Begur – A Temple Lost in Time

The View from the Entrance
Not from flickr..taken by kodanda!

I was going through Flickr when i came across the pictures of Begur Temple situated near the Bannerghatta road. When I enquired about it, either nobody had heard about it or like on guy told it’s just near Bommanahalli and not that great. But that didn’t stop me from planning for this visit, as I was really impressed by the Flickr photos.

The Side View

So, with my friend Kodanda and couple of his friends set out on a weekend to this seemingly wonderful place, more so because of the antiquity associated with it of roughly 1300 years. Antiquity is a magnetic attribute which nobody can deny.
We were greeted with a dilapidated road after Bilekahalli on Bannerghatta road, thanks to the BBMP Bangalore. We arrived at the temple after some 15 km from Bilekahalli.

At first i could not believe that there could be a temple 1300 yrs old at that spot which is so infamous only surrounded by upcoming apartments. We stepped into the temple campus to be transported in time to another era. Believe me or not it was awe that kept our mouths open, seeing the architectural and sculptural beauty which has stood the test of time.
The deity of the temple is Lord Shiva with his family. And, the sculptures have vivid depictions of lord Mahavir or lord Buddha don't ask me! We could see the sanctum sanctorum only from outside as it is only open in the morning from 6am to 9am. But, boy it's a beauty. You got to see it to appreciate it.


The Inside of the Temple

There are small temples of other deities outside which is so enchantingly sculptured with the odd abandoned half completed sculpture. And there is a temple well and a small pond in the campus which adds on to the aura.
And, last but not the least there is a lake at the background which augments the scenic beauty.
We spent some time sitting beside the pond, admiring and chatting about the temple and its sculptures and also doing some knowledge transfer to the less inclined. We covered talks on all topics and when exhausted of topics left the place as waiting till evening was not an option. But, had a fulfilling weekend and a satisfied ride back home through the NICE road.