Shri Ghati Subrahmanya Temple Bengaluru: One of the 7 Self-Manifested Holy Shrines of Lord Murugan

Established by the Ghorpades of Sandur, Shri Ghati Subrahmanya Temple Bengaluru is one of the most revered sites dedicated to the worship of Subramanya (Kartikeya). 

The symbolism and mystic elements of the temple make it intriguing and beckon religious people worldwide. It is a 600-year-old Kartikeya temple, one that is highly inclined towards the ancient practice of snake worship in southern India. 

Many lores are the drivers of each of these rituals and practices, discussed elaborately in the further sections. Keep reading to find out more about the Ghati Subramanya Temple history.

Shri Ghati Subrahmanya Temple Bengaluru–History, Architecture & Rituals

Shri Ghati Subrahmanya Temple Bengaluru is a unique place of worship, in fact, one of the 7 ‘swayam vyakta kshetras’, or self-manifested places of worship dedicated to Lord Kartikeya. 

It takes a truth seeker to unravel the parts of this mystic, 600-year-old temple, built by the Ghorpades of the Sandur region. The enigma behind this temple and its distinguishing elements is more of a reason to visit it.

The Tale of Victory & Penance of Subramanya 

The Defeat of Ghatikasura

As far as the first lore goes, Lord Subramanya defeated a demon, Ghatikasura, thus earning the place its name—Ghati Subramanya Temple. With this marvellous victory, he inked his name as the kshetrapal (protector) of the region. 

Lord Subramanya & The Creator

There’s another interesting tale, which narrates that Subramanya once held the creator, Lord Brahma, as a captive and inquired about the meaning of the sacred syllable ‘OM.’ After Shiva’s intervention, Subramanya released Brahma, marvellous had to serve his penance in the form of a serpent on the earth. This largely explains the dominating theme of snakes in the temple.

Narasimha & The Protector of Naga Loka

Another lore, which positions Subramanya Swamy as the protector of the Doddaballapur region, suggests that he paid his penance and protected the Naga Loka (serpent realm) from the wrath of Garuda. It also goes on to explain how he summoned Lord Narasimha (a half-lion, half-human avatar of Lord Vishnu) for help in this mission.  He thus made the most of his time on earth, and in the process of protecting the nagas, redeemed himself as well. 

Prime Deity at Ghati Subramanya Devasthanam

Lord Subramanya, also worshipped as Murugan in South India, is the prime deity of Shri Ghati Subrahmanya Temple Bengaluru. Lord Kartikeya (Swaminathan/Murugan) is the god of war, protection, and wisdom. 

His vahana, or mount/vehicle, is a peacock, which signifies victory, grace, and beauty. However, the main idol of Kartikeya is carved out of a single stone, where he’s adorned with a seven-headed cobra. The overriding theme of the cobras is to underscore the shrine’s importance as a naga temple.

Architecture of Sri Ghati Subramanya Temple

Shri Ghati Subrahmanya Temple Bengaluru, boasts the classic ancient Hindu architectural element—the gopuram at the entrance. A giant statue of Subramanya can be seen at the entrance, adorned with the seven-headed serpent on his back. 

In the inner sanctum, you will be able to notice the symbolic harmony between the detail of the east-facing Kartikeya idol and the west-facing Narasimha idol. Within the temple, under a peepal tree, is an army of snake inscriptions, symbolic of how they’re deeply imprinted in the Ghati Subramanya history.  

Now that the history bit is covered, find out the Ghati Subramanya temple timings, distance from prime spots, and more in the next section.

Ghati Subramanya Temple Timings 

Ghati Subramanya Temple timings for darshan are from 6 am to 8:30 pm every day. However, the temple goes forward with the aarti at 8:30 am every morning.  

There’s another grand Mahamangalya Aarti, which is done twice a day, at 10:30 am and at 8:30 pm respectively. 

Best Time to Visit Ghati Subramanya Temple Bangalore

The best time to visit Shri Ghati Subramanya temple is in the month of December due to the Brahmarathotsava and the Cattle Fair. These two festivals are celebrated with a lot of vigour. 

Hear the thousands of oxen bells chime in harmony as the cattle from various parts of South India gather for the annual Cattle Fair. This parade is quite the sight and is considered one of the most auspicious fairs in all of Southern India. 

Brahmarathotsava is dearly known as the Ghati Subramanya Car Festival, held 2-3 weeks after the Cattle Fair, wherein the juggernaut of Lord Brahma is paraded. These two festivals collectively remind us of the importance that the cattle held in this land, which was once pastoral. 

More such unique festivals are mentioned in the next section, which make the acres of land around the village come to life.

Festivals at Ghati Subramanya Swami Temple

Important festivals at Ghati Subramanya Temple are Pushya Shuddha Shashti (Brahmarathotsava), Skanda Shashti, Narasimha Jayanthi, Shukla Shahsti, and Vaikashi Vishakam. 

Here is a broken-down explanation of all these festivals: 

1. Pushya Shuddha Shashti: It is celebrated on the 6th day of the bright half of the lunar cycle. This is the day when Pushya Nakshatra (constellation) is prominent in the sky. Many believe this to be the appearance of Lord Subramanya. 

2. Narasimha Jayanthi: Narasimha Jayanti is celebrated to denote the victory of good over evil, as Lord Vishnu took this form to defeat Hiranyakashipu (father of Prahlad). It is also celebrated with faith in Lord Narasimha, that he helps those who pray with trust and pure intentions. 
3. Skanda Shashti: It is an auspicious festival celebrated far and wide in southern India to celebrate the victory of Skanda (Subramanya) over the demon Surapadman.

4. Vaikashi Vishakam: Special milk abhishekam is performed, along with processions, mantra chanting, and fasts observed to celebrate Murugan, the god of war and victory.  

How to Reach Ghati Subramanya Temple?

Located in the Doddaballapur district of Bangalore, the temple is pretty easy to locate and commute to. Here’s how to reach Ghati Subramanya Karnataka via different modes of transport:

• By Air: Ghati Subramanya Temple distance from Kempegowda International Airport/ Devanahalli Airport is just 48 km, which is the nearest airport. 

• By Railways: Reaching Ghati Subramanya from Bangalore Railway Station is the most convenient, as it is located at a distance of 58 km. 

• By Road: State Highway 74 and NH 648 pass through the Doddaballapur district of Karnataka, where the Gati Subramanian Temple is located. 

• By Bus: The bus stops closest to the temple are Nagadassanhalli and Thimmasandra Circle. Buses that travel to Ghati Subramanya Temple from Bangalore are 285-MH, 285-MJ, and HBLB GST.

Ghati Subramanya Temple Bangalore Location 

Due to being situated in Doddaballapur, the temple is close to the major spots in the city. The Ghati Subramanya Temple distance from Bangalore is 59.4 km, and 14.7 km from the Dodaballapur district. 

Here’s a breakdown of the address and exact location of Shri Ghati Subramanya Temple Bangalore:

Here are Ghati Subramanya contact number, location, and email address, which you may use for inquiries or donations: 

Address: CG5H+C86, S S Ghati, Doddaballapur Taluk, Bramhana Beedi, Ghati Subramanya, Karnataka 561203.

Ghati Subramanya Temple Phone Number: +91 94486 14186 / +91 99809 07997 

Email: shrighatisubrahmanyatemple@gmail.com

Things to Keep in Mind While Visiting Ghati Subramanya Swamy Temple 

There are various tips related to the rituals of Shri Ghati Subrahmanya Temple Bengaluru, which are usually handed out by the elders of the family. Here are those tips laid out so that you don’t miss them:

1. Head Baths: After visiting the Naga temples, people typically head to the Vishnu temples, but before doing so, it is advisable to take a head bath. 

2. Avoid Going During Pregnancy: Pregnant women must avoid visiting Naga temples altogether, as these temples are established in places with a history of snakes.

3. Don’t Do a Shashtang Namaskara: In Hinduism, women are anyway told not to do a shashtang namaskara, but at Naga temples, everybody must avoid it. 

4. Do Not Offer Milk to the Nagas: On Naga Panchami, people often tend to leave milk outside the burrow holes, where snakes might come out. This should be avoided, as milk is not good for the snakes. 

5. Dress Respectfully: It is actually quite fun to dress up in Indian ethnic wear and feel closer to the roots once in a while. So, while going to the temple, men must wear dhoti/pyjama, while sarees/suits are the most appropriate for women. 

6. Follow Guidelines: Focus on enjoying your time at the temple and observing the art rather than clicking pictures, even if photography is not prohibited in the temple guidelines. 

Once you’re done with the temple visit, there are quite worthwhile sights around that you must not miss. They’re discussed elaborately in the section coming forth. 

What are the Places to Visit Near Subramanya Temple?

Once done with the visit to Shri Ghati Subrahmanya Temple Bengaluru, you must check out the Adiyogi Statue at Isha Foundation, Banerghatta National Park, Hesaraghatta Lake, Jaya Prakash Narayana Park, and more such sights. 

Not only is Bangalore perfect for exploring religious spots, but it is also a good place to explore Bangalorean wilderness and introduce yourself to South Indian culture. 

These are a few well-known places in Bangalore other than the IT hub:

1. Adiyogi Statue at Isha Foundation: Catch a glimpse of this marvellous structure, established by the Isha Foundation in 2015. It stands as a symbol of spirituality, yoga, and wisdom, and is celebrated just as much as the famous Shiva temples in India. 

2. Banerghatta National Park: Experience the raw wilderness of Karnataka and immerse yourself in the verdant shades of Banerghatta National Park. This is quite the escape from the soulless buildings towering across the city. 

3. Hesaraghatta Lake: Watching sunsets by this lake is the kind of tranquil you don’t get to experience every day. Take your bicycles to the lake, or trek the trails on foot, and if not, picking a spot to picnic is also just as ideal. 

4. Jaya Prakash Narayana Park: Do not take this for your average and boring-ol’ park. It is one of the best spots in Bangalore for recreational and wellness activities; it has an oasis in the park, as well as a musical fountain, which is quite amusing. 

5. The Enchanting Nandi Hills: This set of hills parading proudly is one of the best sights to visit in August in India. Visit Nandi Durga and find out why it used to be Tipu Sultan’s summer retreat!

Hoping that you’re equipped with all that there is to know before visiting the Subrahmanyam Temple, let’s wind up and move to the summary. 

In Summary

Shri Ghati Subrahmanya Temple Bengaluru, is not about grandeur and architectural maximalism; it is rather about the values it instils among the devotees. 

Murugan’s lores of penance at this spot point us to instil our faith in the almighty, and believe in the god of war and his message—good emerges victorious over evil. Wishing you a sadhana session full of solitude, it’s time to take your leave.

Om sharvana bhavaya namah!