Thousands thronged the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple here to witness the unique phenomenon of the illumination of the 'Shiva Linga' by sun rays passing between the horns of the Nandi, the bull, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
The remarkable thing about the illumination is that it happens only once a year on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. The ancient sculptors have crafted horns of the stone bull outside the temple in such a way that the sun's rays would pass through its horns and light up the Shiva Linga inside the cave.
"This temple was established by Maharishi Gautam and Maharishi Bharadwaj in the Treta Yuga period. During this holy day, the Sun God takes blessing of the temple deity before entering the period ofUttarayan. The sun's rays pass between the horns of Nandi and fall on the Shiva Linga, seeking blessing of Lord Shiva," the temple's chief priest, Soamsunder Dixit, said.
Former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda, who was at the temple to offer his prayers, marveled at the architecture of the temple and lauded its makers.
"On Lord Parameshwara, Surya Bhagwan has thrown light. This is a sacred day and it happens only once in a year. Our ancient people have designed the temple in such a way that on the day of Uttarayan Punyakala (auspicious moment), Lord Parameshwara is delighted by the presence of Surya Bhagwan. On this auspicious day, I pray that darkness is replaced by light in India and the world," Gowda said.
Mukhteshwar, a devotee from Hyderabad, said he was curious to see how the rays of the sun pass between the horns of Nandi.
"But I couldn't see it because they had closed the gates. I will offer prayers and go," he added.
Ashwini, another devotee, said she had been coming here for the last three years.
"This is a very auspicious occasion. I prayed for happiness and the wellbeing of all," she added.
The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is also known as the Gavipuram Cave Temple. The temple is cut out of a monolithic rock probably in the 9th century.
It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is famous for its mysterious stone discs in the forecourt and the exact planning allowing the Sun to shine on shrine in certain time of the year.
The ancient temple also has a rare idol of Agni, the God of fire.
There are other idols inside, including the idol of Agnimurthi, which has two heads, seven hands and three legs. Those worshipping this deity believe it will cure one of all eye defects.
This is one of few temples in Bangalore dedicated to Shiva and is visited by hundreds of devotees during Shivaratri.
The temple shrine is a protected monument under the Karnataka Ancient and Historical Monuments, and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1961.
