Shrungagiri Shanmukha Temple 

(Bangalore Darshan Series)

I read about Shanmukha temple while searching for the tourist places at Bangalore. Shanmukha/ Subrahmanya (as addressed by Kannadigas)/Murugan(as addressed by Tamilians), is the son of Shiva and Parvati. 

As per the story, Maha Guru Sri.Bharati Thirtha Swamiji of Shringeri Sharadapeetha dreamt about Lord Shanmukha one day and as per his visions, this temple is constructed on this hill called Shrugagiri at Rajarajeswari Nagar (RR Nagar). Temple is designed by Dr.R.Arunachalam. 

You have ample parking in the ground opposite to temple at a nominal rate. Chappals can be kept in stands in-front of the temple for 2/- per pair. At the entrance there are two huge peacocks facing each other.Once you enter, on your left side, you have a shop selling Pooja items and also cool drinks and eateries. 

There are around 100 steps to reach the main temple. There is also a slope way with less steps constructed in parallel, which can be used by elderly. Midway you will find a huge Shivalinga surrounded by anthills. More than religious sentiments, this place is used as selfie point.You have to climb few more steps to reach the main temple adorned with a big Shanmukha (6 faces) covered with crystal dome on top.

The main temple has a huge collection of Ganesha idols in different materials (from Dr.Arunachalam's collection itself) along with the idols donated by few others. I loved each one of them - there were idols made in sandal wood, coconut tree root and coconut husk, many more. All are kept inside glass shelves but the glasses are not cleaned enough to see them well.

Shanmukha statue is the main attraction here,six heads of Shanmukha represent six attributes - Jnana (wisdom), Vairagya (dispassion), Bala (strength), Kirti (fame), Sree (wealth) and Aiswarya (divine powers).

Between six faces of Shanmukha, air vent has been created to achieve cross ventilation so the structure can withstand high wind velocity. It seems all the six faces have sensors that attract sunlight from morning till evening, this will make sure that light rays will fall on Shanmukha at all times. The crystal dome has 2500 crystals each weighing 6kgs. At night, these are illuminated by 27 watt LED lights. I feel its better to visit temple during evening hours to see the illuminations as well.

Main sanctum has 3 idols - Lord Shanmukha and his two wives - Valli and Devayanai standing on both ends. When we went, the main sanctum was closed.

Behind the main temple, there is a vacant area where we can sit and relax and have a good view of entire area from that height. Here the wind blows so heavy with a big sound.

It's good for one time visit but except that nothing much to see.

Information credits :- Google & locals #Bangaloredarshan, #Shanmukhatemple, #RRNagar, #Shrungagiri, #Bangalore, #touristplaces