Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is located in Basavanagudi, one of the oldest and most culturally rich areas of Bengaluru, Karnataka. The temple is situated near Bull Temple Road and is close to well-known temples such as Dodda Ganapathi Temple, Dodda Basavanna (Bull Temple), and Karanji Anjaneya Temple.
The temple is believed to be more than 300 years old, with its origins dating back to the 17th century during the rule of the Mysore kings. Though it lost importance for a period of time, the temple was later rediscovered and renovated in the early 20th century. Since then, it has continued to be an important center of Shiva worship for devotees in the region.
The main deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped as Mallikarjuna Swamy in the form of a sacred Shiva Lingam. The name “Mallikarjuna” comes from “Mallika” (jasmine flower) and “Arjuna” (Lord Shiva), referring to Shiva, who is worshipped with jasmine flowers, symbolizing purity and devotion.
Goddess Parvati is worshipped here as Bhramarambika Devi, the divine consort of Lord Shiva, who represents divine energy and motherly protection. The temple also houses smaller shrines for Lord Ganesha, Subramanya (Murugan), and Navagrahas. Devotees pray here for peace of mind, removal of obstacles, family harmony, and spiritual growth.
The temple is built in traditional South Indian Dravidian style architecture. The sanctum (garbhagriha) is square-shaped and houses the Shiva Lingam, where regular abhishekam and poojas are performed. The temple structure is simple but spiritually powerful, with a calm and peaceful atmosphere suitable for meditation. The complex includes smaller shrines for Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganapathi, and Navagrahas. The temple surroundings reflect traditional South Indian temple design with a prayer hall and sacred space for devotees to perform rituals.
The temple’s early history dates back to 1689 during the reign of Mysore ruler Chikkadevaraja Wodeyar, who supported the development of many temples in Bangalore. Around 1710, his administrator Achyutharaya further maintained and developed the temple. During the British invasion of Bangalore in 1799, many residents left the area, and several temples including this one fell into neglect and slowly deteriorated.
In the early 20th century, when Bangalore began expanding again, a science lecturer named Bellave Venkata Naranappa from Central College discovered the Shiva Lingam and remains of the old temple structure while constructing his house nearby. After studying historical records and recognizing the temple’s importance, he took initiative to restore and rebuild it in 1903. He reopened the temple for public worship, and since then, it has remained an active center of devotion and religious activities.
According to local belief, Lord Shiva manifested at this sacred place in the form of Mallikarjuna to bless devotees with protection, peace, and spiritual upliftment. The name Mallikarjuna is associated with the worship of Shiva using jasmine flowers, which represent purity of heart and sincere devotion. It is believed that in earlier times, sages and devotees performed intense prayers and penance at this place by offering jasmine flowers to Lord Shiva, and the Lord appeared here to grant them divine blessings.
Another traditional belief says that the Shiva Lingam discovered at this site is self-manifested (Swayambhu) and has powerful spiritual energy. Devotees believe that worshipping Mallikarjuna Swamy here removes negative influences, relieves mental stress, and brings prosperity and well-being. Praying to Shiva along with Goddess Parvati in this temple is believed to grant family harmony, protection from difficulties, and fulfillment of sincere wishes.
Many devotees also believe that worshipping here gives blessings similar to visiting the sacred Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple at Srisailam, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the same form of Mallikarjuna. Therefore, devotees who are unable to undertake the long pilgrimage to Srisailam visit this temple and offer prayers with equal devotion. The temple is thus regarded as a powerful place for spiritual cleansing, inner transformation, and divine
grace.
Maha Shivaratri is the most important festival celebrated in the temple with great devotion. Special abhishekams, Rudra chanting, bhajans, and night-long worship are conducted, attracting large numbers of devotees. Pradosham, observed twice every month, is also an important occasion for Shiva worship with special rituals and offerings. The Shravana month (July–August) is considered highly sacred, during which special poojas are performed. Karthika Deepotsava is celebrated with the lighting of lamps and special prayers, and other Hindu festivals are also observed with devotion.
