Discover the serene charm of Bandi Mankalamma temple | Fusion - WeRIndia

For those unable to visit the famous Chamundeswari temple in Mysore or the Mookambika temple in Kollur, the ancient Bandi Mankalamma temple in Bangalore offers a peaceful alternative.

Located on BEML Road near the New Tippasandra post office, this temple retains an old-world charm and a strong South Indian flavour, attracting many devotees.

The Bandi Mankalamma temple is lively and radiates a unique energy. The goddess is adorned in different coloured sarees each day, and during Navratri, her decoration is a spectacular sight.

Prasad is distributed daily, and the temple celebrates Navratri with “golu,” a display of various dolls.

Despite the priests sometimes looking bored, they diligently prepare Prasad daily, reflecting their commitment to tradition.

The temple’s simplicity makes it feel like a village temple, despite being in Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India.

On Tuesdays and Fridays, from 4:30 to 5:30 pm, women gather to recite the Lalita Sahasranama, adding to the temple’s vibrant atmosphere.

Visitors notice the sanctum sanctorum immediately upon entering. Although there are separate queues for male and female devotees, this rule is not strictly enforced.

Devotees offer various gifts, like silver swords and gold nose rings, to the goddess. Those wishing to rid themselves of negative emotions offer a lemon, which the priests return after a pooja. The belief is that as the lemon dries, so do one’s problems.

The temple is a haven for those seeking solace. During Ashad month, the temple sees a surge in visitors, particularly on Tuesdays and Fridays. Devotees light lamps on lemons, believing that lemons absorb negative energies. This practice highlights the deep-rooted faith in the temple’s rituals.

Some employees share their transformative experiences with the temple. After losing their job and facing severe depression, their visits to Bandi Mankalamma brought him peace and a renewed sense of purpose. Today, he credits the temple for helping him regain his confidence and stability.

The Bandi Mankalamma temple continues to be a place of spiritual rejuvenation. Devotees, young and old, find solace and strength within its premises.

The temple’s chief priest emphasizes the satisfaction derived from serving the goddess and encourages more people to experience the temple’s unique charm.

For anyone visiting Bangalore, the Bandi Mankalamma temple is a must-visit. Its simplicity, vibrant energy, and deep-rooted traditions offer a unique spiritual experience.

The goddess, fierce yet compassionate, listens to every sincere prayer, making the temple a beacon of hope and faith.

Image Credit: See page for author, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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