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Kadu Malleshwara Temple, Bangalore
Shiva · Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, Karnataka
॥ ॐ नमः शिवाय ॥
The Kadu Malleshwara Temple gave the Bengaluru neighbourhood of Malleshwaram its name — a 17th-century Shiva shrine once set in forest (kadu) on the city’s edge. Built, by tradition, with the patronage of Venkoji, the half-brother of the Maratha king Shivaji, it is a graceful Dravidian temple whose old stone halls now stand at the heart of a busy quarter of the city.
The lord of the forest
“Kadu Malleshwara” means the Malleshwara of the forest, for the Shiva lingam was worshipped here when the spot lay in woodland beyond the old town. The temple’s name, in time, became the name of the whole locality, Malleshwaram, which grew around the shrine as Bengaluru expanded.
A temple of the Maratha age
Tradition links the building of the temple to Venkoji (Ekoji), the half-brother of Shivaji, who is said to have raised or endowed it in the 17th century during the Maratha presence in the south. Built in the Dravidian manner with a carved gateway and pillared halls, it is among the older temples of the city.
A shrine in the city
Now surrounded by the streets of Malleshwaram, the temple keeps a daily round of worship amid the bustle of the quarter, with an old stepped tank and a Nandi before the sanctum. Maha Shivaratri is the great festival, when the forest-lord of the old city is honoured through the night.
How to reach the temple
- By road/metro: the temple is in Malleshwaram, north-central Bengaluru, near the Mantri Mall and Malleshwaram metro area.
- By train: Bengaluru City and Yeshwantpur stations are a few kilometres away.
- By air: Kempegowda International Airport is about 30 km away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Kadu Malleshwara?
“Kadu” means forest; the Shiva lingam was worshipped here when the spot lay in woodland on the edge of the old town, and the temple’s name became the name of the Malleshwaram locality.
Who built the temple?
Tradition links it to Venkoji (Ekoji), the half-brother of the Maratha king Shivaji, who is said to have raised or endowed it in the 17th century.
What style is the temple?
It is built in the Dravidian manner, with a carved gateway, pillared halls, an old stepped tank and a Nandi before the sanctum.
What is the main festival?
Maha Shivaratri is the great festival, when the lord is honoured through the night.
Where is the temple?
It is in Malleshwaram, north-central Bengaluru, the locality that grew around and took its name from the shrine.
How do I reach the temple?
It is in Malleshwaram near the metro; Bengaluru City station is a few kilometres away and the airport about 30 km.
॥ हर हर महादेव ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Shiva (Kadu Malleshwara) |
| Significance | Gave Malleshwaram its name |
| Built | 17th c, linked to Venkoji (half-brother of Shivaji) |
| Style | Dravidian |
| Setting | Malleshwaram, Bengaluru |
| Main Festival | Maha Shivaratri |