Ghati Subramanya is an ancient Hindu temple situated on the outskirts of Bangalore. It is 60 km from the city and is a popular pilgrimage centre. It is also an important centre in South India for worship of the Hindu deity Kethu. This temple was built 600 years ago by Ghorpade rulers from Sandur.
Ghati Subramanya is considered madhya Subramanya among the three main Subramanya temples in Karnataka. Temple at Kukke is adi Subramanya and at Nagalamadike is antya Subramanya.
The uniqueness of this temple is that the prime deity Lord Subramanya or Karthikeya, is found together with Lord Narasimha, both of whom are enshrined on the same idol back to back. Lord Subramanya is in the form of a seven hooded serpent, placed on a peacock and facing east while that of Narasimha stands on the back of the same idol, facing west. Lord Narasimha has to be seen in a big mirror placed on the wall behind the idol in the sanctum. The idol is believed to be swayambhu (self-manifested). In all other temples, we see Subramanya in human form, here he is in the form of seven-hooded serpent.
Legend has it that Lord Subramanya offered prayers here in a cave in the form of a serpent before he killed demon Ghatikasura or Tarakasura in the forests around this place. Due to the killing of Ghatikasura, this place came to be called as Ghati. The Naga family (serpents) living in this area were threatened by Garuda (eagle), they asked help from Lord Subramanya, who himself was in the form of a serpent. Lord Subramanya prayed to Lord Vishnu to help them. Lord Vishnu agreed to stay with them in the form of Narasimha and protect all the serpents.
It is the belief of devotees that childless couples making vows shall be blessed with children by the Lord. A related ritual is that of installing idols of snakes (Nagaprathista). You can see thousands of such idols near the temple.
If you are of the adventurous type, Ghati Subramanya and nearby places offer an ideal spot for trekking. The terain around the temple is rocky, strewn with boulders big and small all around the place. You can also trek to Makalidurga fort, with Makalidurga railway station as your base. Makalidurga fort stands at the top of a huge granite hillock, huddled up amidst the chains of hills, formed like a valley close to Ghati Subramanya. Walk along the railway track and go up the hill to the Makalidurga fort. The treking trail is clearly marked. The fort situated at the top of the hill is the main attraction. The fort has an old temple of Shiva with Nandi. Legend has it that rishi Markandeya prayed here. The trek to the top of the hill takes about 2 hours. The views of surrounding hills and valley are amazing. You can also witness spectacular sunset from here!
Explore Ghati Subramanya
Ghati Subramanya is about 60 kms from Bangalore, little away from the Bangalore-Hindupur highway.
Location marker on Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/LHR4mQ7KBadyNnVx7
Nearby places: Vidhurashwatha, Lepakshi, Nandi hills
How to reach
By car: Traveling by car from Bangalore is more convenient as you can cover other places of interest nearby/on the way. Travel on the Bangalore-Hindupur highway, turn right at Kantanakunte village and continue on Ghati Subramanya road for about 10 kms. Parking is available near the temple.
By bus: There are frequent bus services to Ghati and Doddaballapur from Bangalore.
From Doddaballapur, change bus or take auto rikshaw to reach Ghati. If boarding the Gouribidanur/Hindupur bus, alight at Kantanakunte stop and take auto rikshaw to reach Ghati.
By train: There are regular train services to Doddaballapur from Bangalore. From here, board a bus or take auto rikshaw to reach Ghati.
Nearest railway station is at Makali Durga, about 5 kms from Ghati. Check on the trains stopping at this station.
Quick tips
Start early in the morning and you can cover Vidhurashwatha and Lepakshi as a day trip.
Ghati Subramanya is a small village. There are small stalls with snacks and food items. Best is to carry your own food or eat at Gowribidanur/Doddaballapura/Hindupur (if visiting Lepakshi, or at many restaurants/dhabas along with Bangalore-Hyderabad highway on return from Lepakshi).
You can buy fresh vegetables on way to or back from Ghati. There are lot of farms around this place that grows vegetables and supply into the city. You’ll get a chance to buy fresh vegetables directly from the farmers in the many road-side stalls put up by the farmers.
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