ABOUT

A Divine Abode: Our Beloved Uma Maheshwara Temple

For nearly four decades, our revered Uma Maheshwara Temple has been a beacon of spiritual solace, fulfilling the heartfelt wishes of countless devotees. Nestled on the vibrant KR Road in Banashankari 2nd Stage, Bengaluru, this sacred sanctuary has witnessed countless miracles and transformations.

Long before the temple's inception, this hallowed ground was adorned with two 300+ years ancient peepal trees and a revered anthill ((nagarahavina hutta), a sanctuary for majestic king cobras. These gentle creatures, far from being feared, were revered as divine beings, inspiring awe and reverence among the local populace. To honor this sacred site, devotees erected three nagara kallu (cobra stones) and began to offer prayers.

In the late 1900s, a significant turning point occurred. The plot was part of a land acquired by the BDA for residential development. Since there were no Hindu takers for this corner plot, it was allotted to a person of different caste and removal of the trees, nagara kallu and the hutta were authorized. However, a divine intervention halted the planned desecration. Just before the allotted land was to be cleared, the son of the recipient mysteriously lost his voice. Recognizing the sanctity of the site, the family returned the land to the authorities.

The local community, led by lawyer CV Nagesh, rallied together to reclaim the sacred land. Their unwavering devotion and efforts culminated in the establishment of the Uma Maheshwara Temple.

Today, the temple stands as a testament to divine grace, housing the divine family of Lord Shiva: Sri Ganapathi, Sri Umamaheshwara, Sri Parvati Amma, Bala Subramanya, along with Navagraha, Kalabhairaveshwara, DakshinaMurthy, Naga Devathas, and Chandikeshwara.

Our temple vibrates with spiritual energy, especially during the grand celebrations of various festivals:

Ganesh Chaturthi

A five-day extravaganza honoring Lord Ganesha in the traditional south as well as north Indian way, marked by elaborate decorations to the 5 feet silver Ganesha, special alankaras, tasty naivaidyas, and a environmentally safe immersion ceremony.

Dasara

A 11-day celebration dedicated to Goddess Parvati, featuring captivating alankaras in the mornings, devotional music programs in the evenings are performed. 200 ladies recite ‘Sri Lalitha sahasranama’ from 9.30am to 11am each day followed by bhakti songs on Devi. 108 sarees are given off to sumangalis.

The massive Durga Homa (Chandika Homa) is also performed during this period and sarees and dhotis are distributed as prasada to 3 couples (dampatis) and 9 kanyas.

A month-long spiritual journey, highlighted by Rudra Homas, grand processions, and numerous auspicious ceremonies. Devotees will be able to buy and light diyas throughout the day during temple working hours.

On all 4 karthika Mondays, Rudra homas are performed in the morning and Umamaheshwara prakarotsava is taken out in silver chariot along with nadaswara in the evening followed by music concerts. Being a special month, typically about 20 girija kalyans are performed in this month

Karthika Masa

Divine Homas

Shatha Chandi Homa: A majestic fire ritual invoking the divine feminine energy of Goddess Durga, offering protection and blessings.

Maharudra Homa: A potent Homa dedicated to Lord Shiva, invoking His cosmic energy and granting spiritual liberation.

Sacred Chanting

Chandika Parayana: A continuous recitation of the Devi Mahatmya, a sacred text extolling the glory of Goddess Durga, performed by 21 learned priests.

Durga Sapthashathi Parayana: A recitation of 108 chapters of the Devi Mahatmya, a powerful spiritual practice.

Rudra Parayana: A recitation of 1450 Rudra Mantras, invoking the fierce and benevolent aspects of Lord Shiva.

Brahmachari Pooja: A special puja honoring celibate Brahmachari devotees, seeking their blessings and spiritual guidance.

Divine Offerings

Kalasha Seva: A highly sought-after offering involving the installation of 18 Upapradhana Kalashas and 32 Pradhana Kalashas (16 for Shiva and 16 for Chandika). These sacred vessels, filled with divine offerings, are installed during the festival and later returned to the devotees as a blessing.

Daily Prasad: Devotees who have donated for various sevas will receive divine prasad, blessed by the divine presence.

A Festive Atmosphere

Fifteen days prior to Shivaratri, our temple transforms into a celestial abode, adorned with vibrant decorations and illuminating lights. On the auspicious night of Shivaratri, devotees throng to witness the divine rituals and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Divine Abhishekas: Four special abhishekas are performed throughout the night, offering sacred water, milk, honey, and other divine substances to Lord Shiva.

Divine Darshan: Approximately 60,000 devotees visit the temple to seek the divine darshan of Lord Shiva. Special passes are provided to devotees who have availed Shashwath Pooja and Kalasha Seva. Paid passes are also available for faster darshan.

Shivaratri, the auspicious night of Lord Shiva, is a time of profound spiritual significance. At our temple, we celebrate this sacred occasion with a series of powerful rituals and divine offerings.

Shivaratri

Brahmarathotsava

To commemorate the auspicious establishment of our temple, we organize an eight-day extravaganza known as Brahmarathotsava. Each day is filled with divine rituals, captivating processions, and cultural performances.

Daily Rituals

Morning Homas: The day begins with sacred fire rituals, invoking the divine blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Evening Processions: The divine idols are carried through the streets in grand processions, accompanied by vibrant cultural performances and melodious music.

Highlights of the Festival

Fourth Day: Lord Umamaheshwara, adorned in divine splendor, is taken on a majestic procession in a golden chariot, accompanied by a mesmerizing display of traditional dances.

Fifth Day: The sacred ceremony of Parvati Swayamvara, symbolizing the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is performed in the morning. Later in the day, the divine couple is placed to rest in a celestial bed, a ritual known as Shayanotsava.

Evening Deities

After each evening procession, the divine idols are adorned with a divine offering of Panchamrita (a mixture of five nectars) and a stunning floral decoration weighing 80 kilograms.

Additional Rituals

· Muthaide Pooja: A special puja dedicated to Lord Ganesha, seeking His blessings for the success of the festival.

· Brahmachari Pooja: A sacred ritual honoring celibate Brahmachari devotees, seeking their divine blessings and spiritual guidance.

As you step into our temple, you will experience a profound sense of peace and divine grace. Join us in celebrating the divine and immerse yourself in the spiritual bliss that permeates every corner of our sacred abode.