Sri Bhavahara Ganapathi Temple is a revered Hindu shrine at Anand Rao Circle on Subedar Chatram Road in Bangalore.This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, affectionately known as Bhavahara Ganapathi.
Lord Ganesha is called Bhavahara Ganapathi at this temple because “Bhavahara” means “remover of worldly difficulties and sufferings.” Devotees believe that this form of Ganesha has the divine power to eliminate obstacles, hardships, and struggles in life, bringing peace, prosperity, and success. The idol in this temple is considered Swayambhu (self-manifested), making it even more spiritually powerful.
The temple’s history spans approximately 260 to 300 years, making it a significant spiritual landmark in the region. The central idol of Lord Ganesha is believed to have emerged naturally from the ground, a phenomenon considered highly auspicious in Hindu tradition.
Architecturally, the temple showcases traditional South Indian design elements, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage. The sanctum sanctorum houses the main idol of Lord Ganesha. Adjacent to the primary deity, devotees can also worship other deities, including Sri Satyanarayana Swami, Sri Nandishwara, Sri Anjaneya Swami, and Sri Subramanya Swami seated on the lap of Goddess Parvati, symbolizing the divine family ensemble.
In the early 1980s, the primary priest, Sri Shankar Shastry, undertook the temple’s reconstruction, culminating in the reinstallation of the idol on June 14, 1987. Since then, his sons, Sri Venkatesh Shastry and Sri Rajesh Shastry, have continued the temple’s administration, ensuring the preservation of its rich heritage.
Ganesh Chaturthi is the grandest festival, celebrating Lord Ganesha’s birth with special abhishekams, homas, and alankaras. Devotees offer modaks, coconuts, and durva grass, seeking his blessings.
Sankashti Chaturthi, observed monthly after the full moon, is significant for overcoming difficulties. Devotees fast and break it after moonrise, participating in special evening poojas.
Lighting lamps, temple decorations, and special poojas for prosperity and happiness mark Deepavali (Diwali).
Navaratri and Vijaya Dashami include devotional bhajans, rituals, and prayers, as Lord Ganesha is worshiped at the beginning of any major religious observance.
Ugadi, the Kannada New Year, is celebrated with special prayers for a prosperous and obstacle-free year.
Makara Sankranti is observed with offerings and prayers for prosperity and well-being.
All these festivals feature special poojas, homas, alankaras, and prasadam, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
