About Dharmaraya Swamy Temple
Shri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple stands in Thigalarpet, in the crowded old market area (pete) of Bengaluru, not far from the city railway station and KR Market. It is dedicated to Dharmaraya, the name by which Yudhishthira, eldest of the Pandavas, is known here, together with Draupadi, Krishna and the other Pandava brothers. It is counted among the oldest temples in the city and is closely tied to the Thigala (Vahnikula Kshatriya) community, traditional gardeners and farmers of old Bengaluru, who care for its rituals.
The temple is believed to be several hundred years old, and many accounts suggest that worship here began before Kempe Gowda founded the city in 1537, though the exact date is not known. Its fame comes from the Bengaluru Karaga, held each year in the month of Chaitra and ending on the full-moon night. A priest dressed as a woman carries the karaga, a tall flower-decked pot representing Draupadi as the goddess Adishakti, on his head through the lanes of the old city, accompanied by swordsmen and drummers. Tradition links the festival to Draupadi's trials in the Mahabharata. The procession is also known for stopping at a local dargah, a long-standing gesture of harmony in the city.
The temple is built in the Dravidian style, with a gopuram over the entrance, pillared halls and a sanctum holding the images of the Pandavas and Draupadi. Scholars note features associated with Ganga, Pallava-period and Vijayanagara traditions, reflecting additions over time. During Karaga, the temple courtyard and surrounding streets are lit up and fill with devotees through the night.
Dharmaraya Swamy Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon at many times of the year. Check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | At sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Dharmaraya Swamy Temple
By air
Kempegowda International Airport is about 35 km away.
By train
KSR Bengaluru City station is about 2 km away.
By road
The temple is near Majestic (Kempegowda bus station) and KR Market; the area is congested, so autos, buses or the Metro (Majestic or KR Market station) are easier than driving.
Festivals at Dharmaraya Swamy Temple
- Bengaluru KaragaMar/Apr
- UgadiMar/Apr
- NavaratriSep/Oct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest, traditional clothing is recommended.
- Entry
- Free entry.
- For Karaga, check the date in advance; the main procession takes place late on the full-moon night of Chaitra.
- The old market lanes are narrow and busy; take public transport and keep belongings secure.
- Visit in the morning for a calmer darshan on ordinary days.
- Combine your visit with other old-city sights such as KR Market and Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace.
Places to visit near Dharmaraya Swamy Temple
- KR MarketBengaluru's historic flower and vegetable market, about 1 km away
- Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace18th-century wooden palace, about 2 km away
- Gavi Gangadhareshwara TempleCave temple of Shiva, about 3 km away
- Dodda Basavana Gudi (Bull Temple)Temple with a huge Nandi, about 4 km away
Frequently asked questions
Which deities are worshipped at Dharmaraya Swamy Temple?
The Pandavas, led by Dharmaraya (Yudhishthira), along with Draupadi and Krishna.
When is the Bengaluru Karaga held?
Karaga is held every year in the month of Chaitra (March or April), ending on the full-moon night with the main procession.
Where is Dharmaraya Swamy Temple located?
It is in Thigalarpet, in the old market area of Bengaluru near KR Market and Majestic.
How old is the Dharmaraya Swamy Temple?
It is believed to be several centuries old and one of the oldest temples in the city, but the exact date is uncertain.
What is the aarti time at Dharmaraya Swamy Temple?
Morning puja: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: At sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Dharmaraya Swamy Temple timings?
Usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon at many times of the year. Check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Dharmaraya Swamy Temple?
Modest, traditional clothing is recommended.
How to reach Dharmaraya Swamy Temple?
By air: Kempegowda International Airport is about 35 km away. By train: KSR Bengaluru City station is about 2 km away. By road: The temple is near Majestic (Kempegowda bus station) and KR Market; the area is congested, so autos, buses or the Metro (Majestic or KR Market station) are easier than driving.
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