Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple, Bengaluru (Karaga Temple)
ಧರ್ಮರಾಯ ಸ್ವಾಮಿ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ
Nagarathpet, Bengaluru, Bengaluru Urban, Karnataka, India
Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple in Nagarathpet, in the old 'pete' area of Bengaluru, is the temple from which the Bengaluru Karaga — described by The Hindu as the oldest festival of Bengaluru — sets out each year. It is managed by the Dharmarayaswamy Temple Trust (New Indian Express; Times of India).
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple, Bengaluru (Karaga Temple)
The Karaga is a sacred floral pot or pyramid carried by a pujari from the Tigala (Vahni Kula Kshatriya) community, who on the festival night is believed to take the form of the goddess. The community follows a Mahabharata legend in which Draupadi, as Adishakti, created the Tigalas to defeat the demon Tripurasura and promised to return once a year on the first full moon of the Hindu year (Times of India).
The festival lasts 11 days, beginning with the hoisting of the Rathotsava flag; the main Karaga procession starts at night from the temple and continues until the next morning, with rituals such as the Bale Shastra beforehand (New Indian Express; Times of India). Members of the Tigala community eat only one meal a day for nine days before the main event.
Heritage
History of Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple, Bengaluru (Karaga Temple)
The choice of the Karaga pujari has long been contested: in 2013 the Karaga changed hands mid-procession amid allegations, and in 2018 a different pujari carried it after the designated bearer fell ill, with a dispute over the appointment pending before a Muzrai tribunal, The Hindu reported. In 2016 the festival went cracker-free after the Kollam temple fire (Times of India).
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
The Karaga night draws very large crowds in narrow streets; follow police arrangements.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with Dharmarayaswamy Temple Trust before travelling. Last reviewed 6 October 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Festivals at Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple, Bengaluru (Karaga Temple)
Bengaluru Karaga
Eleven-day festival culminating in the night Karaga procession from the temple (New Indian Express; Times of India; The Hindu).
Location
How to Reach Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple, Bengaluru (Karaga Temple)
The temple is in Nagarathpet, central Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Location: Nagarathpet, Bengaluru, Bengaluru Urban, Karnataka, India
More in Hindu temples in Karnataka · Temples in Bengaluru North Taluk · Temples in Bengaluru Urban District
Questions
Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple, Bengaluru (Karaga Temple): Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Dharmaraya Swamy Temple?
In Nagarathpet, central Bengaluru.
What is the Bengaluru Karaga?
The city's oldest festival, in which a pujari carries a sacred floral pot in a night procession from the temple.
Who carries the Karaga?
A pujari from the Tigala (Vahni Kula Kshatriya) community.
How long is the festival?
About 11 days, ending with the main Karaga night.
What legend is behind the Karaga?
The Tigala community links it to Draupadi, who promised to return once a year.
Sources and attribution
- © OpenStreetMap contributors — location data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)
- Wikidata Q2065042 — structured data (CC0)
- Wikipedia — Dharmaraya Swamy Temple — text facts from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
- The Times of India — Hundreds throng Dharmaraya temple for Karaga procession
- The Times of India — Bengaluru Karaga fest to go cracker-free after Kollam temple tragedy
- The New Indian Express — B'luru readies for 11-day Karaga from March 29
- The Hindu — Behind the scenes of selecting the Karaga pujaris
Further reading: Sri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple, Bengaluru (Karaga Temple) on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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