Pralayakala Veerabhadra Swamy Temple Bengaluru – Timings, Rituals, Festivals & Beliefs

 

Location

The temple is located in Gavipura, Guddadahalli, within Bengaluru city, Karnataka. It sits atop a small hillock near Kempambudhi Lake, offering a serene and spiritually charged atmosphere.

Deities and Sanctum

• Presiding Deity: Sri Pralayakala Veerabhadra Swamy, facing north, depicted in a fierce form with 32 hands, each holding divine weapons representing Shiva, Vishnu, and Ambika aspects.
• Subshrines: Worship is also offered to Lord Anjaneya, Lord Ganapati, and Lord Subramanya within the temple premises.

Significance

The temple commemorates the legendary episode from the Daksha Yagna. When Daksha insulted Mother Parvathi and excluded Lord Shiva from his yajna, Shiva created Veerabhadra, who destroyed the ritual and drove away the Devas. The temple’s unique idol of Veerabhadra with 32 hands symbolizes this divine fury and cosmic justice.

Beliefs and Prayers

• Devotees pray to Lord Veerabhadra for relief from concerns related to children’s well-being and doshas from snake planets (Sarpa Dosha).
• Offerings include Tulasi, Vilwa, Nagalinga flowers, and lime garlands.
• Special Boli/Ubbuddu is offered as nivedana, a traditional Karnataka offering.

Festivals and Rituals

• Sravana Mondays (August–September): Considered highly auspicious, with special pujas and processions.
• Ratha Saptami (January–February): Celebrated with Rudrabhishekam, fire-walking rituals, and a car procession of the deity.
• Tuesdays: Regular Rudrabhishekam performed.
• Last Tuesday of Karthika Masam (November–December): Unique Alankaram with coconut chips is offered to pacify the fierce form of Veerabhadra.

Temple Timings

• Morning: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
• Evening: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• On Tuesdays and Amavasya, extended hours: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

How to Reach

• By Road:
  The temple is located on Swimming Pool Road, Gavipuram Guttahalli, near Kempegowda Nagar, Bengaluru. It’s easily accessible by auto, cab, or BMTC buses from major city hubs like Majestic, Basavanagudi, and Banashankari.
• By Metro:
  The nearest metro station is Lalbagh Metro Station or National College Station. From there, take a short auto ride to reach the temple.
• By Train:
  If arriving from outside Bengaluru, KSR Bengaluru City Railway Station (Majestic) is the closest major railhead. From there, it’s about 5 km to the temple.
• By Air:
  From Kempegowda International Airport, the temple is roughly 40 km away. You can hire a cab or use airport shuttle services to reach the city and then take local transport.

Tips

• Best Time to Visit:
  Tuesdays and Sravana Mondays are spiritually charged and ideal for darshan. Ratha Saptami and Karthika Masam Tuesdays offer unique rituals and vibrant atmosphere.
• Photography:
  The temple’s architecture is striking, but seek permission before photographing inside sanctum areas.
• Nearby Attractions:
  You can also visit Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, Sri Bande Mahakali Temple, and Kempambudhi Lake, all within walking distance.