Spirituality Essays: Sripadaraja Narasimha theertham, Mulbagal, Karnataka ©Sangeeta Venkatesh

If you recall reading about Mulbagal in my previous pieces, the word ‘Mulabagilu’ is derived from the word ‘Mudalabagilu’, which means the eastern door in Kannada. History records that this was a centre for Vedic learning and the Sripadaraja Narasimha Theertham, a monastic institution is testimony to this fact. Before I describe the place, a … Continue reading Spirituality Essays: Sripadaraja Narasimha theertham, Mulbagal, Karnataka ©Sangeeta Venkatesh

The grandeur of Someshwara Temple, Kolar ©Sangeeta Venkatesh 

If you had read my previous piece on the Kolaramma Temple, dedicated to the goddess and presiding deity of Kolar, you would be familiar with the history of Kolar. For a quick recap, Kolar was previously known as ‘Kuvalapura’, and became the capital of the Ganga Dynasty. For as long as they were in power … Continue reading The grandeur of Someshwara Temple, Kolar ©Sangeeta Venkatesh 

Palaces of Bangalore; the Jayamahal Palace Hotel ©Sangeeta Venkatesh

Just north of the city centre, close to the Cantonment Railway Station, Bangalore, is the Jayamahal Palace. This was the summer palace of the royal family of Gondal (Gujarat). The history is obscure, but it is said to have been built in 1903 by Arni Jagirdar (Maratha Brahmins from Arcot district, Tamil Nadu), and it … Continue reading Palaces of Bangalore; the Jayamahal Palace Hotel ©Sangeeta Venkatesh

Temples of Bangalore (Rajarajeshwari Nagar) ©Sangeeta Venkatesh

Shrungagiri Shanmukha It had been ages since I had driven up to the neighbourhood of Rajarajeshwari Nagar, located in the southwestern part of Bangalore, but after seeing the pictures of Shrungagiri Shanmukha Temple, I knew I had to visit as soon as possible. Shrungagiri Shanmukha Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, whom I … Continue reading Temples of Bangalore (Rajarajeshwari Nagar) ©Sangeeta Venkatesh

Garuda Temple at Koladevi ©Sangeeta Venkatesh 

One of the most popular articles on my website is the piece on the Vainatheya Temple at Bindiganavile, where I get a number of visitors everyday. I had written that the place was also famous for the fact that this is the only temple where there is a separate sannidhi for Garuda. In all other temples, Garuda … Continue reading Garuda Temple at Koladevi ©Sangeeta Venkatesh 

Kolaramma Temple, Kolar ©Sangeeta Venkatesh 

You would have previously read my pieces on the Koti Lingeshwara Temple, the series on the Mulbagal Temples, the Ramalingeshwara group of temples and Avani Betta, all of which are in the vicinity of the town of Kolar. However, we missed visiting the Kolaramma temple dedicated to the goddess and presiding deity of Kolar, which … Continue reading Kolaramma Temple, Kolar ©Sangeeta Venkatesh 

Temples of Bangalore (Basavangudi temples) – ©Sangeeta Venkatesh

Devakula Yatra of Gudiya Sambhrama 2023 As part of the Heritage Parampara, a non-profit registered trust's annual programme ; Gudiya Sambhrama - the Bangalore Temple Festival', it was a pleasure to participate in the 'Temple Walk' on the final day of the 10-day programme that involved music, dance, talks and much more. Heritage Parampara has … Continue reading Temples of Bangalore (Basavangudi temples) – ©Sangeeta Venkatesh

The beauty of Navalgund Durries / Carpets ©Sangeeta Venkatesh

Since we are in the Karnataka Rajyotsava  month, I thought I should write about the Navalgund Durries or carpets. These are functional carpets that are woven with geometric designs, and other motifs. Yes, the type I am sitting on in the picture. I had recently acquired it and decided to inaugurate it for a special … Continue reading The beauty of Navalgund Durries / Carpets ©Sangeeta Venkatesh

Temples of Mavinkere and the Hoysala Temples in Malnad Region, Karnataka ©Sangeeta Venkatesh

A 5 am departure from Bangalore and we were on our way to the Hassan District of Karnataka on the National Highway 75. It was seat of the Hoysala Empire which at its peak ruled large parts of south India from Belur as its early capital and Halebidu as its later capital during the period 1000 - 1334 CE. It has … Continue reading Temples of Mavinkere and the Hoysala Temples in Malnad Region, Karnataka ©Sangeeta Venkatesh

Temples of Bangalore- The Kalika Durga Parmeswari temple, Vidyaranyapura ©Sangeeta Venkatesh

Navaratri- the festival to celebrate the feminine energy or Shakti has just gotten over, but we need the grace of the Mother Goddesses at all time. The term Shakti refers to multiple ideas. Its general definition is dynamic energy that is responsible for creation, maintenance, and destruction of the universe. It is identified as female … Continue reading Temples of Bangalore- The Kalika Durga Parmeswari temple, Vidyaranyapura ©Sangeeta Venkatesh