Madiwala Prasanna Parvathi Sametha Someshwara Swamy Temple In Bengaluru - History - Story - Festivals

Madiwala Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple is a 12th-century temple and one of the most ancient shrines in Bengaluru. It dates back to the Chola period and is considered older than many other temples in the city. The shrine is known as Madiwala Prasanna Parvathi Sametha Someshwara Swamy temple.

Madiwala Someshwara Swamy Temple History

The outer walls of the temple contain several inscriptions in Tamil and Grantha scripts. The oldest inscription, dated 1247 CE, records a land grant made by a resident of Veppur (modern Begur) concerning land below the Vengalur Big Tank. Other inscriptions mention land donations during the reigns of Ballala III and Rajendra Chola. Another inscription from 1365 CE refers to Tamarai-kkirai (which translates to “Lotus Pond Bank” in Tamil), believed to correspond to the present-day Tavarekere suburb.

Madiwala Someshwara Swamy Temple Festivals - Rituals And Fasting

Maha Shivratri

Maha Shivratri is celebrated every year in February during the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of the Magha month (according to the Shalivahana calendar) or Phalguna month (according to the Vikrama calendar). It is one of the grandest festivals at the temple.

The temple houses a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva Linga in the sanctum (Garbhagriha), formed naturally from rock.

Karthika Mondays and Maha Shivaratri are celebrated here with great devotion and splendor.

Pradosham

Pradosham occurs once every 15 days and is considered highly auspicious by Shaivites. It falls approximately two days before Amavasya (New Moon) or Purnima (Full Moon).

On this day, devotees offer special prayers, especially Rudrabhisheka, seeking relief from:

• Illness

• Childlessness

• Marriage-related concerns

• Employment difficulties

It is believed that sincere worship fulfills devotees’ wishes.

Deities in the Temple

The temple houses many deities.

In the outer prakara (courtyard):

• First Ganapati

• Dakshinamurti

• Srinivasa Murti

• Chandikeshwara

• Chaturmukha Brahma

• Maheshwaramma

In the sanctum complex:

• Maha Ganapati

• Subrahmanya Swamy

• Kala Bhairava

• Annapoorneshwari

• Goddess Parvati

There is also a special “Sasive Ganapati” (Mustard Ganapati) idol at the center.

Additionally, idols of Kukkalamma, Surya Narayana Swamy, Sri Dharma Shasta (Ayyappa Swamy), and serpent deities (Naga Devatas) are installed in the temple premises.

Special Worship Practices

Maha Ganapati
On Sankashta Chaturthi, devotees pray for the removal of obstacles.

Kala Bhairava
On Ashtami and Amavasya, devotees light lamps made from ash gourd, bitter gourd, and coconut. This ritual is believed to help resolve:

• Debt problems

• Enemy-related troubles

• Property disputes

• Court cases

Dakshinamurti
Worshipped as the Guru (associated with the planet Jupiter among the Navagrahas). On Thursdays, devotees offer chickpea garlands seeking:

• Educational success for children

• Marriage prospects

• Employment opportunities

Kukkalamma Devi
Devotees perform abhisheka and prayers to seek relief from severe cough-related ailments affecting children and adults.

Daily and Special Pujas

Daily morning rituals include:

• Phala Panchamrita Abhisheka

• Ekavara Rudrabhisheka

On Mondays, Full Moon days, Amavasya, and Trayodashi during Pradosha time:

• Nandi receives Ksheerabhisheka (milk abhisheka) first

• Followed by Panchamrita Abhisheka to Lord Someshwara with milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar, and five fruits

• Ekavara Rudrabhisheka is then performed

Navaratri Celebrations

During Navratri (9–10 days), the festival idols of Shiva and Parvati are ceremonially seated and worshipped with Shodashopachara Puja morning and evening.

On Vijayadashami, Shami Puja is performed in the temple courtyard.

Karthika Month Celebrations

Throughout the Karthika month (during the Sharad/Dakshinayana season), special morning and evening rituals are conducted daily. Shiva Deepa festival is celebrated grandly during this month.

Maha Shivaratri Fair

During the Magha month in the Shishira (winter) season, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated as a major annual fair of the temple.

Location and Renovation

The temple is located in Madivala, between Bommanahalli and Tavarekere, in the southern part of Bengaluru.

An inscription mentions that the temple was established by the Gangas, Hoysalas, and Cholas. After falling into disrepair, the temple was renovated in 1992 by local villagers and community leaders.

Architectural Features

Tamil inscriptions can be seen on the outer walls of the sanctum.

Behind the Sukhanasi (vestibule) is an Ardhamantapa supported by four pillars. These pillars feature carvings depicting:

• Bedara Kannappa

• Jwala Narasimha

• Ugra Narasimha

• Yoga Narasimha

• Krishna churning butter

• Tiger and elephant combat scenes

• Hunting scenes

Weekly Ritual Benefits (Beliefs)

• Monday Rudrabhisheka: Relief from domestic difficulties, debt, illness, and marital discord.

• Tuesday Subrahmanya Abhisheka (with milk and Panchamrita, along with offering toor dal as donation): Blessings for children, marriage, and employment.

• Ashtami Kala Bhairava Puja: Lighting lamps in gourds and coconuts is believed to remove enemies, debt, financial troubles, and land-related disputes.

Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple stands as a spiritually vibrant and historically significant shrine, preserving centuries-old traditions and architectural heritage in Madiwala, Bengaluru.