Ghati Subramanya Temple

History

Inscriptions and local tradition associate the site with Chola and later patronage; the ant-hill sanctum remains central to worship.

The temple is referenced on Karnataka tourism and Bengaluru Rural district tourism material as a major Subramanya stop.

Stories

Two deities back to back

At Ghati Subramanya, Kartikeya with a seven-headed cobra and Narasimha are worshipped together, with Narasimha at the rear. Tradition says both images emerged from the earth by themselves. Kartikeya faces east and Narasimha faces west, so a large mirror is placed in the sanctum to let devotees see both at once.

Serpent idols and a December cattle fair

Devotees believe childless couples who make a vow here are blessed with children, and they install stone snake idols near the temple, where thousands can be seen. The temple is also an important centre in South India for worship related to Ketu. A well-known cattle fair is held in December, drawing farmers from Karnataka and neighbouring states. The temple is about 60 km from Bengaluru, near Doddaballapura.

Good to know

Combined Subramanya and Narasimha worship in one precinct

Ant-hill (valmiki) sanctum tradition

Day trip from Bengaluru via Doddaballapur

Getting there

Nearest airport: Kempegowda International. Road: NH44 toward Doddaballapur, then Ghati village road (~60 km from central Bengaluru).