Ragigudda Sri Prasanna Anjaneyaswamy Temple, Banglore

The Ragigudda Sri Prasanna Anjaneyaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple in Bengaluru, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is considered one of the city’s most popular and visited temples. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings and attracts thousands of devotees yearly. It is believed to be over 300 years old and is an important religious site for the local community. The temple also has a large statue of Lord Hanuman and is surrounded by lush gardens and greenery.

About Ragigudda Sri Prasanna Anjaneyaswamy Temple

The Hanuman-dedicated Ragigudda Sri Prasanna Anjaneyaswamy Temple is located in the Jayanagar 9th Block area of Bangalore. Ragigudda temple also contains a Shivalinga and a shrine to Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman. The location of temple is located atop a hillside. At the mountain’s base is a tiny temple dedicated to Ganesh, the Navagrahas, and Rajarajeshwari. The temple includes two halls, one of which can be booked for small Hindu ceremonies such as the thread ceremony, seemantha, etc., and the other for larger occasions such as weddings.

In recent decades, this shrine has become the social hub of this area. Temple has a nonprofit arm that engages in numerous social cause initiatives.

Temple Legend

In Kannada, ‘Gudda’ means hilltop, and it is believed that the temple was created from a Ragi mound (finger millet). The shrine was after that known as Ragigudda Temple. According to legend, a woman named Sudharma was the wife of a local chieftain. She was quite devout and kind.

The Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva visited as visitors and requested Bhiksha one day (alms). Sudharma, moved by their hardship, provided them with freshly produced Raghava Dhanya or Ragi. Her mother-in-law, who disapproved of Sudharma handing the Ragi to guests, scolded her.

Sudharma stated that if the guests did not accept the alms, she would not need the Ragi either. The Holy Trinity admired her commitment and altruism. They offered her darshan (holy vision) and expressed a desire to reside close to the hillock. The Trinity transformed into three stones bearing its inscription.

Temple History

The hill home to the principal deity Sri Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy is believed to have sprung from a mound of ragi (millet), hence the name “Ragigudda.” During this period, the sacred Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva expressed their desire to remain close to the mound by transforming it into adjacent rocks. These three stones currently have engravings of the Trinity. In 1969, the temple was established. Over 35,000 people attend the 12-day Sri hanuman Jayanti ragigudda festival at the Ragigudda temple, held annually in December.

Temple Architecture

Ragi is thought to have been used to build the hill that houses Sri Anjaneya’s principal deity. Thus, the shrine was given the name Ragigudda Temple. A gateway indicates the path to the temple atop the hillside. There is an artificial waterfall (Hanuman Dhara) at the entrance to the temple that accentuates the natural beauty of the hill and its surroundings.

Sri Anjaneya is the temple’s major deity, and a massive idol resides in the main shrine. One hundred steps are required to reach the sanctum from the Sri Ganesha shrine. Sri Subramanya is seen at the main temple’s entrance. The reigning god is portrayed carrying the Dronagiri mountain, which contains the Sanjeevani herbs, in his hands. The god is sculpted from black stone and covered with gold.
The temple also contains a shrine for Sri Rama, Sita Devi, Sri Lakshmana, and Sri Anjaneya on the right side of the main sanctuary, as well as Sri Dakshineshwar in the shape of a Shiva Lingam built of Maragatham (greenstone) on the left side of the main sanctum.

At the mountain’s base are smaller temples dedicated to Sri Ganesha, Goddess Rajarajeshwari, and the Navagrahas. The enormous statue of Sri Ganesha is known as Valampuri Ganesha because his trunk is inclined to the right. His consort accompanies Sri Ganesha. To the left of Sri Ganesha is a second shrine dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy. The Navagrahas can be observed to Sri Ganesha’s right. Surya Deva is depicted with seven horses in the centre of the Navagrahas.

Opposite the Navagrahas is a miniature statue of the goddess Annapoorneshwari. On the side of the temple for the Trinity (Trimurti Sannidhi) of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are enormous rock carvings. They are composed of 32-foot-tall monolithic blocks.

The Mandapam within the temple is constructed of marble. The temple has a Pushkarni (holy water tank) and a separate Prasadam (holy offering) section.

Significance of the Temple

Sri Anjaneya is the personification of devotion. His devotion to Sri Rama is undying. In the past few decades, the temple has become a social centre and has a charitable trust that provides free education and healthcare to the needy in the surrounding area. Two event halls are available for rental. The larger hall is a marriage hall called Pawan Dhama, which works on a limited budget and provides the necessary wedding services. The smaller hall is utilised for Upanayana, Seemantham, and other ceremonies and events. The trust also funds a cow shed (Gaushala) that offers milk for poojas and pupils. The premises include an auditorium used for cultural activities and an amphitheatre utilised primarily during the Hanuman Jayanthi festival.

There is a lift from the bottom to the top of the temple. The aged and physically impaired can utilise this service for a nominal fee. The temple feeds lunch to its worshippers every Saturday.

Ragigudda Sri Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy Temple Darshan Timings

Darsan Dresscode

Although there is no set dress requirement, clean, conservative attire is appreciated.

Temple Rituals

Every morning, Abishekams and poojas are done to the god, and Prasadam (holy offering) is distributed to the devotees. The Mangala Aarti is performed every evening, and Prasadam is offered to the devotees.

Rice is offered to the divinity of Goddess Annapoorneshwari by devotees. The temple uses rice for its daily Annadanam service.

Temple Festivals

Hanuman Jayanti-Lord Hanuman’s birthday is the largest event in the Ragigudda Hanuman Temple. The 12-day-long celebrations are carried out with tremendous pomp and display, including elaborately decorating the temple, organising local fairs, and preparing a large feast for all guests. On each of the 12 days, Mahaprasada is served to all devotees. People from all across Karnataka converge on the temple grounds to partake in the big celebrations filled with enthusiasm and vitality.

Local Culture

Bengaluru culture offers a dynamic lifestyle. People from many sections of India and beyond have made unique contributions to the culture of Bengaluru. This has also contributed to the shift in lifestyles in Bengaluru. Bengaluru features a combination of urban and rural lifestyles. The majority of locals desire to adhere to their traditions and customs. Their religious beliefs heavily influence their lifestyle.

How to Reach Temple

By Air: The Bangalore International Airport is closest to the temple. You can easily visit this temple from your current location using public transportation.

By Train: The station closest to this temple is Jayanagar Station. You can also visit this shrine from here by public transportation or a cab.

By Road: As this temple is well connected to the Bangalore highway, you may easily reach anywhere in the country using your vehicle.

Temple Location Map