If you are considering travelling to India, there are plenty of states to choose from. Bangalore or Bengaluru is one of Southern India’s most sought-after destinations. Being the IT hub of the nation, this city is famous worldwide. However, there is much more to see here than just offices and complexes. And if you are particularly interested in getting a hint of the culture and heritage of this place, it’s better to look for smaller neighbourhoods such as Malleswaram. With plenty to explore, the area is a big package in a small area. Let’s know more about it in this blog.
Overview Of Malleswaram
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Malleswaram is an important neighbourhood in the Bengaluru city of Karnataka. It is located towards the northwest and falls within the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike zone. Following the severe plague of 1898, the town was planned in 1889. It was earlier built as a suburb in 1892 and given to the city municipality in 1895.
The place was named after the Kadu Malleshwara Temple. However, historians believe that it was originally included in the village of Ranganatha Palya on the 1878 Survey of India map. The World Trade Centre Bengaluru is one of the several offices in this neighbourhood. Mantri Square and Orion Mall, located on opposite sides of the community, are two shopping centres that attract tourists all around the year. Today, Malleswaram serves as a hub for education, housing the Indian Institute of Science, Mysore Education Society, and the state’s KSEEB and PU boards. The town is home to some of the oldest cafes, including CTR Shri Sagar (1920s), Janatha Hotel, Raghvendra Stores, New Krishna Bhavan, Veena Stores, and Snehajeeevi Gowdara Egg Rice Adda, which are located in Malleshwaram. The area is in close proximity to Yeshwanthpur, Kempegowda Bus Station and Seshadripuram. The nearest metro stations include Srirampura Metro Station and Sampige Road Metro Station.
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History Of Malleswaram
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There is quite a bit of rich history associated with Malleswaram. The Ekoji Inscription of Malleshwaram, which dates to 1669 CE is situated inside the grounds of the renowned Kadu Malleshwara temple. As per this inscription, the town was formerly known as Mallapura. It documents the contribution made by Shivaji’s half-brother, the Maratha lord Ekoji, who gave a village called Medaraninganahalli for the care of the Kadu Malleshwara temple. Earlier, the settlement of Medaraninganahalli was situated close to the IISc campus. The additional Volume 9 of Epigraphia Carnatica describes another undated Kannada inscription found on Sampige Road. It states that the inscription was discovered close to Jakkarayanakere, which is in the vicinity of Krishna Flour Mill on Sampige Road, Malleshwaram. A large portion of the published text is missing and maybe a donation inscription. On the other hand, it is confirmed that Jakkarayana Kere, a lake near Sampige Road, existed and was recorded more than a century ago.
The first vice-chancellor of Mysore University, H. V. Nanjundaiah, is credited for constructing Malleshwaram, the suburb at the time. Throughout history, a number of notable individuals have called Malleshwaram home. These include Nobel laureate C.V. Raman, scientist Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, world badminton champion Prakash Padukone and his daughter Deepika Padukone, renowned Carnatic musician Doraiswamy Iyengar, and actors Saroja Devi, Ananth Nag, and Jaggesh.
Things To Do In Malleswaram
Here is a list of things you would love to do when touring Malleswaram:
1. Shopping At local markets
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There are numerous local markets in Malleswaram that serve a variety of consumers. Malleswaram carries everything, from branded goods to incredibly low-cost goods. The markets, which include flower, fruit, and vegetable markets as well as affordable and local street shopping, are dispersed across the neighbourhood. Additionally, there is a shopping mall where one can buy branded goods. Roses, jasmine garlands, and other flowers abound at the flower marketplaces. It is undoubtedly a fantastic location for taking vivid photos. One of Malleswaram’s main thoroughfares, Sampige Road, features stores on both sides of the roadway. The stores sell slippers, sarees, jewellery, and other items.
A variety of local businesses and vendors can be found at Malleswaram’s 11th and 13th Cross, offering a wide range of goods, such as toys, bags, fruits, and vegetables. The Mantri Square Mall is an ideal place to buy designer clothing, purses, and footwear. There are a few supermarkets located inside the expansive shopping area.
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2. Visiting The Hindu Temples Of Malleswaram
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There are several old Hindu temples in Malleswaram. Actually, one is honoured in the area’s name. Three important temples are worth seeing: the Kadu Malleshwara temple, which is next to the Nandi Theertha temple. The Gangamma Devi temple is an alternative location to visit. Remember to respect local customs and culture by dressing appropriately when you visit the temples. In designated areas outside the temple, remove your shoes. In the afternoon, the temples are normally closed. A visit to the temple in the morning or late afternoon is highly recommended. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Mallikarjuna, the Kadu Malleshwara temple was constructed in the Dravidian architectural style by Venkoji. The name of the Kadu Malleshwara temple comes from the Kannada word “Kadu,” which means “wild trees surrounded by forest.”
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Nandi Theerta temple, also called Dakshinamukha Nandi Theerta Kalyani Kshetra is another great example. It is a little shrine shaped like a Linga. Dakshinamukha Nandi gets its name from the fact that the mythological bull figure Nandi is facing southward (Dakshina in Kannada means south, and mukha means face). Another treasure in the neighbourhood is the Gangamma Devi temple, which is devoted to Goddess Ganga or Gangamma. The temple is beautiful and tranquil. An annual celebration called Gangamma Jathre is held in honour of all the gods and goddesses. The temple and the deity are decked for the three-day fair.
3. Appreciating And Watching Old Movies
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Bangalore underwent a complete makeover a few years ago, complete with murals and street art all throughout the city. As part of this transformation, the walls and streets surrounding Malleshwaram received incredible graffiti from a variety of artists. Every street art piece depicted a different aspect of Bangalore. Whether it was about birds or sports, they were all involved in this wonderful project. Seeing these murals while strolling around Malleswaram is a delight, particularly for photographers. Bengaluru Prayana offers art and heritage walks with guides. Check out the Bengaluru Prayana Instagram Page or Facebook Group to find out about the planned walks. There are a few theatres in Malleswaram where people can view Hindi, English, or regional motion pictures (* Indians refer to theatres as cinemas). It’s an experience to watch regional films in Bangalore starring well-known performers! It resembles a festival being celebrated with plenty of hooting and whistles.
Two of the older theatres that have existed since I moved to the neighbourhood are the Sampige and Cauvery theatres. These theatres remind me of a lot of priceless moments since it was a family tradition to attend movies there on Saturday mornings. In the Mantri Square Mall, Malleswaram also boasts a sizable multiplex theatre. The Inox Movies Theatre is the theatre chain that screens films in the shopping centre.
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4. Enjoy The Local Food At Malleswaram Restaurants
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If you are new to Bangalore or are visiting Malleswaram for the first time, there are many renowned breakfast locations that are a must-visit. Malleswaram’s reputation is almost as legendary as the neighbourhood itself. Put your faith in their buttery dosas, crunchy vadas, and fluffy idlis. The first on the list is the Hotel Janatha. With some of the greatest dosas in the city, Hotel Janatha is brimming with customers. However, you may start by filling your stomach with plates of fluffy idlis, which pair wonderfully with the crunchy vadas. The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth neon-yellow Kesari bhath is perfect for those of you with a sweet tooth. Place a steaming cup of kaapi on top of everything. Another great local food joint is the Shri Sagar CTC. Frequently pitted against Basavanagudi’s Vidhyarthi Bhavan for the title of best benne dosa, Shri Sagar CTR is a tourist destination as well as a place of pilgrimage for devoted followers. Regardless of your stance, the benne dosage in this instance is well worth the clogged arteries. Veena Stores is another restaurant, that promises to offer plenty. The renowned venue’s puliogare, savige bhath, and khara bath are unforgettable, even if you’re not an idli fan.
Sri Raghavendra Stores is another modest business that is well-liked by its customers and is reasonably priced. Their shaved-ash bath, which is prepared from vermicelli, is especially spicy. Not to be forgotten are their hot mugs of coffee and their downy idlis. Lastly, end with a sweet note with the Amrith Ice Cream specialities. Nestled in a serene Malleswaram suburb, Amrith is a beloved family-owned parlour that has been around since its founding in 1993. It will be difficult for you to choose from one of the 25 flavours available here, but once you do, it’s unlikely that you’ll be sorry you did. The cool Litchi Treat and the Caribou Coffee, which has a faint note of bitterness, are definitely worth trying.
5. Visit Sri Dakshinamukha Nandi Tirtha Kalyani Kshetra
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Sri Dakshinamukha Nandi Tirtha Kalyani Kshetra is a culture-rich and spiritual site that holds great importance for locals in Malleswaram. It is situated on 2nd Temple Street, Malleswaram layout, in the northwest of Bangalore city, Karnataka, India. The temple is diagonally opposite the Kadu Malleshwara temple and in front of the Gangamma temple. The temple is also referred to as Malleswaram Nandi Gudi, Nandi Tirtha, Nandishwara Teertha, and Basava Teertha. Shiva is the primary deity of the temple and is represented by a Shiva Linga (lingam). The temple was buried for 400 years before being found again in 1997. The main attraction of this temple is a distinctive stone Nandi, called Dakshina in Kannada, that is facing south. “South facing Nandi” is what “Dakhshinamuka Nandi” signifies. The Nandi’s mouth produces an endless stream of water that is revered as holy water and is known in Kannada as “Tirtha.” Water drips from the Nandi’s mouth onto the Shivalinga and enters a tiered tank in the centre of the temple, known in Kannada as a “Kalyani” or temple tank.
Through a hole in the floor, a constant stream of water emerges from the Nandi’s mouth and drips onto the Shivaling. After that, water builds up in the Kalyani, and any excess is drained into the open well outside the temple. Coming to the name, in Kannada, “kshetra” refers to a “place” and is frequently used to designate a location or area that holds significant religious or historical value. The formal name of the temple is the sum of the aforementioned components. The temple is basically constructed as a covered passageway supported by pillars that encircle a central Kalyani or stepped temple tank. As Shiva’s vahana, the Nandi is typically positioned in front of the Shivalinga in most temples. But in this temple, the Nandi is positioned on a platform that is raised above the Shivalinga.
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With the help of this well-curated and well-researched blog, you might have derived an idea of how travel-worthy Malleswaram is. Even if you are not interested in the tourist places here, you can come here to experience the real South Indian vibe to its core. Plan your trip to Bengaluru now.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Malleswaram
What makes Malleswaram so special?
The union of urban life, local vibe and cultural shrines makes Malleswaram special and worth visiting.
Are there temples in Malleswaram?
There are several old Hindu temples in Malleswaram. Three important temples are worth seeing: the Kadu Malleshwara temple, which is next to the Nandi Theertha temple. The Gangamma Devi temple is an alternative location to visit.
How far is Malleswaram from the main Bengaluru city?
Malleswaram is around 6.5 km away from the main city.
What is the closest airport to Malleswaram?
The recently remodelled Bangalore Airport is the nearest airport, 32 km away from Malleswaram.
How is the weather in Malleswaram?
The weather is usually warm. The climate is typical South Indian.
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