Begur Nageshwara Temple

Begur Nageshwara Temple is a 9th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Begur, southeastern Bengaluru, Karnataka. Built during the Western Ganga dynasty and later expanded by the Cholas, it is one of Bengaluru's oldest surviving temples. Notable for its Dravidian architecture, intricate stone carvings, and the famous Begur inscription that contains the earliest epigraphic reference to the name Bengaluru, it remains an active place of worship and archaeological importance.

Visitors can expect a historic stone temple complex in a residential area of Begur with Dravidian-style architecture, carved pillars, a Nandi mantapa, and multiple shrines including the main Nageshwara linga and Panchalinga shrines. The temple courtyard is open and relatively compact, with ancient stone walls, sculpted deities, and the preserved Begur inscription slab displayed on site. It is an active worship site with daily pujas, quiet surroundings, and opportunities to observe traditional rituals and detailed stone craftsmanship.

Built in the late 9th century during the Western Ganga dynasty (around 860-890 CE) and later expanded under the Cholas, the temple is among the oldest surviving structures in Bengaluru. It is renowned for the Begur inscription dated to around 890 CE, discovered on its premises, which is the earliest epigraphic evidence of the name 'Bengaluru' and records a battle. The temple exhibits early Dravidian architectural features and has been maintained as a protected historic monument.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Nageshwara (Lord of Serpents), the temple is an active Hindu place of worship for local devotees. It holds religious importance during Maha Shivaratri and daily Shaivite rituals. As a heritage temple, it represents the continuity of worship and craftsmanship from the Ganga-Chola period and is valued for its cultural and archaeological heritage in Bengaluru.