Temple History
Our Sacred Heritage
The Sri Veeranjaneyaswamy Temple at Garukamanthanaplaya (G.M.Palya) traces its roots back to the 15th century. It is believed that the temple was established by the great saint Sri Vyasaraja, the pre-incarnation of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, during his spiritual mission across India. Renowned for installing 732 idols of Lord Anjaneya, Sri Vyasaraja consecrated this temple to invoke Vayu (Hanuman) and to alleviate the sufferings of the world.
A unique feature of the idol here is its distinct posture — the right hand raised toward the sky or the devotees (known as Abhaya Hastha), a Gadha (Mace) held in the other hand, the tail coiled above the head in a crescent shape with a bell at the tip, and the presence of Sri Ram Beejakshara. It is said that with the support of villagers, the idol was installed and the temple came to life.
Timeline of Important Events
Jeernoddhara of the Temple and Divine Revival
In the early 1900s, a weaver named Mr. Sirayada Giriyappa from Cottonpet, Bengaluru, visited the ancient shrine of Sri Veeranjaneyaswamy during his travels for his sari business. While resting at the temple, he experienced a divine vision in which Lord Veeranjaneya appeared in a dream and urged him to restore the sacred place, promising him blessings in the form of a male child. Moved by this divine experience, Mr. Giriyappa sought the cooperation of the locals and, with their support, constructed a small shrine around the existing idol. In time, he was blessed with a son, Mr. Anjanappa, whom he believed to be the fruit of the Lord’s blessings.
Later, in 1944, Mr. Anjanappa took the initiative to further develop the temple. He mobilized support from the villagers and sourced construction materials such as boulders and pillars from Sharabande, near Banashankari, Bengaluru. With the help of farmers and their bullock carts, boulders and slabs were transported to the site for reconstruction. On May 13, 1945, with the united efforts of Mr. Anjanappa, residents of G.M.Palya, and skilled artisans, the temple was successfully renovated and consecrated.
The Trust gratefully acknowledges the generosity of the land donors whose contributions were vital to the temple’s development:
Sri Lakshme Gowda and family
Sri Yarappa and family
Sri Varadappa and family
Sri Narayanappa and family
Sri Muniyappa and family
Establishment of Sri Veeranjaneyaswamy Educational and Charitable Trust
On 11th September 1995, with the united support and devotion of the villagers, a Trust in the name of Sri Veeranjaneyaswamy Educational and Charitable Trust was formed with 10 members and registered before the concerned/authorities. This sacred trust was founded with the noble intention of serving the temple and the community without any discrimination or involvement in politics.
Since its inception, the trust has been actively engaged in the spiritual, structural development of the temple and educational support to needy students. The Trust is continously conducting free classes to needy students of 8, 9, 10 std with a dedicated team of teachers working towards this noble cause at free of cost. Every year, it conducts Hanuma Jayanti celebrations with great devotion, including the auspicious Pavamana Homa, and generously distributes free prasadam (annadhanam) to villagers and neighboring communities, upholding the values of service and devotion. Also the temple conducts Navaratri (Dasara), Ganesha Chaturthi and other all festivals with great devotion and enthusiasm.
Consecration of the Majestic Rajagopura
In April 2004, a grand 68-feet high Rajagopura was consecrated by the Amrita Hasta (divine hand) of Sri Sushameendra Teertha Swamiji, the revered pontiff of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Matha, Mantralaya.
This divine occasion marked a significant milestone in the spiritual and architectural evolution of the temple.
On behalf of the Sri Veeranjaneyaswamy Educational and Charitable Trust, the need for constructing the Rajagopura was put forth for the benifits of the devotees and the temple. The need for constructing the Rajagopura was put forth for the benefits of the devotees and the temple.
Sacred Stone Selection for Ekashila Idol
In 2008, the Sri Veeranjaneyaswamy Educational and Charitable Trust, with support from the villagers, began the sacred search for a monolithic stone (Ekashila) to sculpt the idol of Sri Veeranjaneya Swamy.
The Trustees were inspired by visits to temples in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, a divine stone was identified in Koira, Devanahalli Taluk. Measuring 40 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 10 feet thick, the 240-ton rock was choosen as the sacred base for the idol.
Arrival of the Sacred Stone and Beginning of Idol Carving
On 24th December 2008, with great devotion and effort, the sacred monolithic stone was transported from Devanahalli to the temple premises, overcoming many obstacles along the way. The stone finally arrived on 26th January 2009, marking a historic moment.
Following this, renowned national award sculptor Sri Ashoka Gudigar was entrusted by the Trust and villagers to carve the divine Ekashila idol of Sri Veeranjaneya Swamy, a task he humbly accepted. As per architectural design, the existing shrines of Lord Ganesha, Sri Subramanya, and Navagrahas were relocated and beautifully reconstructed, enhancing the spiritual and architectural sanctity of the temple.
Grand Dedication of the 30-Foot Monolithic Sri Veeranjaneya Swamy Idol and Rajagopura Kumbabhisheka
From 19th to 21st May 2017, the grand Kumbabhishekam of the Rajagopura and the dedication of the 30-foot monolithic Sri Veeranjaneya Swamy idol took place. Preparations were made with the active participation of the Sri Veeranjaneyaswamy Educational and Charitable Trust, village elders, and enthusiastic devotees.
The event witnessed the presence of Sri Sri 108 Vidyaprasanna Theertha Swamiji from Kukke Shree Subrahmanya Matt and Sri Sri Vishwapriya Theertha Swamiji from Sri Jagadguru Madhwacharya's Mula Sansthan and Sri Adamaru Math, Udupi, who graced the occasion with their presence and blessings. The celebrations included a grand procession, puja ceremonies, and cultural programs, including folk dances like Dollu Kunita, Kansale Nritya, and Veeragase Kunita.
On 20th May 2017, donors of the idol were honored by the swamijis, and on 21st May 2017, the Prana Pratisthana Homa and Kumbabhishekam were performed with great reverence. The event culminated with the unveiling of the Ekashila idol and the Kumbabhishekam of the Rajagopura, all under the guidance of Sri Sri 108 Vidyaprasanna Theertha Swamiji. The occasion was marked by an enormous turnout of over 30,000 devotees and was telecast by Bengaluru Doordarshan. This is the life time memoriable event of G.M.Palya.
To record this historical event a SMARANA SANCHIKE-SOUVENIR titled as SHILEINDA KALEYAVARGE which gives us the history of this temple and village.
Temple Relocation and Vimana Gopura Construction
In 2017, as part of the temple development and proper realignment, the shrines of Sri Ganesha, Sri Subramanya, Sri Nagadevatha, and Sri Navagraha were relocated and newly constructed within the temple premises. These temples were shifted to new locations following Vastu guidelines to enhance spiritual harmony. Notably, the Navagraha temple was relocated and constructed on the northern side of the Sri Maheshwaramma Temple, directly opposite the Ekashila idol.
Alongside these developments, Vimana Gopuras were constructed and consecrated for both the Sri Veeranjaneya Swamy Temple and the Sri Maheshwaramma Temple. These towering, designed structures added majestic presence to the temples. The Kumbabhisheka ceremonies for both gopuras were performed with great devotion and grandeur during the 2017 Mahotsava celebrations, enhancing the spiritual aura and architectural magnificence of the temple complex.
Recent Enhancements and Sacred Additions
In the year 2025, the temple underwent remarkable enhancements to better serve the spiritual aspirations of the ever-growing devotee community. One of the key additions was the bronze cladding of the sacred Dwajasthamba, symbolizing both strength and sanctity. This enhancement not only elevated the visual appeal of the temple’s entrance but also reinforced the divine energy associated with this sacred pillar.
Another significant development was the construction of a dedicated Homa Mantapa, designed to accommodate rituals such as homas and havans performed by families and smaller groups of devotees. This serene and functional space provides an ideal setting for personal offerings, prayers, and spiritual gatherings.
These additions are a testament to the ongoing dedication of the Sri Veeranjaneyaswamy Educational and Charitable Trust and the collective support of the villagers. Together, they continue to preserve and enrich the spiritual legacy of the temple, ensuring it remains a center of faith, devotion, and community service for generations to come.
Objectives of SVEC Trust
SVEC Trust is a public Trust in which no caste no creed no community people are managing the Trust and these Trustees are all from general public with service motive only and none of the managing committee members have been paid any kind of remuneration and in-fact they contribute funds for the temple requirement including for mass feeding. Since formation of the Trust, Trust is doing generally religious/ charitable work for the benefit of public irrespective caste, creed, income and religion . There is no prohibition for any person to enter into the temple.
Trust is also conducting free classes for students and response from public is too good. Further the Trust is working for allotment of C.A Site to start donation free, caste free and influence free education instution for common citizen irrespective of their caste, creed, community or income under the name and style of MARUTHI PUBLIC SCHOOL.
The Trust has initiated another major mile stone making the SILVER CHARIOT (cladding for exiting teakwood chariot). This silver chariot work requries about 175kg silver and we are requesting the doners to liberally support our cause.