Panchamukhi Ganesha Temple

Introduction to Panchamukhi Ganesha Temple

Sri Panchamukhi Ganesha Temple is a modern shrine located near Mysore Road, Bangalore, Karnataka. It is one of the top tourist attractions near the NICE road junction. The presiding deity, Ganesha, has five faces. The temple's uniqueness is that each face of the deity has a separate body. The Panchamukhi Ganesha Temple lies 20 km away from Bangalore city.

History of the Panchamukhi Ganesha Temple

In 1977, a devotee of Ganesha offered a one-acre property to build the Panchamukhi Ganesha Temple to the Shree Ganesha Trust. Smt. Kamalamma and Shri.C. L. Lakshmanaraju sponsored the Panchamukhi Idol. Sharath Peetha Shrungeri Shri Shri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Swami performed the consecration of Ganesha on February 6, 1984.

The Architecture of the Panchamukhi Ganesha Temple

The Panchamukhi Ganesha Temple reflects the Dravidian architectural style. The temple is in the form of Meru Chakra. As it is designed in Meru form, the temple is also called Mahameru Panchamukha Ganesha Temple. While crossing the first gate, visitors can see a rectangular water-filled pool where the huge Ganesha image is reflected.

The temple's main tower (gopuram) has four complete seated statues of Ganesha facing four directions. His fifth head is placed on the top of his four heads, facing east. The idol stands at a 30 ft height with a golden coat. Each face denotes the Pancha Koshas, or five sheaths of a human. They are the Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya, Vijnanamaya, and Anandamaya.

The sanctum sanctorum of the Panchamukhi Ganesha Temple contains a six feet black stone idol of Panchamukhi Ganesha. On the ceilings of the sanctorum, thirty-two forms of Ganesha are carved beautifully. There are separate shrines for Shiva, Ayyapppa, and Parvati. The temple has four doors on four sides. The exterior floor is made of clay tiles, and the temple interior is made of marble stones.

Around the temple, there is a pool. It is called a wishing tank. People put coins in the tank and make a wish.

An Ashram called Sathyashraya Kuteera is adjacent to the temple. People can get the darshan of the Vishwakarma committee Guru here. Even religious collections and community books are displayed here.

Festivals in Panchamukhi Ganesha Temple

The Panchamukhi Ganesha Temple celebrates Guru Poornima, Sankashti Chaturthi, and Ganesh Chaturthi grandly. The temple conducts Sathyanarayana Swamy Pooja on every Pournami.

Benefits of Worshipping at Panchamukhi Ganesha Temple

People believe that the deity provides his darshan in all directions, which can bestow abundant blessings in their lives.