Sri Bhadrakali Ammanavara Sametha Sri Veerabhadra Swamy TempleDevarahosahalli, Bengaluru Rural,Karnataka
Sri Bhadrakali Ammanavara Sametha Sri Veerabhadra Swamy temple is located in Devarahosahalli village, Nelamangala taluk, Bengaluru Rural district, Karnataka.The shrine sits atop a small hill surrounded by lush green landscapes that resemble a forest.The main deity is Sri Veerabhadra Swamy, a fierce and protective form of Lord Shiva created to destroy evil and uphold dharma.
Temple Age & History
This is an ancient temple, believed to be over 1600 years old, with origins tracing back to the Chola period. It was originally a natural cave shrine where Lord Veerabhadra Swamy was worshipped by sages and villagers. Over the centuries, renovations have added structures such as the gopuram, mandapa, and steps, but the sanctum remains the original rock cave. The temple has long been a centre of devotion for surrounding villages.
Deity Details
The main deity is Sri Veerabhadra Swamy, a fierce and protective form of Lord Shiva created to destroy evil and uphold dharma. He is enshrined inside the cave facing west. Uniquely, Goddess Bhadrakali is also present in the sanctum, facing west — a rare orientation in temple tradition. Devotees believe that this rare west-facing alignment brings prosperity, happiness, and protection.
Architecture & Surroundings
The temple’s sanctum is carved within a natural rock formation, giving it a sacred and peaceful aura. Behind the temple, there is a small climb leading to the hilltop, where visitors can see a Kalyani (sacred pond) and the Ganga Mantapa (stone pavilion). The hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding greenery. A perennial spring near the temple remains filled throughout the year, considered a sign of the deity’s eternal grace.
Sthalapurana
According to local lore, this temple is tied to the legend of Daksha Yajna from Hindu mythology. When Goddess Sati immolated herself due to the insult by her father Daksha, Lord Shiva, in deep rage, created Veerabhadra, a fierce warrior, from a lock of his matted hair. Veerabhadra destroyed Daksha’s sacrifice and punished those who disrespected the Goddess. Temples dedicated to Veerabhadra are thus symbols of protection, justice, and divine power.
In Devarahosahalli, it is believed that the deity manifested naturally in the rocky cave to bless the surrounding villages and protect them from evil.
Lord Veerabhadra’s Connection to Devarahosahalli Temple
Local tradition says that after this divine mission, Lord Veerabhadra manifested in many places to protect devotees and uphold dharma. One such place is Devarahosahalli. Here, the deity is believed to have appeared naturally in a rocky cave on the hill to bless the surrounding villages.
The presence of Goddess Bhadrakali alongside him symbolises the divine partnership that carried out Lord Shiva’s justice. Devotees believe that the temple’s location holds powerful spiritual energy, and the perennial spring near the temple is considered a divine gift that never dries, representing the unending grace of the deity.
Festivals
The most important annual event is the Kalyanotsava (divine wedding) of Sri Veerabhadra Swamy and Goddess Bhadrakali, celebrated with grandeur. Devotees from surrounding districts participate in this event, which includes processions, cultural programs, and special pujas. Other major occasions include Shivaratri, Ugadi, and full-moon day (Purnima) celebrations.
