19 Shiva Temples in Bangalore

Bangalore is home to numerous ancient and modern Shiva temples. Known for its vibrant culture, fast-paced lifestyle, and blooming IT sector, Bangalore has attracted migrants from across the country. However, the city has retained its rich cultural and spiritual heritage. An important element of this heritage is the many temples that dot the cityscape, whether you seek Shiva temple airport road Bangalore, or any part of the city. These temples range from small, modest shrines to ornate temples that are architectural marvels. While some date back to the medieval period or earlier, the new Shiva temples Bangalore continue to be built even today as religious fervor thrives. The lingam, the aniconic symbol of Lord Shiva, occupies the garbha griha or inner sanctum of these temples. Elaborate rituals, festivals, and traditions revolving around Lord Shiva are observed in these temples by devoted Shaivites.

These temples have also become active cultural hubs, regularly performing dance and music. Literature, philosophy, and spiritual discourses related to Shaivism also find an audience here. As the city expands, more Shiva temples in Bangalore, funded by community trusts and individual patrons, come up on the city outskirts. These temples preserve the living culture, rituals, and worship practices related to Lord Shiva, even as globalization transforms the city. While the orthodox rituals and customs are retained, many of these Shiva temples of Bangalore have embraced modernity. Technology has been integrated into the management of temples. Websites, apps, and social media platforms allow remote darshan and access to information regarding festivals and events.

Electronic queues using tokens help streamline and shorten the waiting time. CCTV cameras, metal detectors, and security measures have enhanced safety. Some larger temples even accept online donations. Hence, there is a syncretism of tradition and modern features. The Shiva temples in Bangalore thus represent an amalgamation of classic architecture, vibrant culture, age-old rituals and symbols, and contemporary technologies and amenities for the modern, urban devotee. These Shiva temples of Bangalore provide religious and cultural spaces that help preserve spiritual heritage while adapting to changing times. They signify the ethos of Bangalore – a techie and trendy metro city that embraces its several hundred-year-old traditions.

1. Kotilingeshwara Temple:

The Kotilingeshwara Temple is one of the most famous Shiva temples in Bangalore devoted to Lord Shiva. Located in Kammasandra, it is easily accessible by public transport. It is renowned across Karnataka for housing the largest lingam sculpture in the state, towering at a height of 108 feet. Constructed in 1985, this architectural marvel enshrines over 10 lakh miniature lingam idols throughout the compound, along with regular poojas and rituals. Major Hindu festivals like Maha Shivaratri witness lakhs of devotees thronging the Kotilingeshwara Temple to offer prayers and seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. This visually stunning temple combines intricate sculptural beauty with profound spiritual significance for Shaivites.

Location: Koti linga Temple, Road, Kammasandra, Karnataka 563121

Nearby Places: Kammasandra Lake, Kammasandra Village

2. Shivoham Shiva Temple:

Shivoham Shiva Temple is, also known as Kempfort Shiva Temple, constructed in a distinctly Dravidian architectural style, spanning 1.5 acres, and is one the most popular Shiva temple airport road Bangalore city. The central lingam sanctum houses a massive 12 feet tall, monolithic lingam believed to be swayambhu (self-manifested). Intricately carved niches and pillars encircle the inner sanctorum. The temple precinct also includes various facilities for devotees. On Maha Shivratri, lakhs of devotees visit Shivoham Shiva Temple airport road Bangalore, which stays open for 24 hours for the celebrations. The scenic locale and divine ambiance make this an ideal spot for meditation, yoga, and spiritual reflection for city residents.

Location: Kemp Fort Mall, Parking Sri Ram Nagri, 97, HAL Old Airport Rd, Ramagiri, Murgesh Pallya, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560017

Nearby Places: HAL Airport, Yemlur, Marathahalli

3. Sri Dakshinamukha Nandi Tirtha Kalyani Kshetra:

Sri Dakshinamukha Nandi Tirtha Kalyani Kshetra temple was rediscovered in Malleswaram, Bangalore, after 400 years in 1997, and has become a popular worship site. Situated on 2nd Temple Street, it houses a swayambhu Shiva lingam as the main deity. The uniquely south-facing 6-foot tall Nandi statue, ornately decorated by devotees, gives the temple its name, “Dakshinamukha Nandi.” Believed to be over 5 centuries old but buried underground for reasons unknown, the temple resurfaced in the 90s to the delight of local Shaivites. Stone inscriptions and carvings indicating its rich heritage have been found. The atmospheric location and intriguing history attract followers for Shiva’s darshan.

Location: 2nd Temple Street, Vyalikaval, Kodandarampura, Malleshwara, Bengaluru

Nearby Places: Malleswaram Railway Station, Sankey Tank

4. Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple:

The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is a revered Shiva temple in Gavipuram, Bangalore. Built-in the 16th century by Kempe Gowda I, it contains a unique shrine with monolithic rock sculptures of Lord Shiva in the form of Gavi Gangadhara, Goddess Parvati, and an iconic Agni lingam. During Makara Sankranti, the setting sun illuminates the sanctum through a window, an architectural marvel. With intricate stone carvings, a peaceful ambiance, and historical significance, the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple has become an iconic Shiva temple that attracts thousands of Shaivite devotees all year round for worship. It remains an enduring symbol of Bangalore’s cultural heritage.

Location: 5th Main Rd, Gavipuram Extention, Kempegowda Nagar, Bengaluru

Nearby Places: Bull Temple, Basavanagudi

5. Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple:

Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple is located inside the Halasuru Someshwara Temple complex in the Ulsoor area of Bangalore. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this intricately carved Dravidian-style temple showcases the remarkable craftsmanship of the Chola era. The Shiva temple in Bangalore houses a large Shiva lingam made of granite. Inscriptions date the temple to the late Chola dynasty rule in the 12th century CE. The annual Rathotsava, or chariot festival, draws thousands of devotees. With historical significance and elegant aesthetics, the Someshwara Temple is a proud remnant of Bangalore’s medieval Hindu heritage centered around Lord Shiva.

Location: Halasuru, Someshwarpura, Bengaluru, Karnataka

Nearby Places: Ulsoor Lake, MG Road

6. Shri Amba Bhavani & Shiva Temple

The ancient and sacred Sri Amba Bhavani Temple & Shiva temple in Bengaluru immerses devotees in serenity and deep spiritual experience. Visitors can personally connect with the resident deities—Ambaji Mata, Lord Shiva and the Navagrahas. Moreover, unlike many South Indian temples, devotees can get up-close and venerate the stunning shrines of Lord Ganapathy, Lord Subramanya and Naga Devatas. Special rituals like Akanda Deepa and Chandika Homa reinforce piety. The temple’s inclusive highlight is the rare ability for pilgrims to personally offer holy worship through touch, like the divine water offered to Lord Shiva, epitomizing this destination’s profound accessibility and devotion.

Location: 50, 3rd Cross Rd, Bhagyasree Layout, Rachenahalli, Jakkur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560077

Nearby Places: Jakkur Lake, Manyata Tech Park

7. Nageshvara Temple

The holy Nageshvara Temple is one of Bangalore’s most popular Shiva temples and isbelieved to be over a thousand years old. This ancient temple garners the utmost devotion of multitudes of Shaivite worshippers all year round. The highlight is a self-manifested Shiva Lingam enshrined in the main sanctum sanctorum, bestowing blessings on devotees. The temple architecture boasts exquisite stone carvings and pillars, said to have been modeled on the Dwarka temple styles during the late Chola dynasty reign. Surrounded by the serene environs of Begur forest abounding in lush greenery, the temple provides a sublime spiritual ambiance for meditation on Lord Shiva and attaining inner peace.

Location: BBMP office, Begur Rd, opposite to Begur, Begur, Bengaluru, Karnataka

Nearby Places: Begur Lake, Begur Fort

8. Dodda Basavana Gudi:

Dodda Basavana Gudi is famously called the ‘Bull Temple,’ is one of Bangalore’s most iconic attractions. The temple is renowned for housing an absolutely gigantic monolithic statue of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s vahana, measuring over 15 feet tall and 20 feet long, wrought from a single block of fine granite stone. Weighing over 6 tonnes, this Nandi sculpture is bathed and decorated ornately with fresh flowers daily by priests and worshippers alike. The temple’s entrance gopurams present impressive Vijayanagara architectural styles. Set amidst sprawling lush green lawns, the temple provides a serene backdrop for admiring the formidable Nandi idol as devotees chant prayers to Lord Shiva and seek blessings.

Location: Bull Temple, Steps to Bull Temple, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560004

Nearby Places: Basavanagudi Market, Bugle Rock Park

9. Kadu Malleshwara Temple: 

The ancient Kadu Malleshwara Temple is dedicated to a unique self-manifested Shiva Lingam under a mango tree by a small pond or ‘kadu,’ dating back over four centuries Nestled amidst picturesque greenery in the serene locality of Malleswaram. Legends state that a devout villager dreamt of the divine presence, leading to the consecration of the shrine at the sight, which over time gained popularity as a powerful, wish-fulfilling Shiva shrine. The temple architecture is simple yet elegant, set amidst tranquil lawns under the shade of the old mango tree near the holy pond. Devotees, young and old, gather to pray and meditate in its sacred ambiance, feeling Lord Shiva’s grace and blessings flow through the space.

Location: XHCV+JRP, KG Halli, D’ Souza Layout, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

Nearby Places: Malleswaram Market, Sankey Tank

10. Sri Prasanna Shiva Parvathi Temple:

The Sri Prasanna Shiva Parvathi Temple in Bengaluru stands for the resplendent house of worship. This contemporary architectural marvel dedicated to the divine couple Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi is entirely constructed from premium quality black granite. The eye-catching 60-foot tall ‘Rajagopuram’ tower capped with glimmering copper ‘kalashams’ is visible from afar, welcoming devotees into the well-laid temple precincts. Intricately carved black granite pillars and panels depict the holy wedding of Shiva and Parvathi and the cosmic Tandava dance. The main sanctums house exquisite panchaloha idols of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvathi, their benign smiles granting boons to praying devotees.

Location: Bengaluru, Sri Shivparvathi Temple Road, Bull Temple Road, Bangalore – 560004

Nearby Places: Basavanagudi Post Office, Gandhi Bazaar, Basavanagudi Police Station

11. Shiva Vishnu Temple

The Shiva Vishnu Temple derives its name Anandeshwara Hindu Temple owing to being located in Anandnagar locality. It uniquely houses two separate entrances and shrines – one dedicated to Lord Shiva housing idols of Shiva, Ganesha and Subramanian while the other entrance leads to the newly built Vishnu temple. The temple also contains a small hall used for conducting marriage ceremonies and cultural festivals. The dual presence of Shiva and Vishnu shrines, alongside the essential Indian deities of Ganesha and Subramanian under one campus, makes this an architecturally and religiously integrated temple for devotees.

Location: 2HJR+CGQ, 2nd Stage, MSHC Layout, Anandnagar, Hebbal, Bengaluru

Nearby Places: Hebbal Lake, Lumbini Gardens, Esteem Mall

12. Sri Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Shiva Temple:

The Sri Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Temple is uniquely located in Omkar Ashram atop Omkar Hills in Bangalore, one of the highest points in the city. This recently constructed Hindu temple complex houses shrines dedicated to the Dwadasha Jyotirlinga, India’s 12 most sacred Shiva temples. What makes it special is that replicas of all 12 Jyotirlinga shrines are found here in one location, with each Jyotirlinga installed in its sanctum sanctorum and topped with a vimana tower. This allows devotees to make a special pilgrimage to all 12 holy Jyotirlinga sites at this Karnataka temple, among the most magnificent Shiva temples in the state.

Location: Omkar Ashrama Maha Samasthana, Omkar Hills Rd, Banakshankari 6th Stage 11th Block, Srinivaspura, Bengaluru

Nearby Places: Omkar Hills, Banashankari

13. Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy temple:

The ancient Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy temple dedicated to Lord Shiva stands in a quiet neighborhood near Bull Temple Road in Basavanagudi, Bangalore. Originally built in 1689 by Chikkadevaraya, it fell into ruins when the British invaded in the 18th century. In the early 1900s, lecturer Bellave Venkatanarayanappa rediscovered the damaged temple and enshrined Shiva Lingam while constructing his house. The modest temple now draws devotees seeking Shiva’s blessings. The architecture is simple yet elegant, with granite pillars and idols. The serene atmosphere provides a perfect setting for meditation and chanting to Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy.

Location: 2nd Temple Street, Vyalikaval, Kodandarampura, Malleshwara, Bengaluru

Nearby Places: Basavanagudi Market, Bull Temple

14. Sri Shaneshwara Swamy Temple

Sri Shaneshwara Swamy temple is tucked away in the quiet locale of Hulimavu, Bengaluru, a unique complex with shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Shaneshwara. The temple architecture is elegantly crafted with ornate black granite pillars, sculptures, and panel carvings depicting various Hindu deities across its well-laid stone flooring and inner pradakshina pathway surrounding the main shrines. Devotees flock here seeking to mitigate difficult Saturnine periods or ‘Sade Sati’ phases by offering prayers to Lord Shaneshwara while worshipping the towering Shiva Lingam that denotes the endless cosmic pillar emblemizing Shiva’s energy. Chants of ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ resonate alongside the resonant ringing of temple bells as devotees circumambulate the inner precincts, feeling Lord Shiva’s divine vibrations pervade this peaceful sanctum.

Location: Bellary Rd, below flyover, near Hebbal, Subramani Nagar, Hebbal, Bengaluru

Nearby Places: Bannerghatta National Park, Hulimavu Lake

15. Sri Uttara Chowdeshwari Temple

Sri Uttara Chowdeshwari temple is amid verdant gardens tucked into the quaint locality of Malleshwaram, primarily dedicated to Goddess Chowdeshwari yet also housing a shrine for Lord Shiva’s iconic Lingam form. The towering black stone Shiva Lingam enshrined within emits a profoundly mystical aura that draws multitudes of devotees seeking to access Lord Shiva’s supreme energy through intense meditation, chanting of the Panchakshari mantra, and ceremonial floral and bilva leaf offerings. As devotees circumambulate the Lingam in a trance-like state, they experience the metaphysical Linga pillar as an infinite conduit bridging the material and spiritual realms, bestowing the grace to attain self-realization and liberation from mundane existence. 

Location: 1A Cross Rd, Gokula 1st Stage, HMT Layout, Mathikere, Bengaluru

Nearby Places: Malleshwaram Market, Sankey Tank

16. Kote Jalakanteshwara Temple

Ancient Kote Jalakantheshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Jalakantheshwara, the God of water bodies. An architectural marvel is hidden inside the heritage Bangalore Fort precincts near the City Market. The temple boasts exquisite pillars, ornate granite sculptures across its compound walls, and a spectacular seven-tiered gopuram tower elegantly fusing both Dravidian and Hoysala architectural influences. The unique highlight of this Shiva temple in Bangalore is a perennial stone well connected to an underground water channel that continuously fills and overflows, representing the Shiva Lingam enshrinement.

Location: Heritage Bengaluru, Jalakandeswarar Temple Rd, B Street, Fort, Bengaluru

Nearby Places: Bangalore Fort, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace

17. Mahalingeshwara Temple

The Mahalingeshwara Temple, situated in Jalahalli, contains a Swayambhu or self-manifested Shiva Lingam enshrined within its sanctum sanctorum, underscoring the space with metaphysical energy. True to its name denoting Shiva as the ‘great Lord of Lingams’, the temple is set amidst peaceful environs. The temple draws multitudes of ardent devotees seeking to access Shiva’s supreme consciousness through intense Linga-dhyana meditation, chanting mantras, and ceremonial worship rituals to the mystic pillar that channels Mahalinga’s divine presence. By thus glorifying Shiva’s iconic aniconic form as the infinite Cosmic Axis, devotees attain moksha and self-

Location: 2nd Main Rd, Weavers Colony, KGH Layout, Ganganagar, Bengaluru

Nearby Places: Jalahalli Market, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore

18. Shree Kaashi Vishwanatha temple

Shree Kaashi Vishwanatha temple is tucked away in the narrow bylanes of Kalasipalya in central Bengaluru is a unique temple, modeled as a replica of the iconic Varanasi temple. Its distinct stone facade, intricately carved sandstone pillars, and panels transport devotees to the holiest Shiva shrine along the Ganges. Legends say the main sanctum houses a swayambhu lingam that had self-manifested ages ago. During special Mahashivratri celebrations, devotees keenly observe traditional Benaresi rituals like the exhilarating Ganga aarti performed on the steps of a replica Manikarnika Ghat, along with the Vishesha Puja stretching late into the night.

Location: 2nd B Main Rd, B Channasandra, Bennigana Halli, Bengaluru

Nearby Places: Kalasipalya Market, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace

19. Banashankari Temple

The famous Banashankari Temple is Situated in South Bangalore, and primarily dedicated to Goddess Banashankari, a powerful local deity with her unique mythological origins and personality. However, the extensive temple precincts also house a shrine for Lord Shiva towards its rear entrance. Housed under a stone mantapa, the Shiva shrine contains a tall, polished black stone lingam representing Shiva’s iconic cosmic pillar form. As Goddess Banashankari embodies the fierce protective Shakti force, Lord Shiva’s presence underscores his archetypal role as the grounding cosmic masculine energy that perfectly complements and balances the Goddess’ intense nature.

Location: Samethanahalli Shri Banashankari Temple Rd, Bengaluru

Nearby Places: Banashankari Market, Banashankari Hill