Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple, located on Swami Vivekananda Road – Bengaluru North in Karnataka, has a history of more than 250 years.
Sri Subrahmanya Swamy Temple is believed to date back
to the 18th century, and it is estimated to be around 250 years old. However,
there are no references to it in any inscriptional texts or scriptures.
Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple Story
Many years ago, there was a large anthill at this location,
and devotees used to worship it regularly. One day, a royal family member,
while on his way to Madras, saw the gathered devotees and asked about the
special significance of the place. The devotees explained that they had made
vows and offered prayers to the anthill, believing that the Nagaraja
(Serpent King) residing there would bless them by removing their difficulties
and bringing prosperity.
One member of the royal entourage was suffering from an eye
affliction and made a vow for healing. Eventually, with the blessings of Lord
Subrahmanya, his vision was restored. Later, Lord Subrahmanya appeared in a
dream to the devotee, requesting that his idol be consecrated in a temple.
Following this divine vision, the local king is said to have built the Sri
Subrahmanya Swamy Temple next to the anthill. This version of events is
popularly believed by the local community.
The temple's deities are not self-manifested (swayambhu) but
are believed to have been consecrated by human hands. Despite the
diversity of people in Bangalore, there is strong harmony among communities.
Due to the high population of Tamil-speaking people in and around Halasuru,
many refer to Sri Subrahmanya Swamy as Murugan, and it is
believed that the idol was installed by devotees themselves.
Important Rituals Festivals
Devotees offer vows (harake) and perform prayers to Lord
Subramanya in the belief that their troubles will be relieved, and they will
receive blessings for prosperity, marriage, auspicious beginnings, and
removal of Naga Dosha (serpent-related afflictions) and other
astrological issues.
The Lord is worshipped with Maha Abhishekam (grand ritual
bath), Panchamrutha Abhishekam (ritual bath with five sacred items), sandalwood
paste, vibhuti (sacred ash), flowers, and other types of decorative
offerings, for which the temple is well-known.
Every Tuesday, Maha Abhishekam, sandalwood
and vibhuti decorations, Maha Mangalarathi, and other special
prayers are performed. On the annual festival day of the deity, devotees
often pierce Vel (spear) symbols on their backs, carry Kavadi,
and participate in processions. During Theppotsavam (float festival),
special poojas and celebrations take place.
Other rituals like Laksharchana (chanting the Lord’s name
100,000 times), Surasamharam, and other traditional observances are
performed. Special prayers are also held during festivals like Karthika
Deepam and Panguni Uthiram.
The Sri Subrahmanya Swamy Temple is located in Halasuru,
in the heart of the city. There are no notable natural features around the
temple. There is no documented information about which king, ruler, or official
may have renovated or expanded the temple over time.
The main idol is sculpted from stone and does not
display any particular artistic uniqueness. It is believed that offering
worship on every Shashti (sixth day of the lunar fortnight), Kritika
Nakshatra (specific star), and Tuesdays brings relief from land disputes,
resulting in land gains and special blessings. Making vows and
offering prayers to the Lord is also believed to remove hardships and bring marriage,
auspiciousness, and resolution of serpent-related doshas.
Many devotees also participate in Annadana (free food
service), Tulabharam (ritual of donating items equal to one’s body weight), and
Prasada Seva (serving sacred food). The temple complex includes a Kalyani
(sacred pond), but devotees are not permitted to bathe in it.
However, during various dosha-removal rituals and Theppotsavam, devotees serve the Lord through different forms of seva (service). Based on their wishes, devotees are also allowed to place Tirtha-Kai lemons (ritually blessed lemons) before the deity and offer special prayers.