From Curses To Hidden Treasures: 7 Jaw-Dropping Myths That Define Bengaluru

Bengaluru, also known as India’s Silicon Valley, is a hectic city that incorporates modern change along with age-old traditions. This city is well-known for its tech parks, nightlife, and its multicultural population. However, Bengaluru also has its fair share of local myths and stories which are nurtured over time. These tales sometimes intertwined with reality and fiction give chills looking into the past of Bengaluru and its spirituality, nature, and metaphysical connections. Come with us as we travel through some of Bengaluru’s intriguing local stories and myths.  

1.A visionary founder of the city is credited towards the story behind the legend of kempegowda.  

One Ettappa breathes the tales on the city’s legends, and one Kempegowda the 16th century chief is one of them. He has laid the foundation of the city and indeed deserves to be named in the beginning. It is said that he was a feudal ruler in the Vijayanagara empire and enjoyed hunting in the wilderness surrounding the region.

Lakshmamma, Kempegowda’s mother, is said to have also played a significant role in this legend. It is said that she helped him realize his vision and even lent her bangles to finance the construction of the first fort in the city. Today, the city’s residents proudly celebrate his contributions during the annual Kempegowda Jayanti festival, while his legacy is housed in the Kempegowda Tower that rests in Bengaluru.

2.The Legend of the Halasuru Someshwara Temple

The old Someshwara Temple is engulfed by the busy Halasuru (Ulsoor) suburbs and is exceptionally known for its richness in folklore and architecture. The temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva, is believed to have been built during the Chola period and later modified by Kempegowda. According to popular belief, the shrine was built at the location where Lord Shiva was said to have appeared in a dream to a local chieftain and instructed him to construct a temple.

Another fascinating story surrounding the temple concerns a divine wedding. Legend has it that Shri Shiva and Goddess Parvati presided over a wedding here while in disguise. When the bride’s family started running out of food for their celestial guests, Shiva filled all their pots with an infinite supply of rice and lentils. The annual festival of the temple continues these celestial weddings to this day, attracting devotees from all over the city.

3.The Haunted Stories of Bangalore Palace

Bangalore Palace is an exquisite piece of architecture inspired by England’s Windsor Castle. It serves as a tourist site and has been the center of chilling horror stories. Constructed in the late nineteenth century by the Wadiyar dynasty, the palace is said to be haunted by the ghosts of the former inhabitants. Visitors and employees have reported strange phenomena such as sounds of footsteps, sightings of ghostly figures, and unexplained cold spots.

There is one legend regarding a British officer that captures attention. It most relates to his alleged suicide and involves love. This officer is said to have loved an Indian princess but was unable to marry her due to certain restrictions. Heartbroken, the young man is said to have taken his life within the palace. Now his spirit is said to endlessly wander around the palace looking for his lost love. It is clear that there is much left open to interpretation. Regardless, these stories and the man’s tragic life add a degree of mystery to the palace.

The Karaga festival is also regarded as one of the oldest and most zealous festivals in the Indian city of Bengaluru. It involves the worship of Draupadi who was a heroine in the Indian epic, Mahabharata. She is said to personify the goddess Shakti. One of the most important segments of the festival is referred to as the Karaga. During this, a priest showcases the goddess by balancing a pot decorated with multiple flowers on his head. He also walks through the city in a procession.

Nonetheless, the anecdote surrounding the festival is always chilling. According to the belief, the pot carries the spirit of Draupadi and should the priest stumble or the pot falls, destruction will come to the city. There have been reports of the pot mysteriously slipping and natural disasters or even civil unrest took place. Because of this, the festival’s participants and viewers have adopted a sense of respect that borders on superstition. 

4.The Mystery Behind Nandi Hills 

Nandi Hills is located outside Bengaluru and is a well known spot for its beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere. However, its natural goodness is only skin deep, as there are many myths that lie beneath. The local story is that the hills are named after Nandi, which is the sacred bull and mount of lord Shiva, because Nandi used to guard an entrance of a secret tunnel leading into the ancient city of Vijayanagara.

According to another legend, there lies within the hills a lost treasure guarded by powers from beyond the grave. A number of treasure hunters have tried to find it but have failed spectacularly, giving rise to curses and spirits that are reported to guard the area. Additionally, these hills are also associated with Tipu Sultan who was the ruler of Mysore in the 18th century. According to other reports, he used to inhabit the place as a summer escape. His existence has an India sentiment which deepens the mystical features of the area. 

Conclusions

Bengaluru’s folklore and legends are not mere fictions; they capture the cultural and religious ethos of the city. They interweave history and fantasy into vivid visuals of the city. Myths are never overshadowed as silicon valley’s flourish. So the next time you stroll around the active temples and city roads don’t forget to embrace the tales that the ruins and everything surrounding you are just waiting to tell.

 

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