Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple

Context: Clouds play spoilsport on Sankranti. For the first time in 50 years, sun’s rays didn’t fall on the Shiva Linga at Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple in Gavipuram.

• It is an annual phenomenon every Sankranti.
• The ancient cave temple, said to be renovated by Kempegowda I, is built in such a way that the sun’s rays fall on the south-facing idol on Sankranti day, when the sun begins to move northwards with respect to Earth.

About Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple:

• Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple also Gavipuram Cave Temple, an example of Indian rock-cut architecture, is located in Bangalore in the state of Karnataka in India.
• The temple 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.
• It was built in the 16th century by Kempe Gowda I, the founder of the city.
• This cave temple dedicated to Shiva.
• Built by Gautama Maharshi and Bharadwaja Muni in Vedic period.
• Renovated in the 16th century AD by Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bengaluru, Temple Gavi Gangadhareshwara is an architectural marvel that attracts the faithful by the hordes.
• The temple is also known for its four monolithic pillars, representing Damaru, Trishul and two fans on the patio.
• Built in a natural cave in Gavipuram, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and cut into a monolithic stone.
• The courtyard of the temple here contains several monolithic sculptures.
• The main attractions of Gavi Gangadhareshvara temple are two granite pillars that support the giant disk of the sun and moon, while the other two have a number of Nandi at the top.
• On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, temple witnesses a unique phenomenon in the evening sunlight passes through an arc between the horns of Nandi and falls directly on the linga inside the cave and illuminating the interior idol.
• The temple shrine is a protected monument under the Karnataka Ancient and Historical Monuments, and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1961.v

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/clouds-play-spoilsport-on-sankranti/article33582831.ece