Gavi Gaṅgādhareśvara Cave Temple
Sunlight touches the liṅga every Makara Saṅkrānti
⭐ Why it is famous
A rock-cut cave shrine where, on Makara Saṅkrānti evening, the setting sun's rays pass between the horns of a stone Nandi and through an arch to fall exactly on the liṅga — a 16th-century feat of astronomy in stone.
📜 Pilgrimage history
Built by Kempe Gowda I, founder of Bengaluru, around 1537, reputedly in thanksgiving after his release from imprisonment. The forecourt monoliths — the great damaru, triśūla and two discs — are unique in South India.
🕰️ Temple timings
- Darśan 06:00 – 12:30 and 17:00 – 20:30
🙏 Darśan details
- Free darśan; long queues on Saṅkrānti (14–15 January)
- Arrive by 16:30 on Saṅkrānti for the sun alignment
- Cave floor can be wet — go barefoot carefully
🚉 Location & getting there
📍 Gavi Gaṅgādhareśvara Cave Temple, Bengaluru, Bengaluru UrbanKSR Bengaluru City (SBC) — 6 km
Bengaluru bus stand — state transport buses stop here.
Kempegowda International (BLR) — 42 km
In Gavipuram, off Bull Temple Road; nearest Metro is National College (Green Line), 1.5 km.
🪔 Poojas, sevās & tickets
This temple does not publish a rate list. Darśan is free; ārcanā, abhiṣeka and other sevās are booked at the counter inside the temple on the day.
🧭 Around the temple
Places to see besides the temple — tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Bengaluru hotels at every price point
- Basavanagudi guesthouses near the temple
₹ Indicative trip cost (per head, 2 days)
| Budget | Standard | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| ₹1,500 | ₹3,500 | ₹9,000 |
🛕 Nearby temples
📌 Other attractions nearby
- Lalbagh Botanical Garden
- Bugle Rock park
- Ramakrishna Ashrama
📅 Best time to visit
Makara Saṅkrānti in January; pleasant year round