Bannerghatta Champakadhama Swamy Temple - History - Festivals - Sacred Kalyani - Temple Tank

Bannerghatta Champakadhama Swamy temple, located on Bannerghatta road at Anekal, Bengaluru, Karnataka, is dedicated to Bhagavan Srihari Vishnu and he is worshipped along with Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Bhudevi. Trikala Pooja (rituals performed three times daily) is conducted for the deity. The temple is famous for a sacred kalyani or temple tank - bathing in it on Amavasya day helps in curing of skin diseases.

Bannerghatta Champakadhama Swamy Temple - History - Story

Shri Champakadhama Swamy Temple is an ancient temple that dates back to the 12th century CE, making it approximately 900 years old. This temple was constructed by the Chola dynasty, and the main idol (Moola Murti) is believed to have been consecrated by sages (Rishis).

The current Champakadhama Swamy temple stands on a site with a rich history: it was once home to a Lord Sri Rama temple in the Treta Yuga and a Lord Sri Krishna temple in the Dwapara Yuga. Today, in the Kali Yuga, Lord Narayana is worshipped as Champakadhama Swamy, and the temple itself was originally founded by the Pandavas.

Previously, the deity was referred to as Sampagirama Swamy. The temple surroundings were filled with champaka flowers (called 'Sampige' in Kannada), and the idol was traditionally adorned with these flowers. Over time, due to the strong association with the Sampige flower, the name Sampagirama evolved into Shri Champakadhama. On the right side of the main temple, there is a shrine dedicated to Shri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. The temple lies within the Suvarnamukhi Kshetra region.

According to local beliefs, all devotees who visit the temple are absolved of five great sins (Pancha Maha Patakas) from their past seven lives, which include:

• Brahmahatya – killing a Brahmin (or symbolically, a great sin),

• Shishuhatya – killing a child,

• Bhrunahatya – abortion or foeticide,

• Marjalahatya and other related sins – killing of sacred or domesticated animals like cats.

Devotees visiting the temple are believed to receive Kankana Bhagya (a sacred bracelet/rite symbolizing spiritual blessing) and fulfillment of desires (Ishtaartha Phala Siddhi). 

The temple also features a sacred pond called Suvarnamukhi, and it is believed that bathing in this pond cures skin diseases. Large number of devotees take bath in the sacred pond on Amavasya or the no moon day.

The temple is located in a hill-forest region, surrounded by scenic beauty and situated about 2 kilometers from Bannerghatta National Park. 

During the Rathotsava (Chariot Festival), devotees follow the custom of offering:

• Rock sugar (kallu sakkare),

• Rock salt (kallu uppu),

• Flattened rice sweets (bhathasu),

• Bananas – to fulfill personal wishes.

In the Kalyanotsava (divine marriage festival), those who tie a sacred thread (Kankana) are believed to receive the blessing of marital bliss or protection (Kankana Bhagya).

Offering puja at the Bali Peetha (sacrificial altar) during the Rathotsava is believed to ward off evil spirits and supernatural disturbances. Consuming prasadam from the Garuda Pattabhisheka Puja (a ritual for Lord Garuda) is believed to bless devotees with offspring (Santana Bhagya).

The Healing Waters of Swarnamukhi: A Tale of Maharaja Janamejaya

Maharaja Janamejaya, a descendant of the valiant Pandavas, was afflicted by a severe skin disease. Desperate for a cure, he sought the counsel of wise sages. They advised him that his suffering would only end after visiting temples constructed by his ancestors.

Embarking on a pilgrimage, Janamejaya discovered the ancient Champakadhama Swamy Temple, also known as Champakaraya Temple, a sacred site built by the Pandavas themselves. He immediately began performing service to Lord Champakaraya.

A dog, also suffering from the same ailment, accompanied the Maharaja. While in the midst of the forest, the thirsty dog spotted a Kalyani (temple tank). It eagerly drank from the water, and to Janamejaya's astonishment, the dog was instantly cured of its disease. Witnessing this miracle, Janamejaya immediately bathed in the Kalyani. As soon as he touched the water, he too was miraculously freed from his affliction.

At that moment, Lord Hanuman appeared before Janamejaya, bestowing his blessings. Hanuman revealed that the Kalyani was his divine abode, and that its sacred waters, known as Swarnamukhi, possessed extraordinary qualities, medicinal properties, and the power to cure all diseases. A deity of Hanuman himself is situated at the bottom of this auspicious Kalyani.

🔹 Symbolism & Cultural Significance:

1. Champaka Flower (Sampige):
   The temple’s name and identity are strongly tied to the champaka flower, which is sacred and symbolizes purity, devotion, and divine fragrance. In Hinduism, offering fragrant flowers like champaka to deities represents the offering of one’s purest emotions and intentions.

2. Kankana (Sacred Thread/Bracelet):
   Symbolizes bonding with the divine, spiritual protection, and fulfillment of personal desires, especially during the Kalyanotsavam.

3. Suvarnamukhi Pond:
   Water bodies in temples often symbolize purification, and bathing in them before worship is a spiritual and physical cleansing. The healing of skin diseases adds a layer of faith-based medicinal significance.

4. Pancha Maha Patakas:
   The belief in getting absolution from five great sins reflects the Hindu emphasis on karmic purification through devotion and pilgrimage.

5. Trikala Pooja:
   Daily worship three times a day indicates discipline and continued divine presence, a hallmark of active temple traditions.

6. Rathotsava Offerings:
   Each item has symbolic value:

   • Rock sugar and bananas – Sweetness and fertility.

   • Rock salt – Preservation and purity.

   • Bhathasu (crispy snacks) – Joy and celebration.

7. Bali Peetha Rituals:
   In Hinduism, Bali (sacrifice) symbolizes subduing ego or malevolent forces. Worship at this altar is believed to protect against spiritual afflictions.

8. Garuda Patta Prasada:
   Consuming this is linked to Garuda, Vishnu's mount, known for speed, strength, and protection. It's associated here with fertility blessings (Santana Bhagya).

🔹 Additional Notes:

• The Chola architectural influence means the temple might contain intricate carvings, stone pillars, and inscriptions.

• Being part of a forest and near a national park, the temple is not just a spiritual center but also a site of natural beauty, appealing to pilgrims and nature lovers alike.

• The association with seven past births and karmic relief indicates a deep metaphysical layer embedded in local Hindu beliefs.