Shri Panchalinga Nageshwara Temple — Attraction in Bengaluru

Good place for worship lord Shiva The Nageshvara temple has a simple square sanctum (garbhagriha), a vestibule (antarala) that connects the sanctum to a "great closed hall" (maha-mantapa or navaragna) which leads to an open hall (agra-mantapa). The entrance to the open hall is via balustraded steps in the south-west and north-west corners.[3] The open hall has six unequally spaced pillars, with an image of Nandi (vehicle or vahana of the god Shiva) placed on a "lotus platform" (padma-pitha) in the outer bay (compartment formed between four pillars). The white granite pillars are simple in design; with a square base (pitha), plain lower part and fluted octagonal in the centre. Many parts of the temple, including the open and closed halls appear to have been subjected to renovation in later periods. The sanctum has a linga, the universal symbol of the god Shiva.[3]

The ceiling in the closed hall (navaranga) has the characteristic Western Ganga artistic touch, the eight panel sculptures in a square grids (called the ashta-dik-palaka) which includes an image of four handed Uma-Maheshvara (the god Shiva with his consort Parvati). The ceiling of the open hall also has the grid sculptures with an seated image of Shiva and Parvati in the centre. Other sculptures kept in the hall include Mahishasuramardini (a form of the goddess Durga), a unique two handed Ganesh, and Kalabhairava (a form of Shiva). The vertical doorjamb (sakha) have the typical carvings of creepers with ganas (attendants of the god Shiva from Hindu Mythology) in loops with lotuses (padma) at the terminations. On top of the doorjamb, at the centre of the lintel (lalata), is an image of Gajalakshmi (a form of the goddess Lakshmi) with elephants on either side.[3]

The Nageshvarasvami temple, also a Western Ganga construction, faces east, has a square plan for the sanctum, a vestibule, an open hall, a detached hall called mukha-mantapa whose ceiling is supported by eight pillars. An image of Nandi is placed in the mukha-mantap making it serve the purpose of a Nandi-mantapa (Nandi hall). The base of the entrance (dvara) is flanked by niches with images of Ganga-Yamuna figures with attendant ladies. This appears to be a Chalukya-Rashtrakuta influence.[4]

9th century temple at Begur (pic taken in c.1868), by Henry Dixon, from the Archaeological Survey of India Collections[5] 9th century temple at Begur (pic taken in c.1868), by Henry Dixon, from the Archaeological Survey of India Collections[5]

Nandi mantapa in Nageshvara temple. The Nageshvara temple complex photo is located in Begur, a small town within the Bangalore urban district of Karnataka state, India. Nandi mantapa in Nageshvara temple. The Nageshvara temple complex photo is located in Begur, a small town within the Bangalore urban district of Karnataka...

Shri Panchalinga Nageshwara Temple showcases a fascinating blend of architectural styles owing to the patronage of multiple dynasties over centuries. The earliest structures, including the Nageshvara and Nagareshwara shrines, are attributed to the Western Ganga Dynasty in the 9th and 10th centuries. These typically exhibit a simpler Dravidian style with square sanctums, vestibules, and open halls supported by unornamented granite pillars. Later, during the 11th century, the Chola Dynasty left its imprint with the addition of other shrines like Choleshwara, characterized by more intricate carvings and possibly the towering gopurams (entrance towers) seen today. Some elements also suggest influences from the subsequent Hoysala and Vijayanagara periods. This layering of architectural styles makes the temple complex a unique historical palimpsest.Beyond its architectural evolution, the temple boasts several unique features. Its name, "Panchalinga," refers to the presence of five Shiva Lingas enshrined within the complex, each with its own significance and believed to bestow different blessings. Notably, the temple houses a rare two-handed idol of Lord Ganesha. Another striking feature is the Surya (Sun God) idol facing west, an unusual orientation for Sun God depictions in India. The temple also holds significant historical value due to an Old Kannada inscription dating back to around 890 CE. This inscription contains the earliest known reference to "Bengaluru," mentioning a "Bengaluru war," thus solidifying the temple's place in the...

This temple situated in Begur off Bommanahalli is one of the very old temples of Bangalore older than Kempegowda founded which many believe so. The Shilasasanas throw much light about these aspects. Each linga is said to be unique for offering & bestowing benefits during prayers in the sense one clears court cases, one bestows children, one after pray marriages are fixed etc. Vast temple taken over by the Archeological Survey of India. The vast lake opposite to the temple has been reclaimed, rejenuvated, roads laid for jogging with fencing to avoid encroachment by greedy land and real estate sharks. The four gopurams were really beautiful and it is being rebuilt by locals. The temple is spacious, inside very clean, old pillars, poojary ready to explain to devotees that are unique to this temple. Calm atmosphere, silence, good parking space etc.Many idols were excavated by ASI and displayed within the temple for permanent exhibition later. Peaceful place,five temples are all of five different construction styles built during different times of history. An inscription gives the details about this inside the temple. A definite and must visit temple to be proud of our old Bangalore history. We must preserve at any cost for which all citizens must take responsibility in their own way. Let us leave some history of our older generation to our younger and forthcoming generations. Good job by ASI indeed....