Panchmukhi Ganesha Temple, Famous Landmark in Kengeri
During my n number of road trips from Bangalore to Mysore I have seen this towering image of Panchmukhi Ganesh near Kengeri. Each time I promised myself I will make a dedicated visit to this temple but the very next road trip I would zip across without halting. By God’s grace I could fulfill my desire and I spent around 2 hours in this Panchmukhi Ganesha temple.
Mahameru Panchmukhi Ganesha Temple
Panchamukhi Ganesha, the name translates to 5 faced Ganesha. The temple is built in ashram premises run by Vishwakarma committee known by the name Sathyashraya Kuteera. As you cross the first gate you will come across a rectangular pool filled with water. You can catch the reflection of the towering Ganesha image in this water. Have a look at the capture I got of the tower with its reflection in water, all in one frame.
The gopuram, main tower of the temple has 4 complete statues of seated Ganesha facing 4 directions and the 5th Ganesha, just the head, placed on top of these 4 Ganesha statues faces the east. Because of this unique form the temple is also called as Mahameru Pancamukh Ganesh Temple. This 30ft tall image of Lord Ganesha was given a gold coat in 2007.
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- Panchamukhi Ganesha Temple north
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- Panchamukhi Ganesha Temple south
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- Panchamukhi Ganesha Temple west
Once you enter the premises of Panchmukhi Ganesh Temple you will find it hard to believe the extremely busy Bangalore-Mysore highway is just few 100m away. Only thing that struck me sadly was the place doesn’t have a single tree. The entire area is covered with concrete and granite slabs. There is a good design of water moat going around the temple. Unfortunately that is dry now. During summers due to scarcity of water this moat is not refilled with water.
Interior of the Temple
Stepping inside the temple you will find a 6ft idol of Panchamukhi Ganesha made of black stone placed on a pedestal. Interiors of Panchmukhi Ganesha Temple is very simple with hardly any sculptures like the ones you find in old temples. The flooring laid with granite slabs. Ceiling has some simple designs. All along the cornice there are 32 colorful images of Lord Ganesha in different forms. It is very quiet and peaceful inside, ideal for meditation.
The idol was beautifully adorned with red colored silk cloth and fresh jasmine garlands. The last bit of incense sticks were glowing indicating the puja just got over. Since the pujari wasn’t around I helped myself to some spoonful of chranamrit.
Later I did a pradakshina around the temple. Panchamukhi Ganesha Temple has doors on all 4 sides. Three of them are shut and only the one that faces the east is open daily. But on special occasion and festivals all 4 doors are open to public. I have here the pictures of all 4 statues of seated Ganesha statues on the tower of the temple.
Panchmukhi Ganesha Temple Kengeri
Panchmukhi Ganesha Temple Timings
7:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM everyday.
Rituals and Festivals in the Temple
The following are the rituals and festivals held in Panchamukhi Ganesha Temple Kengeri.
Everyday rituals:
- Morning pooja and Archana along with Abhisheka to Lord. Different types of sevas (offerings and services) are conducted based on the calendar events.
- Sathyanarayana swamy pooja is conducted on every Poornima (full moon).
Main festivals celebrated are:
- Guru Poornima – This festival is traditionally observed by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains to revere their teachers and express their gratitude. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June–July)
- Sankashti chaturthi – is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is observed on every lunar month of the Hindu calendar on the 4th day of Krishna Paksha (the waning phase).
- Ganesh chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Ganesha. It falls in the months of August or September.
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- Lord Shiva and Parvati
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- idol of mouse vehicle of Lord Ganesha
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- Dried up water pool outside the temple
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- Temple Interiors
Tips to Visit Panchmukhi Ganesh Temple Kengeri
- Best time to visit the temple is from October to February when temperature is 18 to 30C.
- Dress modestly. No bare shoulders or shorts.
- Leave footwear outside.
- Plenty of eateries around this temple.
- Ample parking space around the temple.
such a glorious temple! I love to see the golden Ganesha. And all those colors! So festive indeed.. Cheers from Jakarta
Amazing pictures and such a beautiful temple. I will surely add this to my next destination list. Thanks for sharing this wonderful article.
Nice photographs and description
Very interesting temple. I haven’t seen anything like it. Surprised there are no trees around. It’s surprising to me how different the cultures and religions are worldwide.
While reading the introduction, I kept guessing where the 5th face would be. I should have known it would be east. There are no trees in the complex, you mentioned. That is quite unusual, as temples are often graced by natural elements.
I have always noticed this place when I head to Mysore but somehow never went inside. Always noticed the 4 faces but did not see the fifth one. And then there is the reflection in the water :D. Quite a fascinating place and I must stop the next time.
Wow. That first photo capture with the reflection of Ganesha is amazing. What a stunning temple to visit.
That is an impressive temple and what a great shot you can really see all the fine details. I wasn’t sure what a pradakshina was so I had to look it up. It sounds like a reverent way to pay respect.
I had visited this temple 3 or 4 years back I think and it hasn’t changed at all! I remember how towering and powerful those 4 Ganesha statues looked up close. Glad you got around to visiting the temple and shared this post; looks like you really liked too. Sad though that the temple complex still doesn’t have any trees.
Good for you for finally stopping to admire this beautiful temple. It is quite striking and magnificent. The interior is quite ornate as well. The four different views of Lord Ganesha is quite a marvel. It’s too bad as you mentioned that there are no trees. Hopefully, that will change at some point soon 🙂
A gold coated 30 ft tall statue of Lord Ganesha, and that too, with five faces! It only happens in India 😉 The temple building itself below the large statue looks quite tiny.
The fact that it doesnt have trees saddened me. Such a beautiful temple with colours, carvings and a beautiful idol! The image of the reflection that you captured is stunning! I have been on the MysoreBangalore highway but haven’t visited this. Only 100 metres away! WOW! should visit it next time for sure!