Yelahanka Hanuman Temple Story - History - Bagilu Anjaneya Temple

Yelahanka Bagilu Anjaneya temple is a very popular Hanuman Temple in Bangalore and is located in the Yelahanka locality. It is believed that Hanuman appeared as a Brahmachari or celibate in the dream of Shri Kempegowda the founder of Bangalore and blessed him in his conquests and pointed towards his presence under a Banyan Tree at Yelahanka. The Hanuman temple is situated in the Mysore Bank circle of Bangalore city.

Yelahanka Hanuman Temple Story

Kempegowda, driven by the desire to expand his kingdom, once discussed this ambition with his royal guru and received his approval. Kempegowda was a great devotee of Lord Anjaneya (Hanuman). He submitted his wish to the deity with deep faith and undertook a vow.

About 8–9 days later, one night Kempegowda had a divine dream. A Brahmachari (celibate monk) appeared before him and said:

“You have the desire to expand your kingdom. About 15 miles from here lies Upparahalli. There is an Ashwattha-katte rock there. I reside at that place. From there, release one pair of bullocks in each direction. Extend your kingdom’s boundary up to the point where each pair of bullocks stops.”

After saying this, the Brahmachari disappeared. Kempegowda strongly believed that this Brahmachari was none other than Pranadeva—Lord Anjaneya himself.

The very next day, Kempegowda sent his trusted attendants to locate the place mentioned in the dream. They searched but could not find it and returned unsuccessful. Then Kempegowda himself mounted his horse and set out in search of the spot. After extensive searching, he finally found the Ashwattha-katte rock described in the dream. That place was known as Upparahalli—today, it is the site of the Yelahanka Gate Sri Anjaneyaswamy Temple.

Realizing that he had received divine grace from his chosen deity, Kempegowda prostrated before the Lord and decided to act exactly as instructed in the dream.

Without delay, he informed his royal guru. Following the guru’s guidance, Kempegowda brought four pairs of bullocks to the site, offered prayers to Lord Anjaneya, untied the ropes, and released one pair of bullocks in each of the four directions. As if fully aware of their master’s command, the bullocks moved swiftly in the directions they were released and finally stopped at specific points. At each of those stopping points, Kempegowda constructed stone pavilions (Shila Mantapas). These stone structures can still be seen today.

• East: Near Halasuru Lake

• West: Near Kempambudhi Lake

• North: Near present-day Sadashivanagar, beside the Raman Maharshi Ashram

• South: On one side of today’s Lalbagh

Considering these stone pavilions as foundational pillars, Kempegowda connected them and constructed a fort around the area, securing the entire city within. This remarkable achievement is credited solely to Kempegowda.

Whenever Kempegowda traveled to Yelahanka, he would pass through this temple gate. Whether leaving or entering the city, he would first seek the darshan of Lord Anjaneya.

Bengaluru had four major gates in the four directions, each marked by a temple:

• East: Halasuru Gate (Dharmaraya Swamy Temple)

• West: Kengeri Gate (Narasimha Swamy–Anjaneya Swamy Temple, near present-day Majestic area)

• South: Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple (near the fort)

• North: Yelahanka Gate Anjaneyaswamy Temple

These temples served as the gateways of the old fort city.

A noteworthy aspect is that the distance between the stone pavilions built by Kempegowda is almost equal in all directions. The fact that the bullocks stopped at equal distances, each in its assigned direction, is believed to be a clear sign of Lord Anjaneya’s divine grace.

Before beginning any important undertaking, Kempegowda would seek the blessings of Yelahanka Gate Anjaneyaswamy. It is believed that through the supreme grace of Pranadeva (Hanuman), the city of Bengaluru came into existence. This is the heroic and devotional legacy of Kempegowda.

The temple houses a Sindoor Anjaneyaswamy (self-manifested idol), along with beautiful idols of Lakshmi Narayanaswamy, Ammanavaru (the Goddess), and Garuda Deva with the sacred Amrita Kalasha. Daily worship, decorations, and festivals have been conducted continuously according to tradition.

Grand celebrations are held for:

Ugadi, Sri Rama Navami, Chaitra Shuddha Pournami Karaga Mahotsava, Shravan Month festivals, Navaratri, Deepavali, Kartika Masa, Hanuman Jayanti, Dhanur Masa, and Brahmotsava.
On special festival days, thousands of devotees visit the temple for darshan.

It is believed that Bangalore city was formed with the blessings of Yelahanka Bagilu Anjaneya.

Apart from the murti of Hanuman, the temple also has murtis of Sindhur Anjaneya Swamy, Shri Lakshmi Narayana Swamy, Goddess Lakshmi and Garuda with Amrita Kalasha.

Bangalore Hanuman Temple is located at the center of the city, next to Mysore Bank (SBM) which is located at a distance of about one km from Kempegowda (KSRTC) Main Bus Stand.

The most important festival in the temple is observed on Magh Shukla Paksha Saptami day or the seventh day during the waxing phase of moon in Magh month. It is a seven day festival beginning on the first day of the Magh Month.

Opening and Closing time at Yelahanka Hanuman - Bagilu Anjaneya Temple

8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Timings may vary on during festival, important rituals and during grahan