Chokkanathaswamy Temple Domlur with Cosmic Energy
Chokkanathaswamy Temple in Domlur is lesser known yet is significantly important ancient Hindu Temple in Bangalore. This temple is more than 10 centuries old and is ranked among the oldest temples of Bangalore. Though named after Lord Shiva, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Chokkanathaswamy Temple Domlur Bangalore today.
Chokkanathaswamy Temple Domlur with Cosmic Energy Points
My main reason to visit Chokkanathaswamy Temple was to experience the Pranic (cosmic) energy points. Inside this temple complex there are 12 pranic (cosmic) points. 2 of them are inside the shrine and 10 are outside. The 10 spots are marked with white squares. One has to stand inside the square, facing the shrine and pray for at least 2 minutes to experience and benefit from the cosmic energy at these points. These points were discovered by a retired Chief Executive Engineer, hardly 10 years ago.
Little bit about Cosmic (Pranic) Energy
Cosmic or Pranic or Life energy is the basis of all our actions. Our reactions to situations and functions all depend on this. Did you know that our body receives some amount of cosmic energy during our sleep, when we are in total silence and when mind is at peace? This pranic energy is essential to obtain knowledge, have an orderly happy and healthy life. The more we acquire this life energy more we are able to expand our consciousness.
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- Pranic energy point in Chokkanathaswamy Temple 1.
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- Pranic energy point in Chokkanathaswamy Temple 2 & 3
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- Pranic energy point in Chokkanathaswamy Temple 4
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- Pranic energy point in Chokkanathaswamy Temple 5 & 6
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- Pranic energy point in Chokkanathaswamy Temple 7 & 8
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- Pranic energy point in Chokkanathaswamy Temple 9 & 10
Chokkanathaswamy Temple Domlur History
This temple was built during the reign of Chola dynasty on 10th century AD. Nothing much of the old architecture exists today. Several new structures have come up around it. Locals have given a facelift with concrete and modern paints, so the old charm isn’t there in the exteriors. But the interiors have a calm soothing effect. Several inscriptions on the walls of the temple walls throw light on the origin and makers of the temple.
Ancient history (Sthala Purana) of the place mentions an unknown sage who invoked Vishnu’s blessings through powerful penance. He installed the mula-vigraha (consecration idol) here on elevated land so the temple could harness and transmit cosmic energy.
Dwarapalaka in Chokkanathaswamy Temple Domlur
Inscriptions on Stone Walls of Chokkanathaswamy Temple
Main deity of the temple is Chokkaperumal. He is flanked on both sides by his consorts Goddesses Bhudevi and Sridevi. The idols are made of sacred saligrama shila, an ammonite fossil sourced from in the Gandaki River in Nepal.
Location of this temple is referenced as: Tommalur (modern Domlur). One of the inscriptions state Irvi Tripuranthaka Chettiar and his wife donated the lands for the temple and its maintenance. Another inscription mentions Hoysala King Ramanandadeva of 1300 AD sanctioned money for temple festivals.
The sanctum sanctorum or garbhagriha and the ardha mantapa seem to be from the Chola period (9th to 13th century). The front portion or navaranga mantapa which is extension to the previously existing portion belong to Vijayanagar period (14th to 17th century).
Chokkanathaswamy Temple Domlur Bangalore Inscriptions
Tour of Chokkanatha Swamy Temple
The road to Chokkanathaswamy Temple bifurcates into 2 narrow lanes. There is a tall stone flagstaff in front existing for a long time, thankfully not brought down. The temple is at an elevated level from the road. Steps lead up to the first level, and on either side there are two smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Lord Anjaneya.
You climb up further to the main level with the shrine. Entrance to the shrine is covered with a wooden panel. Two dwarpalakas stand guard at the entrance.
Outer wooden panels of this temple have beautiful carvings. As you step in you feel the divine atmosphere, lamps lit, chanting of mantras and the charismatic 3 idols. Inside the shrine are 2 well preserved pillars with finely crafted sculptures and statues depicting Lord Vishnu’s dashavataras (10 avatars).
No photography is allowed inside the shrine. It is believed that there is an underground cellar for storing things. However the entrance to it is now closed. All you can see is a pointer indicating the place. Ask the priests there they will show it to you.
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- Chokkanathaswamy Temple with Cosmic Energy
There is a meditation point inside the shrine right in front of the idols. You can sit here for a while and pray. It is east facing temple and the elevated positioning of the idols is believed to radiate positive pranic energy. The idols receive direct light from the rising sun in the months of summer and winter solstices. People crowd this temple during these days to witness the rare sight.
Renovation of Chokkanathaswamy Temple
During 1975-1983 there was a large scale renovation on the temple facade and interiors while taking care to preserve the older structures. It has a concrete exterior now. Inside the shrine there is a picture of how the temple looked in Aug 1947 at the time of India’s independence. You will be shocked to see the drastic change.
Read about another 10th century Temple in Bangalore: Someshwara Temple Ulsoor.
Chokkanathaswamy Temple on Aug 1947
Anjaneya Temple Domlur
Another interesting feature related to this temple is that there is another temple dedicated to Anjaneya (Lord Hanuman) just down the road. It is believed that when it was constructed both these temples were in same line of sight. However Lord Hanuman is at a lower level, His eyes at the level of feet of Chokkanathaswamy. Such was the marvel of combination of spiritual belief and architecture in those times!
Sadly land sharks have gobbled up this area and it is now dotted with several houses. Both temples no longer face each other; there are several houses in between.
Anjaneya Temple in Domlur Bangalore.
Lord Hanuman in Anjaneya Temple Domlur Bangalore.
Location of Chokkanatha Swamy Temple Domlur
Nearest prominent landmark is opposite the Modern World Showroom on Old Airport Road Bengaluru. A small board at the turn of 5th cross from Airport Road indicates the location of the temple. This is the least confusing approach.
The Chokkanathaswamy Temple address is:
5th Cross Road, Opposite Sony World, Village Domlur, 2nd stage Indiranagar, BDA Colony, Domlur Village, Domlur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560071
Chokkanathaswamy Temple Timings
6 AM to 11 AM, 5.45 PM to 8.30 PM. No Tickets required for entering the temple.
You can check before you proceed.
Here is Chokkanathaswamy Temple contact number: 099727 23563
Why Chokkanathaswamy Temple Domlur in Bangalore famous?
Ancient Shri Chokkanatha Swamy Temple in Domlur is famous for 12 cosmic energy points.
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How cool Indrani. We missed it during our Bangalore trip.
Interesting description and nice pictures
Very interesting post! Like it!
I have never been, but would love to. The temple is beautiful. I clearly need to sleep more so I can obtain some more of this cosmic energy too.
To think that such history lies right in our backyard. I must have passed this temple so many times but did not realize how old it was. Gotta make that trip to check it out.
Funny that someone already mentioned it here in the comments, but we’ve also been to Sedona and have felt some sort of outer body experience and all around a shift in the elements around us. Curious to know what it felt like for you.
Chokkanathaswamy Temple looks like an interesting temple to visit. I had never heard about Pranic energy, but I loved learning about it from your post. I never thought that a temple could have cosmic energy points.
So, I have to ask, how did it feel standing at the cosmic energy points? How did it feel overall as you wandered through the temple? Sedona in the U.S.is known to have vortices, which are swirling centers of energy. I’ve been and have personally felt the shift in energy. That’s why I’m curious of the experience for you. The temple, nonetheless is beautiful your photos are gorgeous. Love the bright and vibrant colors. So much history in this 10-century-old temple. Magnificent!
Love the colorful figures of the Anjaneya Temple Domlur. Too bad the area wasn’t preserved and people have built between the temples.
This concept of Pranic energy and Pranic healing is really interesting. I am actually quite intrigued to experience the Chokkanathaswamy temple and it’s spots where one can stand and pray to experience the pranic energy. India has so much history, temples dating back to the 10th century (Chola dynasty times) have to be amazing to visit, such a pity that I haven’t been to any!
Bangalore is such a busy and vibrant city so I’m glad to hear there is a temple in the city where you can escape the hustle and bustle. I had never heard of pranic energy before. I’ll have to head back to Bangalore, visit the temple and get some good rest. Thanks for the tip about the closed-off artifact cellar. Glad to know the monks are willing to help travelers see more of the artifacts. Thanks for sharing.
Fascinating to hear that the Chokkanathaswamy Temple in Bangalore is known for its cosmic energy. And that there are 12 different points. I had not really heard about Pranic energy before – or maybe not by that name. Did you really find that it is quiet and peaceful enough when you visited to meditate? Certainly most temples we have visited were noisy and not at all conducive to calming reflection.
That is very interesting that the pranic energy points are marked and you don’t have to look for them.
This temple looks so colourful and would love to wander around here looking at the amazing artwork. The colours sure do brighten up the place. How long would you recommend on visiting both temples here? A couple of hours?
More than 10 centuries old, wow! I wish though they copied the old design or style of this temple from the original so that it will look as is 🙂 This one is definitely gonna be in my list if I find my way in Bangalore!