Chikka Madhure Shani Mahathma temple - a ride towards North Bengaluru

In this post , we share our visit experience to Shanimahathma temple at Chikka Madure near Doddaballapur , about 40 kms from Bangalore city.

Highlights of this spot

• Popularly known as chikka madure kshetra , Idol beleived to be Udbhava moorthi -  has a history of many years , recently renovated.
• Lord Shani is the main deity worshiped here
• Special poojas are conducted every Saturday
• It is believed one who worships with due Bhakthi offering a sesame oil deepa is sure of reducing any negative effects or problems
• Anna Dasoha - free meal & lunch provided for devotees

It was a Sunday morning when we headed towards Ghaati Subramanya , we took the diversion on Tumkur road towards DoddaBallapura and fixed a plan to visit this spot. This temple is easily visible from the highway road .

At the spot , we noticed Santhe / fare may be a Sunday fare . Many devotees in the locality usually get their heads shaved similar to as in Tirupathi , take a bath and perform pooja. There are many hawkers selling pooja items , prasad and other fairy stuffs along the temple road side.

On entering inside , we noticed the sanctum gopuram next to which was the deepa stand where devotees used to lit the sesame oil deepam as part of pooja offering. This is usually a custom followed in all Shani temples. We reached the spot by around 9.30 AM but had to wait for darshan till 10.30 AM . On entering the gopuram , a dwaja stambha and Utsava moorthi Idol was visible , only after conducting pooja to utsava moorthi , main Idol pooja is conducted.We observed devotees offering lemon which may be a custom here. We took the darshan of Lord Shani Idol which was about 2 to 3 feet and headed to visit other sanctums around this spot.

Besides this temple are sanctums of devi & 8 to 10 feet tall Shani temple which attracts devotees. Devotees usually get their vehicles cleaned & get artworks of Shivalinga , Om written here. Next to temple is a Kalyana mantapa where free lunch is organised till 3 PM for devotees. A big lake though under drought was noticed next to this spot.

Overall a nice temple to visit with family. Do visit this spot and share your experience.

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Karishma Hills - Thuralli forest - Trekking

In this post, we share our visit experience to Thuralli forest hilltop , popularly known as Karishma Hills.

Highlights of this spot

• About 15kms from city center
• Trekking spot , 20 min walk to hill top , difficulty level - normal.
• Shanimahathma temple on hill top
• Shivalinga, nandi idols on hill top
• Although this belongs to Thuralli forest, its known after the layout Karishma Hills which is beside this hill.
• Good scenic views from hill top.

We headed to this spot on a sunday noon , took the banashankari 6th stage Thuralli forest road. However to our luck, the road inside the forest area was blocked , so we were forced to take the trekking path.

We drove through around BSK 6th stage roads, and reached at the hill bottom on the other side. Although known as Karishma Hills, this is only a forest hill - may be gained popularity from a layout name Karishma Hills in the vicinity.

The sun was booming over us and were already sweating before trekking !! We took some refreshments in the only bakery available on roadside , relaxed a bit and started our journey.

We noticed few local friends group celebrating a party with some hot drinks here :) . The track was clearly visible, noticed few snake nests at the start, so be careful to visit in a group with some good pair of shoes. Track was not much difficult, we enjoyed climbing through the hill rock muddy paths.

After about 15 minutes, with just 50 mts away from hill top - we heard temple ring bells sounds. Soon we reached the spot. Which is the highest point on this hill. Sanctum adorning Lord shanimahathma ,in front of crow idol was blissful to watch. We took darshan , some snaps and started descending back. Surprised by few two vehicles parked in front of temple, we tracked back and came to know they had takem the other path from Thuralli forest which was blocked for us.

From top of hill, a glimpse of growing south Bengaluru could be noticed, temples such as omkar hills, iskcon vaikunta hills may be noticed. We came across a police Constable here, when asked were advised to visit this spot only in groups as there were cases of robbery from some miscreants.

Overall a good spot to exercise your muscles with a trekking sprint . Best time to visit would be early morning hours. Do visit this spot and share your experience.

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Madiwala lake - Bengaluru lovers spot

In this post, we share our visit experience to Madivala lake , Bengaluru

Highlights of this spot

• One of the largest lakes of Bengaluru
• Coverage area of about 100 hectares
• 2 small islands in the middle of lake
• Bio diversity park with seating facility
• Peddle boating

This spot is in the midst of Bengaluru , very near to the Madivala Silk board junction .

Cool breeze from trees surrounding this lake creates a sensational feel to visit this spot and relax for some time watching the calm water and chirping birds sounds. There are 2 small islands formed in the midst of lake. Birds like common cranes , ducks can be noticed.

Currently government of Karnataka and forest department is developing this spot as a tourist attraction. There is a entrance fee of rs.20 to visit inside park.

Peddle boating is another attraction of this spot. A minimal charge of rs.50 for 1 hour is a must experience activity at this spot. Also known as a lovers spot, attracts many couples at evening.

Overall a nice spot to visit with friends, couples , sit back and relax out of the busy schedules. Do visit this spot and share your experience.

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Chamarajeshwara Temple ,Chamarajanagar

In this post , we share our visit experience to Chamarajeshwara Temple ,Chamarajanagar - about 170 kms from Bengaluru.

Highlights of this spot

• Built by Mysore Maharajas during 18th century , nearly 200 years old temple
• Built during reign of Krishna Raja wodeyar in remembrance of Jaya Chamarajendra wodeyar
• Shivalinga in the form of Chamarajeshwara is worshipped here
• Temple has sanctums of Chamarajeshwara , Parvathi , Nandi & other small mantaps
• Special chariot car Rathotsava festivals conducted every year during month of Ashaada
• Special functions conducted during Shivarathri , Girija Kalyana
• 70 feet tall gopuram built in Hoysala architecture.

We visited this spot on our way back from BR Hills passing through the awesome K.Gudi forest area. After passing through nature scenic spots whole day , we were welcomed by a busy city at Chamarajanagar junction - guess what it was the first traffic signal we came across travelling along whole day from Bengaluru !!

At the heart of the city , temple is easily visible from main road. A path way in the form of T-shape welcomes visitors with lush green parks on either sides. In front of temple is a Dwaja stambha where a small nandi idol is consecrated.

Some construction repair activities was in progress when we visited. The gopura seem to be around 60 to 70 feet having 5 storeys depicting Hoysala architecture model , surrounded by fort walls . 

On entering inside , we were greeted with a Nandi Idol of about 4-5 feet followed by the main Chamarajeshwara linga sanctum. Avatars of lord Shiva , parvathi , Ganesha are carved across the sanctum motifs. Surrounding the main sanctum , are idols of Ganesha , Parvathi.

Temple is open for visitors between 7 AM to 12 PM in morning and by 5.30 PM to 8 PM at evening. There is ample space inside the temple , suitable for conducting marriages & other functions.

Overall a nice historic temple to visit with family and friends. Do visit this spot and share your experience.

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