December 28th, 2010 by admin
For the last two years I have rode on Mysore road many times. I noticed a temple was being built and did not given much heed. As time went by the structure of the temple was becoming visible. At that time I saw a big statue of lord Ganesha on the roof of the temple. I thought it will be a Ganesha temple. But when the final design was out, it was a beautiful puncha mukhi (5 faced) Ganesha temple. The multiple joined Ganesha statue is gold painted. Recently on the way back from Mukti Naga temple, I decided to visit the temple. It is newly built and is very neatly maintained.
The floor of the exterior is made of clay tiles and the interior of the temple is made of marble stones. The deity of lord Ganesha inside is also puncha mukhi and black in colour. There are four bells along the four directions which you can play as in many Hindu temples. The temple also provides prasada to visitors.
While going towards Mysore the temple comes on the left near Mysore road police checkpost.
Route: Bangalore – Mysore road – Kengeri – NICE intersection – Puncha Mukhi Ganesha temple (left hand side)
After taking few pictures we are leaving, a lean dog was roaming close to us. I ate little prasad given by the temple priest and gave the rest to the dog. The dog ate the same with great care and finished it in no time. Looked like the dog was very hungry. As we were leaving, the dog started following us. It followed us even when we boarded our two wheeler and went upto the temple exit gate. Doggie might have been very hungry but that’s all we had then. I hope lord Ganesha will take care!
The dog
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December 26th, 2010 by admin
Location: Ramohalli, off Mysore road
Distance: 18 km from Majestic bus stand
How to reach there: If you would like to use public transport then use BMTC bus # 227Y from Market (near corporation). If you are using your own vehicle then reach Mysore road first and then drive past kengeri. In front of Rajarajeshwari Dental college, take right for Big Banyan Tree road. From here Mukti Naga temple is about 6 km. On the way follow the sign-boards for Mukti Naga temple and if you are in doubt ask anyone. On the right hand side look for a white board which ask to turn right for Mukti Naga temple. From this turning, the temple is around 1 km away. Keep driving until you reach a circle, here you take left for Mukti Naga Temple. If you go straight, little further you will reach Naga Durga Parameshwari temple.
Timings: 7 am to 7 pm and special puja is offered on Sunday and Tuesday.
The Mukti Naga temple is a temple complex and is an amalgamation of few temples and various deities. You can see there Kaaryasiddhi (work fulfilling) Vinayaka temple where the deity is lord Ganesha. Next to it is Mukti Naga temple, where the deity is lord Subramanya in Naga avatar. The idol is said to be the largest in the world measuring 16 feet and made from single monolithic stone.
On the left side of Vinayaka temple, there is a huge monolithic statue of Shakthi Dhara Subrahmanya. It is 21 feet tall and weighs around 56 tons. If you walk little further you will you will find devi deities. Here is saw few people building prototype houses asking the lord for a house. Nearby, 107 sculptures of Nagas are kept on a gallery and 1 large 7 hooded Nag at the middle of the top row. On the other side of the road also there are two temples with devi deities.
The history of Mukti Naga Temple is very interesting if you go by the words of its priest Subramanya Shastri. The temple is still under construction and he has big plans for future. The temple is run by the Shri Subrahmanya Seva Trust.
Address:
Big Banyan-tree Road, Ramohalli, Kengeri,
Bagalore – 560 060
Ph: 080 – 26713583
On the way back you can visit Naga Durga Parmeshwari temple and a Krishna temple. Road is in very good shape and you will enjoy the ride off Mysore road. Around 3 km from here is Big Banyan tree and 17 km from Manchanabele dam. One can actually see all of them in a day. For only Mukti Naga temple, you can complete you trip within 2.5 – 3.5 hrs including journey time depending on your location in Bangalore.
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