Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple- Timings, History, How to Reach- Holidify

Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple, Bangalore Overview

Built in 1972, Ragigudda Sri Prasanna Anjaneya Temple is dedicated to the very celebrated Hindu God- Hanuman for his unconditional divinity and devotion towards Lord Sri Rama. Located on top of a quaint hillock in 9th block of Jayanagar suburb in Bangalore, the temple houses a Shivaling in addition to a huge gorgeous idol of Hanuman and beautiful shrines of Ram, Sita and Lakshman.Spread over a vast area of 5 acres, the temple complex boasts of a beauteous water tank called the Pushkarni, an auditorium, a tiny Prasad division and an amphitheatre. It also flaunts an artificially created waterfall which prettifies the already enchanting hill top view.

The temple has gained immense popularity in the last few years and has become an important tourist attraction of the IT city. The foot of the shrine also has tiny temples of Lord Ganesha, Rajarajeshwari, Devi and Navgrahas. Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple also has a charitable front which helps the unprivileged and those in need and care. The most important festival of the region is the Hanuman Jayanti, which is a 12- day long festival and is a grand event, celebrated with a lot of zeal and fervour.

History of Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple

Formed in 1969 and registered in 1972, the temple has an interesting mythological story of its formulation. Legend goes to say that the chief deity of the temple was formed with a heap of grains of Ragi millet and hence, it came to be known as Ragigudda- ‘Ragi’ meaning millet and ‘gudda’ meaning hillock. In around the same time, the holy trinity of Hindu religion - Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma decided to stay near the same hilltop and so they transformed themselves into rocks near the temple premises. The rocks now bear engravings on them and are open for public view.

Tour of Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple

1. The entrance of the temple has a slipper stand in the vicinity of a gorgeous water fountain. It facilitates the deposition of footwear as is customary in the Hindu religious places.
2. Next is Parna Kuteer which has a rendition of a waterfall. The tiny area is used to conduct yoga and meditation workshops amidst the lovely view.
3. Moving further, there is the Trimurthy Sannidhi which is the Trimurthy rocks on monolithic platforms.
4. Pushkarni, i.e. the temple pond provides water for all temple purposes.
5. The Goshala houses more than 30 cows; milk from which is used for abhishekam and for the consumption of kids.
6. The Prasada Division is used mostly for the distribution of Prasad and to serve lunch to the devotees on Saturdays.
7. The auditorium is used for conducting cultural activities, and special poojas and the amphitheatre basically comes of use at the time of Hanuman Jayanti.

Fairs and Festivals at Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple

Hanuman Jayanti- the birth day of Lord Hanuman, is the biggest festival celebrated in the temple. The 12- day long festivities are carried on with great pomp and show which include decorating the temple lavishly, organizing local fairs, and preparing a grand feast for everyone who visits. Mahaprasada is served to all devotees on all 12 days. The temple premises become live with enthusiasm and vivacity, and people from all across Karnataka come to take part in the grand celebrations.

Tips For Visiting Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple

1. The temple has a lift facility from the base to the top. The old and physically challenged people can avail this at a minimal cost.
2. The temple facilitates fresh and clean drinking water, footwear stand and also has a dining area.
3. On special occasions, free food is served to all visitors.

How To Reach Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple

Bangalore is well- connected by metro lines; the nearest metro station to Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple is Jayanagar, falling on the green line. After getting down at the metro station, you can take a local rickshaw to the hillock. Alternatively, hiring a private taxi cab is the easiest option but is slightly expensive. You can also choose to travel in the state run city buses which cover all of the city. The temple has a flight of around 90 steps that takes you to the top of the hill. Or you can avail the lift facility to reach the shrine.