Home > The GReaT Divine Darshan > Bengaluru
HOLY PLACES
IN BENGALURU
This city, fondly called the Garden City, isn’t just about lush parks and Insta-worthy blooms—it’s where nature and devotion come together like the ultimate dream team. Birds start the day with their best playlist (no premium subscription needed), and just when you think the concert is over, the air fills with hymns, chants, and prayer calls from every direction, turning the whole city into a spiritual orchestra. Now, if you’re planning to explore, don’t let the traffic be your ultimate test of patience. Instead, follow our curated list of divine destinations—each one packed with a dose of culture, a sprinkle of history, and a whole lot of soul. Who knows? By the end of your journey, you might just find yourself calling them "Namma"—just like how we call this city "Namma Bengaluru"!
OUR Hotels
IN THE CITY, BY THE SACRED SITES 🏙
Radisson Hotel Bengaluru City Center
Whether it’s savouring a serene cup of coffee while watching birds soar over the tranquil Ulsoor Lake or staying close to the revered temples in Bengaluru, Radisson Hotel Bengaluru City Center is where your journey begins. With 90 accommodation options, ranging from chic rooms to expansive suites, we’ve got your stay covered in style. But wait, there’s more! Our lively restobar combines the magic of traditional South Indian street food with modern culinary tricks—prepare for a flavour explosion that’ll have your taste buds dancing. Add in the blissful Bodhi Spa, the city’s ultimate chill-out zone, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable stay filled with comfort, cuisine, and pure relaxation!
OURDivine Destinations
TRAVEL THROUGH THE MUSEUMS OF FAITH 🛕
SRI GURU SINGH SABHA
GURUDWARA ✨
Built in 1943, this is Bengaluru's biggest Sikh shrine, where peace and spirituality blend in the most beautiful way!
Distance from Our Hotel100 m
Timing3:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
FestivalBaisakhi: (Apr)
Guru Nanak Jayanti: (Nov)Sacred Food OfferedKada Prasad and Langar
Transportation CostFor assistance, please contact the front desk.
Disclaimer: The gurudwara's timings are subject to change as per the operating committee's decisions.
About Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara:
- The Gurdwara was first constructed in 1943 on land donated by a Sikh family that migrated to the city.
- The Gurdwara underwent major renovations in 2023, with a larger Langar hall, state-of-the-art kitchen, expanded parking, and space for thousands of devotees.
- Sri Guru Singh Sabha, which manages the Gurdwara, also oversees a medical facility, and a school, and provides one-day accommodation for travellers in its function hall.
- Every Sunday, the gurudwara offers ‘Guru Ka Langar’, a cherished tradition of serving free meals to everyone in need!
- Weekly prayers and soulful Sunday programs make it a peaceful sanctuary for anyone seeking divinity and tranquillity.
- The Gurdwara is a cultural hub, offering classes in Kirtan, Gurmat, Gatka, and Turban Tying to uphold Sikh values.
- During the pandemic, the Gurdwara played a vital role by delivering freshly cooked meals to those in need and providing PPE kits and sanitisers to police officers.
DHARMARAYASWAMY
TEMPLE ✨
This 800-year-old Chalukya dynasty temple is a timeless relic, standing as one of Bengaluru's oldest treasures and a window into its ancient past.
4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Disclaimer: The temple's timings are subject to change as per the operating committee's decisions.
About Dharmarayaswamy Temple:
- This is one of Bengaluru’s oldest landmarks, and traces its origins back 800 years to the Chalukya dynasty, even predating the city itself.
- The temple's architecture showcases a unique blend of styles from the Western Ganga, Pallava, and Vijayanagara empires.
- The temple is the only one in India built to worship the five Pandavas from the Mahabharata and their wife.
- A standout event in its vibrant cultural calendar is the iconic Karaga Festival, held on a full moon night in March or April.
- During this festival, a priest, dressed as a woman, dances through the streets carrying a sacred clay pot called the ‘Karaga’ in a mesmerising ritual dedicated to Draupadi.
Divine Facts:
In the heart of Bengaluru, as night falls and the city holds its breath, an ancient story comes to life through rhythm, devotion, and sacred ritual.It begins at the Dharmaraya Swamy Temple, where silence gives way to anticipation. A priest, chosen and prepared through deep spiritual discipline, steps into the role of someone extraordinary—Draupadi, the fiery, revered heroine from the Mahabharata. Draped in the attire of a woman, he becomes her living symbol for the night.
Balancing a sacred pot—the Karaga—on his head, the priest begins his journey through the streets, his steps light yet powerful, his movements guided by centuries of tradition. The Karaga itself is said to embody Draupadi’s strength, purity, and unshakable will. And throughout the night, it must not falter. The pot must not fall. The balance must be perfect.
As he dances through the lanes, crowds gather in awe. The air buzzes with chants, drumbeats, and the raw energy of belief. Dancers whirl in traditional costumes, martial artists perform daring routines—sticks clashing, sparks flying. It’s not just a celebration; it’s a living ritual, an act of devotion that blurs the lines between myth and the modern day.
This is the Karaga Festival—a tradition born ages ago, still pulsing with life today. A tribute to Draupadi’s resilience. A night where a city bows to the power of faith, legacy, and the stories that refuse to fade.
SOMESHWARA TEMPLE ✨
Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is packed with fascinating stories from different origins, making it an intriguing place to visit!
5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Pallaki Utsav: (Mar-Apr)
Disclaimer: The temple's timings are subject to change as per the operating committee's decisions.
About Someshwara Temple:
- The temple follows Vijayanagara architecture, featuring a Garbhagriha (square sanctum) surrounded by a narrow passageway and intricate carvings.
- One of the temple's most famous sculptures depicts King Ravana lifting Mount Kailash to release Lord Shiva.
- The temple is particularly renowned for its grand celebrations, including Mahashivaratri, Brahmotsavam, and Karthika Somawaram festivals.
- During Mahashivaratri, the temple comes alive with lamps and lights, drawing over 1,00,000 visitors.
- Every Monday, the temple serves Anna Prasadam (free meals) to devotees.
- The temple is not only a spiritual hub but also a cultural landmark, attracting thousands of pilgrims throughout the year.
- The temple’s rich history, legends, and vibrant festivals make it a must-visit for those exploring Bengaluru's religious and cultural heritage.
Divine Facts:
Long ago, in the land that would one day be Bengaluru, Kempe Gowda had a grand vision—to build a magnificent temple. But there was just one tiny problem: budget constraints. One night, as he sat contemplating his financial woes, Lord Shiva decided to intervene. Appearing as Someshwara, the local deity, Shiva leaned in and casually dropped a divine tip—there was a hidden treasure buried nearby. Kempe Gowda, now Bengaluru’s first treasure hunter, wasted no time. With newfound enthusiasm (and possibly the first-ever recorded instance of divine real estate funding), he built the temple, a sacred masterpiece that would stand the test of time.But wait, there’s another version of the story! In this one, fate picks a different protagonist—King Jayappa Gowda. While taking what we can only assume was a very refreshing nap under a tree, the king had a dream. Lord Shiva appeared and said, “Psst… there’s a Shivlinga under you.” Sure enough, when Jayappa Gowda woke up and dug beneath him, there it was! Clearly, some naps are more productive than others. Whether it was divine treasure-hunting or mystical dream revelations, one thing is certain—the origins of this temple are nothing short of legendary. A place where faith meets fortune (sometimes quite literally), this temple remains a sacred cornerstone of devotion and mystery.
