Latest news with #KempeGowda
India.com
6 days ago
- General
- India.com
Discover The Myths That Shape Bengaluru's Cultural Landscape
The urban hub of Bengaluru continues to merge its progressive technological development with a solid foundation of cultural history as the 'Silicon Valley of India.' The ancestral collection of local legends and myths has molded the city identity of Bengaluru since ancient times despite its thriving IT zones and city lifestyle. Through their narratives and historical significance, Bengalsuru shows its depth in addition to creating a distinctive personality that defines its identity. Founding Legend: Kempe Gowda and the Bull Statue A persistent legend focuses on Kempe Gowda I who ruled in the Vijayanagara period because he established Bengaluru as we know it today. Kempe Gowda decided to construct his city at the spot where he witnessed a hare defeating a dog because he saw this unusual event as a symbol of endurance. The witnessing of this incident led Kempe Gowda to found Bengaluru during 1537 CE. As part of his city establishment Kempe Gowda constructed four watchtowers that modern people call the KempeGowda Towers. Local legend attributes a Nandi statue to Bull Temple in Basavanagudi which serves as one of the traditional symbols of this tale. The local people believe Kempe Gowda constructed the temple after witnessing divine events during his construction of his planned city. These landmarks demonstrate Bengaluru's ancient past and people from both local and tourist groups come to visit them now. Curse of Hallemane and Ulsoor Lake A myth regarding Bengaluru's oldest man-made reservoir known as Ulsoor Lake exists. Local tradition reports the curse of Hallemane on the waterbody after she lived near the lake. The lake resources caused domestic trouble to her family because of alleged mismanagement or exploitation. Frustration led Hallemane to curse the waterbody that she believed would cease being at peace. Through multiple years Ulsoor Lake has confronted various problems that include pollution levels and both encroachment attempts and natural flood risks. Local people persist in following the curse story even though experts attribute downtown growth and environmental carelessness to the lake problems thus adding mystery to its historical narrative. History of Lalbagh Botanical Garden The historical landmark known as Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bengaluru receives accolades from both historical events and local tales throughout history. The garden received its name 'Lalbagh' from the period when it was covered in red roses during the time of Hyder Ali who was Tipu Sultan's father. Beyond its floral attraction, Lalbagh holds multiple other attractions for visitors. The garden has an obscure historical connection to Tipu Sultan. According to historical accounts Tipu Sultan designed Lalbagh as his earthly paradise which he fashioned after Persian garden designs. He carefully designed Lalbagh for people to access as a place of mental and reflective retreat. The most interesting claims about Lalbagh involve the possibility that military operatives used hidden subterranean tunnels in their strategies to fight against the British East India Company. While historians question whether actual tunnels existed beneath Lalbagh the mythological story helps make the fortress more interesting to explore. Gangadhareshwara Temple and the Sun's Alignment The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple at Gavipuram contains both scientific importance alongside sacred religious traditions. During the 9th century Cholas constructed this temple cave which worships Lord Shiva as its main deity. Sun rays which pass through Nandi's horns create a special light effect to illuminate the worshipped lingam within the temple's inner sanctum during select annual periods. Makar Sankranti serves as the annual festival during which the Sun undergoes its movement from Sagittarius to Capricorn. Many religious followers visit the temple each year to observe the holy occurrence that they believe demonstrates divine architectural skill. The temple showcases exceptional architectural precision because ancient Indian astronomers shared sophisticated knowledge that creates a masterpiece that transcends mere spiritual needs. Ghost Stories of Bangalore Fort The historical Bangalore Fort which Kempe Gowda first built later underwent expansion through the efforts of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan maintains a dark atmosphere. Local people share strange reports of spirit sightings together with unexplained activities taking place at the decaying fort walls. Several ghost narratives share the tale of soldiers that served Tipu Sultan who watched over Bangalore Fort after their deaths. People who doubt the supernatural stories nonetheless feel drawn to the strong ghostly energy which permeates the fort. These ghost stories, whether real or not, give historical sites of Bengaluru an inexplicable aura that attracts people who want to experience both excitement and dread. Creatures and Folktales Numerous folktales about mythical creatures together with supernatural beings reside throughout Bengaluru's rural outskirts. Local residents in the village share experiences about Pishachas (ghosts) and Yakshis (female spirits) reported to haunt empty forests. The tales from Bengaluru serve to warn people about risks of nighttime exploration of uncharted locations. Folktales illustrate how traditional cultures maintain dual feelings between nature worship and its frightening elements. Modern culture benefits from these traditional storytelling means because they mainline both inter-tribal connections and cultural wisdom during transmission to newer age groups. Final Thoughts Bengaluru's essence integrates historical significance with spiritual charm demonstrated through the manuscripts and folk stories surrounding Kempe Gowda's establishment and temple treasures. The narratives reveal important secrets about the city's deepest nature as they showcase its people's beliefs and its growth across time. Bengaluru functions as an exceptional city because it embraces its dynamic historical heritage which ties the part with present innovations.
India.com
27-05-2025
- India.com
The Hidden Folklore Behind Bengaluru City's Iconic Landmarks
As India's Silicon Valley capital and the hub of Karnataka Bengaluru stands as a historic city filled with cultural heritage alongside mythological tales. Bengaluru excels in presenting itself as a modern city with technological progress and urban excitement but the monumental sites of the city hold sacred myths and ancestral tales. Several generations of storytelling about the city have led to amplifying the structures of its signature historical sites and ancient landmarks. This essay reveals the mysterious old traditions that surround the famous landmarks throughout Bengaluru. 1. Bangalore Fort: The Legend of Kempe Gowda Bengaluru emerged as a city through the visionary plan of Kempe Gowda who received authority from the Vijayanagara Empire before he established the city in 1537. Local people believe that Kempe Gowda dreamt about a hare chasing down a hunting dog before constructing his fort in this location. After understanding the dream vision as a symbol of good fortune he selected this location to establish his fort since he believed it would become a power center for prosperity. Bengaluru started its evolution into a major urban area after Kempe Gowda formally established the city during 1537. The remnants of the Bangalore Fort still stand today, whispering tales of valor and ambition. 2. Lalbagh Botanical Garden: A Gift from Hyder Ali The founder of Mysore under the 18th century Hyder Ali established the beloved green space of Bengaluru known as Lalbagh. History claims Hyder Ali believed Lalbagh delivered both visual loveliness and strength to the population by creating this garden when the nation suffered warfare. According to local knowledge he established a Persian-Afghan paradise by planting exceptional trees and flowers in the garden he built. Tipu Sultan added more exotic plants to the garden which his father had originally planted. People in the area believe the garden design sought to duplicate the famed Babylonian gardens thus becoming an interactive monument of royal ambitions. 3. Ulsoor Lake: The Curse of Kempe Gowda II Local people consider Ulsoor Lake a historical man-made lake which holds an enchanting tale about its origins. According to tradition Kempe Gowda II built the lake after he became the grandson of the original city founder to support the increasing population of the area. When completion work on the lake finished, a sage laid a curse that prophesied the water would never empty from the lake yet peace would never find those who misused the waters. For multiple centuries the lake has managed to stay at full capacity while droughts occurred while simultaneously facing water conflicts and pollution worsening which demonstrates the truth in the curse. 4. Nandi Hills: The Abode of Lord Shiva Spiritual importance surrounds Nandi Hills because this hill exists approximately 60 kilometers east of Bengaluru. Territorial history shows that sage Ramakrishna once made his home upon these mountains which are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Locals believe Nandi the bull mount of Shiva meditated on this site and thus gave birth to the name of this hill. The peaceful atmosphere of Nandi Hills draws spiritual and contemplative visitors according to local tales. People currently make pilgrimage to Shiva temples alongside Nandi shrines atop these hills in order to collect blessings through connections with past rituals. 5. Cubbon Park: The Whispering Trees Cubbon Park continues to promote rumors about supernatural occurrences that surround its area. Regional inhabitants assert that particular trees in the park produce faint voice-like sounds during windy evenings which they believe to be the protective spirits of the area. People believe that Cubbon Park contains supernatural phenomena because it was constructed at the same time as the British colonial rule and numerous fatalities occurred among workers during construction. Even though there is no proof for these reports they add to Cubbon Park's aura of mystery and visitor attraction. 6. ISKCON Temple: The Miraculous Foundation Stone ISKCON Temple in Bengaluru stands out as one of the largest and spiritual sites within the city. However, few know the story behind its foundation stone. According to folklore the temple construction started with many unexplained issues involving repeated delays that caused equipment failures. The priest advised conducting a religious ritual so the deity in charge of the land could be pacified. When the religious event concluded everything functioned without interruptions which allowed construction of the temple to finish without additional events. The temple exists as a spiritual and peaceful center because faithful people believe divine help protected its construction. 7. Vidhana Soudha: The Architect's Dream The architectural wonder of Vidhana Soudha uniting Dravidian and Indo-Saracenic and modern design elements serves as the legislative building of Karnataka. The construction of this site took place during mid-twentieth century while being accompanied by multiple interesting stories. A widespread story depicts B.R. Manickam the main designer who received divinely guided instructions from Goddess Saraswati about the building layout in his dream. The visionary appearance led him to include detailed decorative elements with meanings dedicated to knowledge as well as wisdom and administration. The heritage of Karnataka shines through Vidhana Soudha which currently represents both tradition and modernization of the state. Conclusion The landmark sites throughout Bengaluru harbor not just architectural designs but also function as locations where history and cultural expressions and legendary stories reside. Multiple sites throughout Bengaluru contain everlasting stories about dreams and struggles that recognize both miracles and curses responsible for forming the city's enduring identity throughout the last several centuries. Through Kempe Gowda's pioneering work and mysterious tales about Cubbon Park these stories reveal the strong bond between inhabitants and their surroundings. The evolution of Bengaluru into a global metropolis can be preserved through sharing its tales which guarantees the city's spirit stays alive while undergoing rapid development. Make the effort to listen to the historical tales of these landmarks during your next visit because they could capture your complete attention.
India Today
20-05-2025
- Climate
- India Today
Beneath Bengaluru's iconic Kanteerava stadium, a lake stirs in fresh rain?
Bengaluru's skies opened up over the weekend, and they haven't quite shut yet. As rains continued to lash through Monday, the city came to a near standstill by Tuesday. Several low-lying areas are still waterlogged, roads remain shut, and in parts of the city, ground floors have gone it was a 20-second video clip that really captured the mood of the isn't Kanteerava Stadium—it's Sampangi Lake reclaiming its legacy. Nature always finds a way.#BengaluruRains PulseOfBengaluru (@ThreadsNarrator) May 19, 2025advertisementThe now-viral footage shows floodwaters gushing into the iconic Sree Kanteerava Stadium, and pooling inside. Shared widely on social media, the video sparked disbelief, jokes, and a wave of concern. 'This isn't Kanteerava Stadium,' one Bengalurean wrote, 'it's Sampangi Lake reclaiming its legacy. Nature always finds a way.'And they weren't LAKE STIRS BENEATHBeneath the stadium, lies the ghost of Sampangi Lake, once a jewel in the heart of old before the stadium came up in 1946, the area was home to Sampangi Lake, a 35-acre water body dating back to the 1500s. Built by Bengaluru's founder Kempe Gowda, the lake once served as a crucial water source for both the native Pete area and the British cantonment. It supported fishing, horticulture, agriculture, and daily life in a growing by the late 1800s, as piped water began flowing in from Hesaraghatta, Sampangi Lake lost prominence. Over the years, it was neglected, became polluted, and was eventually deemed a nuisance. In 1937, it was drained out. By the 1940s, the lakebed had been repurposed, and Kanteerava Stadium rose on its soil. The surrounding farmland gave way to residential layouts by the Anirudhan, convener, Citizens' Agenda for Bengaluru, called the transformation of the lake to the stadium 'one of the biggest blunders that Bengaluru has ever seen'.'We threw away Sampangi the moment we got Cauvery into our pipes. This repeated itself till 2,000 lakes became 400. Wetlands, marshes all were lost. We are a disconnected generation,' he all that remains of the lake is a small tank in Sampangiramnagar, worshipped during the annual Karaga festival. But nature, it seems, hasn't forgotten. The lake might be gone on paper, but when the rain pounds Bengaluru, it doesn't knock. It seeps into Monday, that history seemed to bubble back to the surface, LAKES, FORGOTTEN LESSONS'Bengaluru, the city of lakes, didn't have a single natural lake. And yet, it had over 2,000 lakes at one point. So who built them? And why did we forget how?' Sandeep the olden days, people knew everything, from building lakes to growing food and weaving fabric. That's real education. We think we're educated today, but the real knowledge was in knowing how to live with nature,' he to Sandeep, education may fill minds with facts, but it often misses the profound understanding of natural systems that once kept Bengaluru green and water-secure – probably why it's a drought during peak summer and flooding during rains in too, the city was in crisis. Sai Layout resembled a water-bound island, with ground floors submerged and families stranded inside. Around 150 people had to be rescued by emergency teams. BTM Layour, HSR Layout, Hosur Road were all wrecked by reported three rain-related deaths, two by electrocution and one involving a woman who died after a wall InMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Bengaluru#Karnataka
New Indian Express
26-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
BJP slams Greater Bengaluru Bill; vows to revive 'One Mayor, One Bengaluru' model if voted back
BENGALURU: With Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot giving his nod to the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, paving the way to split Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into seven segments, the opposition BJP predicts imbalance, water scarcity, and administration problems. BJP leaders say the idea of city founder Kempe Gowda, about one Bengaluru, is being destabilised, and once the BJP is back in power, it will bring back the existing model of one corporation and one mayor. Opposing the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, Union Minister of State for Railways and Jala Shakti V Somanna said the Congress government is trying to delay BBMP polls by bringing in this Act. 'Ever since this government came to power, Bengaluru has not been developed. Potholes are not filled,'' he said. Predicting that the Congress will not win the next assembly polls, Somanna said, 'We will come back to power in the state and conduct polls for BBMP.'' Former minister and Mahalakshmi Layout MLA K Gopalaiah expressed concern about water scarcity in areas which will be added, and also the demise of administration by gram panchayats. 'The government is not able to provide water and sanitary connections to 110 villages which were added to BBMP in 2008. Cauvery is the only drinking water source. The three-corporation system will lead to imbalance in one area and development in another. Also, the Congress government's move to bring an end to BBMP will be against the idea of Bengaluru founder Kempe Gowda. BJP will condemn this move. Due to the new Bill, the election to BBMP will be further delayed,' opined Gopalaiah. Launching a scathing attack, Dasarahalli BJP MLA S Muniraju said BJP stands for 'One Bengaluru' and 'One Mayor' system. 'A multiple municipality model in Mumbai and Delhi has failed. It may happen here too. When we can have one CM for one state, what is wrong with having one mayor and one corporation for Bengaluru? When we come to power, we will bring back the same system,' said Muniraju. On the Congress model of Greater Bengaluru governance and multiple corporations, Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan opined that Congress' act is like adding fuel to fire. 'When there are issues of corruption and BBMP with eight zones is without an elected body for four years, the government, instead of holding elections to the existing one and streamlining zonal level administration, is heading to split BBMP,' stated the MP.
