikunta Ekadashi, the temple becomes a hub of religious and cultural activities, attracting a large number of devotees.

Devotee Experience: Visitors often praise the temple for its welcoming environment and the warmth of the temple staff. The peaceful surroundings and the positive energy within the temple enhance the overall spiritual experience for devotees.

Conservation Efforts: Preserving the historical and architectural aspects of the temple requires ongoing conservation efforts. The maintenance of the temple's structures, sculptures, and surroundings is crucial to ensuring that future generations can appreciate its cultural significance.

Accessibility: The temple's location within the fort area makes it accessible to both locals and tourists. Its proximity to other historical sites in Bangalore Fort makes it a convenient addition to sightseeing itineraries.

Cultural Activities: Beyond religious practices, the temple may also host cultural events, classical music concerts, or spiritual discourses. These activities contribute to the temple's role as a cultural and community center.

Photography and Sightseeing: Photography enthusiasts often appreciate the temple's architecture, allowing them to capture the intricate details of the Dravidian style. The surrounding fort area provides additional opportunities for...

My friend had told me so many times about this beautiful temple, I decided I must visit it, and went there. Google said the temple opens at 5pm in the evenings. When I reached at about 5.20 pm, it was closed. I took a walk, and came back around 5.35 - the main door was open. But inside, there was not a single soul. I was actually thrilled - I would have God all to myself before the crowd builds up, I thought. But God was not interested in me. The shrine was still closed. I went around, admiring the beautiful carvings, reading all the wonderful display boards which tell the history of the temple. About how Venkataramana Swamy actually saved Tipu Sultan from certain death when Governor Cornwallis fired a cannon at Tipu's palace adjacent to the temple - the Lord took the cannon on Himself, and spared Tipu. Apparently Tipu was grateful. ( my guess is, that was for a short time - before he decided to do away with all "infidels"). The architecture is stunning, carvings bringing the characters to life. The general feeling one gets is of being in a great, serene place, very clean, and full of positive vibes. But I was disappointed that there was hardly anyone to enjoy the beauty of the place. As I reluctantly left, I met a young man enter the temple precincts, carrying a big container (?milk). I asked him why the shrine was not open. He said it would open by 6 pm or so, as people do not come earlier than that. Coming as I was from visiting the Golden temple at Amritsar just a few days back, which is open 24 hours a day with visitors milling about all day and all night, the poignancy hit me hard. I left with a heavy heart. I would have to go again to get a darshan, and the prasadam, which I am told by my friend, is wonderful...

Kote Venkataramana Temple is a Hindu temple in Krishnarajendra Road, Bangalore, India dedicated to the god Venkateshwara. The temple was built in 1689 in Dravidian and Vijayanagara style by King Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar, then ruler of Mysore.

The late 17th century Venkataramana temple is located near the old fort ("fort" is kote in Kannada language) adjacent to what was once the residence of Mysore Wodeyar royal family, and later became the palace of Tipu Sultan, a later ruler of the Mysore Kingdom. The temple consists of a sanctum (garbhagriha) which is connected to a central hall (mantapa) by a vestibule. The walls of the sanctum and vestibule (antechamber) are plain but for a row of deity sculptures in frieze at the base. On the whole the temple exudes modest decorative work and follows the general plan used in the temples within the palace complex in Mysore. The hall ceiling is supported by pillars that have "clusters of colonettes" alternating with yalis (mythical beasts from Hindu legend) in all four directions. This appears on each of the central columns. The main festival celebrated here is Vaikuntha Ekadashi when thousands of devotees throng the temple. This temple provided the setting for the treasure hunt in the book Riddle of the Seventh Stone.

Parking should be on main road else in government school ground which is very close-by. Emergency rest rooms(toilets) available at back side of the Temple. Transportation facilities including metro are...