Gavi Gangadhareshwara Guhe (Cave Temple) is a place in Bangalore
that has mythological, historical, archaeological and scientific
importance. This unique and rare Cave Temple is in the depression
of a small
hill named Harirayanagudda situated behind Ramakrishna Mutt
on Bull Temple Road.
According to mythological background, Gavi Gangadhareshwara
Guhe was earlier known as Gowthama Kshethra as Sage Gowthama
performed penance here. From a historical point of view, Kempegowda
I, the founder of this beautiful city rennovated and extended
the temple. The mantapa has fourteen pillars outside the cave.
Tall monolithic structures like the disc-shaped Suryapana, trident,
dhamaru (Shiva’s musical instrument) and a parasol were
all etched during Kempegowda’s period. These structures
are all beautifully painted by a British Artist James Hunter
in 1792. One can sense an eerie atmosphere inside the cave.
The sanctum sanctorum has a tall and graceful Shivalinga. There
are three cave-paths through which people enter. The fourth
one which leads out of the cave is closed. An interesting scientific
phenomenon takes place on the evening of Makara Sankaranthi
(January 14th of every year) between 5.00 and 5.30 P.M. A beam
of sunlight passes through two windows after sliding on the
ground and moves up the back of Nandi, moves down, touches the
Shivalinga and disappears. Thousands witness this wonder of
nature. This strange cave temple is awe-inspiring to one and
all.
12:15:22 AM 
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hill named Harirayanagudda situated behind Ramakrishna Mutt
on Bull Temple Road.
