India, the vast land of beauty has always attracted tourists from all over the world. The southern India is a major pull for the tourists with their unique culture and exquisite architecture. Bangalore, seated in the heart of the Deccan is a place of numerous grand temples. Kadu Mallikarjunaswamy Temple at Malleshwaram is one of the most popular temples in Bangalore.

The Kadu Mallikarjunaswamy Temple at Malleshwaram is located on Sampige Road. It is one of the oldest Bangalore temples. The exact historical date of the construction of the temple is yet to be found out. Some historical documents show a relation of the temple with the eminent Maratha leader Shivaji.

In ancient times Bangalore was ruled by the rukers of Bijapur. Then Bangalore came under the rule of Shahji, the father of Shivaji. Venkoji, Shivaji’s stepbrother inherited the land. In around 1669 AD while visiting Mallapura, Venkoji came across a shivalinga and built a temple there.

The Kadu Mallikarjunaswamy Temple is built on an enormous rock and the main door faces east. The temple is surrounded with peepal trees. One has to climb 40 steps to reach the temple. After the entrance there are rooms of the Dharmika Datti Department. The left side is adorned by a Mantappa along with a kitchen. To the backside of Garbagudi there are idols of Subramanya and Dakshinamurthi. The deity of Chandikeshwari is in the north.

The temple complex has an Anjaneya temple flanked by a Bilwapatra tree behind and a Navagraha Temple. A Mukha Mantapa with carvings of Shiva-Parvathi, Ardhanariswara, Ganapathi and Subramanyaswamy is a treat to the eyes.

The front part of the temple, Nandikeshwara Thertha Kalyani is believed to be the place of origination of Vrishabhavathi River. Many ceremonies are held in the temple premisies like Shivarathri, Brahmarathosava and the very special Mutthinna Pallakki Utsav which is the occasion when devotees throng the temple for the blessings. Click on the other links of places of worship in Bangalore to know on the other temples in Bangalore