Sri Prasanna Veeranjaneya Swami Temple — Attraction in Bengaluru

The magnificent carving of Lord Hanuman at Sri Prasanna Veeranjaneya Swamy Temple in Mahalakshmi Layout, Bengaluru.

Before Indian independence, Mahalakshmipura area was a barren land mostly interspersed with small hills, but was a prominent place for the British Army who were fond of a particular hill in that area because it had a naturally formed huge upright rock which was suitable for shooting practice. After independence and subsequent withdrawal of the British troops, the area had literally become “No Man’s Land” because it was way beyond the outskirts of the then Bengaluru city.

Legend has it that a passerby (probably a traveler with artistic & religious inclination) felt the place had a spiritual aura, and spent the next few days using the huge rock as a canvas to come up with an outline sketch of Lord Hanuman (Anjaneya Swamy). Within months, devotees started thronging the place to offer prayers & puja, and despite being far away from the actual city, it had already become a popular pilgrimage for people in Bengaluru & other nearby towns.

In the early 1970s, as the city expanded, and the hill was registered within the city limits, the local residents hired professional artists to enhance the earlier outlined sketch, into a grand painting of Lord Hanuman. By the mid 1970s, the authorities decided to turn the painting into a sculpture and formed a high level committee (involving local residents) for this purpose. The task of carving was finally assigned to Shanmugananda Sthapathi, who was one of the most popular sculptors of Bengaluru. (His sons Mohanraj & Ganapathi now run a company called “Ganadeva Sculptures” which has been constructing temples & sculpting idols across Bengaluru).

In 1976, the sculpture, which measured 22 feet in height & 16 feet in width, was ready, and was inaugurated along with traditional ceremony as per Hindu tradition. Interestingly, the chief guest during the inauguration was none other than PV Narasimha Rao (Yes, the former PM who liberalized Indian Economy in 1991), who was actually a staunch Hindu and had motivated Hindus in different parts of India to build temples and renovate places of worship.

Since the idol didn’t have a roof, the local residents felt it would be incomplete unless a temple complex was built around it to shelter the idol, and hence began their quest to house the idol into a simple yet neat temple premise. By 1980, a 40×40 ft temple was ready, which went on to expand into a 13 acre temple complex with the help of generous donations by devotees over the next few years, and it became part of the “Must-Visit” list of sightseeing in the city.

The temple management has consistently demonstrated excellence in the fields of religious propagation, philanthropy & cleanliness as well, and the temple has even won awards like “Best maintained temple”. The pagoda-styled architecture of the temple complex is unique & a treat to the eyes.

One of the most spectacular events is the “Benne-Alankara” (Butter decoration) which is usually conducted in August, during which the gigantic idol is decorated with more than 500 kg of butter (which is donated by thousands of devotees). During Hanuman Jayanti, more than 5000 monkeys in and around Bengaluru are fed with fruits (which again comes through donations from devotees).

The temple is open on all the days, from 6 AM to 8:30 PM.

Metro Rail would be the best mode of travel to reach the place, as the “Mahalakshmi Metro Station” is just a few mins walk (320 meters to be precise)...

Sri Prasanna Veeranjaneya Swamy Temple is a unique temple where Presiding deities are Sri Anjaneya and Sri Mahalakshmi Devi..used to visit the temple almost every Saturday when staying in Rajajinagar..

On specific Fridays, Sri Prasanna Anjaneya is adorned by a huge Vada Malai or a garland made of Vadas which is a unique sight..after Pooja is done, Vadas are then promptly distributed to devotees. Sri Mahalakshmi Devi is seated on a beautifully carved stone lotus which I heard was 5ft high. Devi idol is 12ft high. If you visit this temple on Friday, you will be delighted with amazing Alankaram and Pooja offered to both deities.

As the temple complex is at a certain height from the ground level, after prayers, one can sit in the space which is like an open amphitheatre with cool breeze in the early mornings or in the evenings, you will feel a sense of happiness on experiencing it in this spiritual place.

Just behind the idol of Sri Anjaneya (which is a 22ft single black stone) devotees can offer their prayers to Sri Ganesh, Lakshmana-Sri Rama-Sita Devi and Mahalakshmi Devi whose idols are in beautiful white Marble and a wonderful Alankaram to match the marble. There is also a Tulasi shelter and Abhaya Hastha Ganapathi.

Close-by is a sheltered stage where cultural programmes are performed.

There is also a library with lots of books on spirituality and a really nice meditation hall where an idol of Sri Dhyana Anjaneya and Sri Kondanda Rama are present. Sometimes they play in background a short lyric verse recording - "Sri Ram Jayaram Jai Jai Ram" on low volume which is a joy to hear.

Several decades earlier, the temple could be seen from now where the metro station / ISKCON temple is, as more buildings were built, the landscape changed and so now one has to be close to the temple to have a dharshanam of Lord Anjaneya.

If you are visiting ISKCON temple, please visit this wonderful temple which is just...

A Sacred Encounter at the Hanuman Temple, Bengaluru

On January 5th, 2025, after experiencing the divine serenity of the ISKCON Temple in Bengaluru, I ventured across the street and stumbled upon a sight that left me in awe—a colossal Hanuman Vigraham, unlike anything I had ever seen before. For the first time in my life, I stood before a towering black statue of Lord Hanuman, emanating a powerful yet calming presence. The sheer size and the intricate detailing of this majestic figure are truly a testament to the devotion and reverence of those who built this sacred space.

Near the Dwajasthambam, I witnessed another profound sight—the sacred slippers of Lord Hanuman. It was a humbling moment, seeing these divine relics, a rare and treasured glimpse into the devotion of times past. Alongside, the awe-inspiring Shree Prasanna Mahalakshmi Vigraham, also in striking black, stood tall and regal, radiating grace and blessings to all who came to seek her darshan.

This temple is not just a place of worship but a sanctuary of ancient devotion, holding stories of faith and tradition within its walls. I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to the spiritual history that surrounds this place, making it one of the oldest and most revered temples I’ve had the privilege to visit.

Reflecting on this visit, I was reminded of another cherished temple back home in Hyderabad—the Kala Hanuman Temple in Attapur, known for its small yet equally powerful black Hanuman Vigraham. Despite being one of the oldest temples in the city, it remains a hidden gem, often unknown to many locals.

Both temples, in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, offer a unique, peaceful, and deeply spiritual experience. They are a testament to the enduring power of faith and devotion, places where one can find solace, strength, and a connection to the divine. Jai Shri Ram!...