Domlur

Mysore: A Gazetteer of 1887 has the following to say about this place: A suburb of Bangalore, on the east, included in the Civil and Military Station. Population 792. On an old temple are some Grantha and Tamil inscriptions of the time of the Hoysala king Vira Ramanatha, the thirteenth century. The name of the village was Dombalur or Tombalur, perhaps Tumbalur, which may be a clue to the title of one of the earliest Kannada suthors [see Vol I,p.496]. It also had the Brahman name of Dasimanikka-pattana.

Today, Domlur is part of Bengaluru city. From the above note, it could be said that this place had been active and flourishing from the thirteenth century. This place was then under the Cholas’ Yelahanka Nadu, subsequently gone to the Hoysalas etc. It was part of the Civil and Military station under the Madras presidency. Even today, DRDO and many military establishments are situated near Domlur.

Chokkanatha temple

The above-mentioned Grantha and Tamil inscriptions are found in this temple located in the heart of Domlur. This temple is one of the oldest temples in Bangalore. A Tamil inscription dating to 1266 at this temple mentions the gift of lands to Sokkaperumal Manikkam, the principal deity of the temple. The 1300AD inscription of Hoysala king Ramanadadeeva here indicates sanctioning money for festivals of this temple.

This temple was built by the Cholas of Yelahanka Nadu and, over the years, improved by other rulers. The original structure, both the Garbhagraham and the Ardha Mandapa, dates back to the Chola period. The front navaranga is built in the typical Vijayanagara style. It is worth mentioning here that this temple is built in the “Mada kovil” style. It is typical Chola architecture, where the Garbhagraham is placed elevated, so one has to climb stairs to reach the main temple.

Although the name Sokkanatha sounds like the name of a Siva, and also the temple was built by the Cholas, it could be mistaken for a Siva temple. But the main deity is Sri Vishnu, known by the name “Sri Sokkanatha perumal” here in this kshetra. The main idols of Sri Sokkanatha and His consorts, Sri Devi and Bhu Devi, are made of shaligrama, a rare fossil stone found normally in Nepal. The temple is facing east, and sun rays fall directly on the main deity during the summer and winter solstices.

A board recounting the history of this grand old temple, a photo shot of the temple during our Independence Day, 15th August 1947, testifies to the efforts taken by the locals to preserve the antiquity of this temple. It also affirms that the temple had been taken care of by the locals and rebuilt this temple as we see it today.

Sri Anjaneya Swamy Temple

Directly in the line of sight with Sri Chokkanatha Perumal Temple, approximately 200 meters away, is a temple for Sri Anjaneya. The temple is at a much lower ground level. The Sri Anjaneya idol in this temple is very tall, and the site and the height of the idol have been chosen so that Sri Anjaneya will always see the lotus feet of Sri Chokkanatha Swamy. This arrangement resembles the arrangement of Sri Anjaneya seeing the lotus feet of Sri Narashimaswamy in Nammakal kshetra. For details about this temple, kindly refer to “Sri Anjaneya of Namakkal Digambara Temple” on our website.

As per the Government of Karnataka following is said about this Sri Anjaneya Temple:
About 100 metres away from Chokkanatha temple, and just opposite to it, there is Anjaneya temple of antiquity. This temple appears to be of Vijayanagara times. The inner walls of the temple have modern paintings depicting Ramayana, Mahabharatha, Dasavathras, and also scenes from Hanuman’s life. Two old utsava murthis in bronze of Somasundara and Chandrashekara of Vijayanagara times, said to have been buried for a long are preserved in this temple.

Currently, the temple stands amongst the tall buildings. We are unable to provide a description and details about the temple, as the entire temple has been demolished for the reconstruction of a new one. We provide a photo of the temple as well as the main deity as it existed at the time, taken from the pamphlet provided at the temple.

The temple faces west, aligning with the Chokkanatha temple. The dhwaja stambha of the temple was not moved during the reconstruction process.

Sri Anjaneya

The idol of Sri Anjaneya is carved on a single stone in an embossed style. The idol is around seven to eight feet in height. The gigantic figure of the Lord is majestic and attractive. The figure of the Lord is carved under the couch, the disc and a yazhi.

Temple and Lord face west, where the Chokkanatha temple is present. Lord is seen walking southward. His lotus feet are seen wearing a hollow anklet known as thandai and a nupur. He is seen wearing the dhoti in the kacham style, held by a cloth at the waist, and a small pichuva knife is also present. The Lord is resting His left hand on His waist and is also seen holding the stem of the sougandika flower. The rising flower is seen above His left shoulder. On His broad bosom, beaded malas are seen. His right hand is held in ‘abhaya mudra’. On both His upper arm keyur, and in the wrist Kankan are seen. The tail of the Lord raised above His head. Long ears with kundal, which are touching His shoulders. ‘Korapal’ [protruded teeth] and neatly tied hair add majesty to the Lord. The eyes of the Lord are seen as in meditation, which only enhances the devotion towards the Lord.

 

 

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SRI HANUMAN THINKS DIFFERENTLY, THINKS FAST
THINKS AHEAD AND ACTS FOR SURE

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Ed [August 2026]

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