Located in the heart of Karnataka, Bangalore, the Dharmaraya Swamy Temple (Dharmarayaswamy Temple) gives the hustling city a touch of vintage. The temple is one of the oldest and most well-known temples in Bengaluru.
Dedicated to the Pandavas, from the epic Mahabharata, the temple is the only temple in India that has been built to worship the five brothers and their consort, Draupadi.
The temple was built over eight hundred years ago by the Thigalas, one of the oldest social group in the area who were mainly involved in agriculture, and grew vegetables and flowers.
Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple, Bangalore
Quick Facts About Dharmaraya Swamy Temple, Bangalore
- Main deity: Pandavas
- Best time to visit: March-April (For the Karaga Festival)
- Temple timings: Morning 5.30 AM to 11.30 AM and evening 4.00 PM to 8.30 PM (All days of the week)
- Entry fee: Free
- Address: Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple Main Road, Old Taluk Cutchery Road, Nagarathpete, Bengaluru – 560002 (MAP)
Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple Architecture
It is estimated that the Dharmaraya Swamy Temple may be more than 800 years old, even before Kempe Gowda I, a chieftain under the Vijayanagara empire, founded the Bengaluru city in 1537.
It is said that the entire city was built with the temple at the center of the city, while four pillars were designated as the boundaries of the city.
Its uniqueness also comes from the fact that it is the only temple which features the Pandavas as deities. For centuries, the temple has been a prominent temple in Karnataka.
The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture, with an ornamental gopuram at the entrance. Dharmaraya, Krishna, Arjuna, Draupadi, and Bhima are worshipped here.
The architecture also seems to draw inspiration from the architectural style of the Western Ganga and Pallava dynasties, apart from the prominent architectural style of the Vijayanagara empire.
Karaga Festival
The Karaga festival is one of the oldest festivals of the state and is celebrated by grand performances by dancers and musicians on the streets outside the temple. It is celebrated to honor Draupadi, the consort of the Pandavas, and signifies the power of women.
The festival finds its origin from the Mahabharata and signifies the emergence of Draupadi as a symbol of strength and femininity.
How To Reach The Dharmaraya Swamy Temple, Bangalore
By Air
At a distance of 36 km, Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore, is the nearest airport. Visitors can get a taxi or drive from the airport to the temple.
By Rail
Since it is situated around the center of the city, the major station of Bengaluru – the KSR City Railway Junction – is merely 5 km from the temple. There are several taxis and autorickshaws available that can take visitors to the temple. The nearest metro station to the temple is the Chikpet Metro Station, less than 2 km.
By Road
The Dharmaraya Temple is well connected to other areas of Bengaluru and also to other cities and towns by road. Visitors can easily catch a bus or drive to the temple conveniently.