Sri Kalika Durga Parameshwari Temple, located in Vidyaranyapura, Bangalore, is dedicated to Goddess Kalika Durga. The temple is one of the older temples in the Garden City of Bangalore and underwent renovation in 1988. The late Sri. Ramu Shastry, an ardent devotee of Goddess Durga, was the man behind the renovation. The main attraction of the Sri Kalika Durga Parameshwari Temple is the temple tower or Gopuram. It stands near the main entrance of the temple and is almost 108 feet high. The Sri Kalika Durga Parameshwari Temple is an iconic temple in Bangalore and is often referred to as Swetha Kshetra.
The Legend Behind Sri Kalika Durga Parameshwari Temple
Once, a heavy drought ravaged the place where the temple stands. The earth was completely parched as the rains failed, and the waterbodies ran dry. The crops also withered, and there was a terrible famine in the land. Sage Jabali, who had gained immense spiritual powers due to the austerities he had performed over many years, realized that the demon Arunasura was the reason for the natural calamity.
He managed to escape when Goddess Kali tried to kill the demon Shambasura. Sage Japali wanted to put an end to the suffering and took the advice of Indra. He also wanted the sacred cow Kamadhenu to be a part of the Yagna. However, Nandini, the daughter of Kamadhenu, did not wish to come to earth and take part in the Yagna. Since she refused to help the suffering people on earth, Sage Jabali cursed her. After a while, Nandini realized her mistake. She agreed to take the form of a river and come down to earth. The Goddess incarnated as Durga Parameshwari in the form of a Lingam in the middle of the Nandini river. In this manner, Nandini got redemption from her curse. She was also given the privilege of washing the Goddess’s feet forever.
Arunasura had received a boon from Lord Brahma, which made him invincible. As per the boon, anything with 2 or 4 legs could not hurt him. So, the Goddess took the form of a beautiful maiden and appeared before him. The demon was instantly smitten with her. Then, the Goddess turned into a rock. Arunasura tried to break the rock. But, to his chagrin, the rock turned into a huge swarm of bees that stung the demon and killed him.
Sage Japali then worshipped the Goddess by bathing her in tender coconut water. Her anger dissipated, and she calmed down. She got the name Bramarambhika, the queen of bees (‘bramaram’ means ‘bees’). Goddess Durga then manifested as a calm and composed deity. The place came to be called Kateel, where ‘Kati’ denotes the center, and the word ‘eel’ refers to the area. To celebrate this victory, sages and saints on earth performed special pujas and established the Durga Parameshwari Temple in Kateelu.
The Architecture of Kalika Durga Parameshwari Temple
Sri Kalika Durga Parameshwari Temple is one of the most exquisite temples in Bangalore. The magnificent Gopuram at the Sri Kalika Durga Parameshwari Temple is 108 feet high. The temple is the abode of over 9 different avatars of Goddess Durga – Shailaputri, Chandraghanta, Brahmacharini, Kushmanda, Kartyayini, Skandamata, Kalaratri, Siddhidhatri and Mahagauri.
There are also shrines for deities like Ganesha, Narthana Krishna, Muruga, and Narasimha, all found in one cluster. One can also find the Navagrahas in this temple. The other deities here are Goddess Vijaya Durga, Saneeshwara, and Goddess Navadurga, all installed in independent sanctum sanctorums.
The Sri Kalika Durga Parameshwari temple also has an idol of Goddess Yakshini, who is known to be a wish-fulfilling deity. Devotees write their wish on a piece of paper and tie it on the Goddess’ idol. The entire temple is filled with beautiful sculptures depicting the stories of Shiva and Parvati. A specialty at this temple is the Golden and Silver Lizard.
Festivals at Sri Kalika Durga Parameshwari Temple
Many festivals are celebrated here. Simhamaasa is one of the major festivals which draws hordes of devotees. Goddess Durga has great importance here, so Durgashtami and Navratri are celebrated grandly. Other festivals include Deepavali and Ugadi. Brahmakalashotsava is the annual festival of the Sir Kalika Durgaparameshwari Temple. It falls during January-February.
Benefits of worshipping in Sri Kalika Durga Parameshwari Temple
Being the abode of 9 incarnations of Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Parvati, the Sri Kalika Durga Parameshwari Temple is believed to have great spiritual and mystical powers. People believe that the Goddess will grant many boons and fulfill their wishes. People who seek progeny blessings and marriage blessings come to the temple and offer prayers to the Goddess. Special Poojas are performed for those who want to excel in the fields of arts and science. Goddess Durga also protects her devotees like an amulet and helps them overcome all challenges.
Rituals at Sri Kalika Durga Parameshwari Temple
There are many kinds of Poojas for the Goddess at this temple. Every other day, the devotees are offered a hot and delicious free noon meal after the Maha Mangalarathi is over. The meals include Sambar, Rasam, Buttermilk, and Rice.
Devotees from various parts of Bangalore also come here to witness the Maha Abishekam on Sundays. There are special Poojas during Dassara and all Ashtami days. The Palki Yatra of Sri Kalika Durga every 6 pm evokes awe. Special Pooja and Aarti are performed on every Amavasya/New Moon day and Tuesday/Friday/Sunday during Rahu Kalam.