Nestled about 60 kilometres north of Bengaluru in the village of S.S. Ghati (Doddaballapur Taluk) lies the sacred and unique Shri Ghati Subrahmanya Temple. This pilgrimage site holds a special place among devotees for its twin deities, ancient legends, snake-worship tradition, and a devotional atmosphere that bridges myth and everyday faith.
| Temple Name | Shri Ghati Subrahmanya Temple |
| Location | S.S. Ghati Village, Doddaballapur Taluk, Bengaluru Rural District, Karnataka 561203 |
| Distance from Bengaluru | Approximately 60 km north of Bengaluru city |
| Main Deities | Lord Subrahmanya (Kartikeya) facing east and Lord Narasimha facing west (both on the same stone idol) |
| Unique Feature | Devotees can view both Subrahmanya and Narasimha simultaneously — thanks to a mirror placed behind the main idol |
| Legend | Subrahmanya performed penance here to protect Nagas from Garuda; Lord Narasimha granted protection — symbolizing divine unity and serpent sanctity |
| Historical Background | Believed to be over 600 years old; established during the Ghorpade dynasty of Sandur |
| Architecture Style | Dravidian architecture with a tall Rajagopura (gateway tower); sanctum houses a self-manifested (Svayambhu) stone idol |
| Significance | One of South India’s most revered temples for snake worship and remedies for Naga Dosha, Kuja Dosha, Rahu-Ketu Dosha, and infertility |
| Rituals & Poojas | Nagapratistha, Sarpa Shanti, Ashlesha Bali, Abhishekam, and daily Aarukala pooja (six-times-a-day worship) |
| Popular Belief | Devotees believe visiting the temple grants protection from serpent curses, ensures fertility, and removes planetary doshas |
| Major Festivals | Brahmarathotsava (Pushya Shuddha Shashti)Narasimha JayantiSkanda ShashtiNagara Panchami |
| Temple Timings | Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PMEvening: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM (extended to 9 PM on weekends/festivals) |
| Darshan Duration | Average waiting time: 15 – 45 minutes (longer during weekends/festivals) |
| Entry Fee | Free darshan; special poojas or homams require small offerings |
| Dress Code | Traditional attire recommended; footwear not allowed near sanctum |
| Best Time to Visit | October – February (pleasant climate); or during Brahmarathotsava for festive experience |
| Facilities | Free Annadhanam (community meal), rest areas, parking, and ritual counters |
| How to Reach | 🚗 By Road: Via Doddaballapur – Ghati Road (~1.5 hrs from Bangalore)🚆 By Train: Doddaballapur Railway Station (nearest major stop)✈️ By Air: Kempegowda International Airport (~40 km) |
| Nearby Attractions | Nandi Hills, Makalidurga Fort, Vishwanath Temple Doddaballapur, Devanahalli Fort |
| Special Experience | View of Subrahmanya and Narasimha together, numerous snake idols under peepal trees, and serene countryside setting |
| Management & Trust | Administered by the Ghati Subrahmanya Temple Trust under Karnataka HRCE Department |
| Spiritual Benefits | Believed to bless devotees with courage, prosperity, marital harmony, and freedom from doshas |
| Photography Rules | Allowed outside temple premises; restricted inside sanctum |
| Festival Highlight | Brahmarathotsava draws thousands of devotees and includes chariot processions and local fairs |
| Essence of Visit | A sacred union of faith, serpent mythology, and divine protection offering both spiritual peace and rural serenity |
Myth & Legend
The temple honours two interconnected deities: Lord Subrahmanya (also known as Kartikeya, Murugan) and Lord Narasimha (the man-lion avatar of Vishnu). According to legend, the idol of Subrahmanya emerged from the earth in the form of a seven-hooded serpent, facing east, while on the reverse side of the same rock the Narasimha form faces west. A mirror placed behind allows devotees to view both simultaneously. (Incredible India)
Another tale holds that Subrahmanya undertook penance here to protect the Naga-clan from Garuda (the eagle-mount of Vishnu), and Narasimha granted their protection at this very place. Thus the interlinking of serpent-lore, divine intervention, and the twin forms gives the site its distinctive spiritual flavour. (Bangalore Rural)
Historical & Architectural Outline
The temple has a history spanning over 600 years, with records attributing its establishment to the Ghorpade rulers of Sandur. (Wikipedia) The sanctum houses the self-manifested (svayambhu) idol carved from a single stone, as tradition states. (Hindu Blog)
Architecturally, the temple features Dravidian style elements. A prominent rajagopura greets devotees, while within, the sanctum’s clever placement of the mirror allows simultaneous darshan of both deities. (Karnataka.com)
Outside the main shrine, one sees large numbers of small stone snake-idols installed by devotees to perform the naga-pratistha ritual—affirming the temple’s deep link to serpent-worship. (Incredible India)
Spiritual Significance & Customs
Devotees believe visiting the temple can relieve them of various afflictions (doshas) such as Kuja (Mars) dosha, Sarpa (snake) dosha, Rahu-Ketu imbalances, infertility issues, and marriage-related delays. (Hindu Blog) Rituals such as Nagapratistha (installing snake idols), Sarpa Shanti, Ashlesha Bali, and special homams are regularly offered. (gosthala.com)
For many child-less couples, the belief is strong that faith offered here may be blessed with progeny. The temple has also become a centre for weddings & associated rituals. (karnatakaexplore.com)
Visiting the Temple & Experience
Situated in a fairly peaceful locale about an hour’s drive from Bengaluru, the journey to Ghati Subrahmanya combines ease of access with a sense of retreat from city bustle. From Bengaluru one travels via Doddaballapur and onward to the village of S.S. Ghati. (Karnataka.com)
On arrival you’ll notice the many small snake-idols along the compound, the large mirror in the sanctum, and a well-maintained temple complex offering free meals (annadhanam) to devotees. (itslife.in) The atmosphere is spiritual yet accessible, and while weekends and festival days see large crowds, visiting early morning or on a weekday allows for a more peaceful experience.
Festivals & Special Rituals
Among the temple’s major festivals are:
- Brahmarathotsava held on Pushya Shuddha Shashti, which features a chariot and many devotees. (Hindu Blog)
- Narasimha Jayanti, celebrating the avatar of Narasimha. (Incredible India)
- Rituals associated with Nagara Panchami, Skanda Sashti, and other regional feasts. (itslife.in)
These festivals bring vibrant crowd, local fairs, animal markets and devotional fervour into the rural landscape. The temple cattle fair in December is also noted in some records. (Incredible India)
Why Visit?
- Spiritual uniqueness: The combined worship of Subrahmanya and Narasimha in one sanctum is rare and symbolic of protection, devotion, and inter-deity synergy.
- Serpent traditions: For devotees seeking relief from nagadosha, the temple’s snake-related rituals and iconography are especially meaningful.
- Accessible retreat: Close enough to the city for a day-trip yet nested in a quieter rural setting, offering a break from hustle and a moment of calm faith.
- Architectural & historical interest: With over 600 years of history and unique self-manifested idol legends, it appeals to pilgrims and history buffs alike.
Tips for Visit
- Arrive early (before 9 AM) to avoid crowds and get peaceful darshan.
- On festival days, be prepared for increased traffic and queueing.
- If you intend to perform special rituals (e.g., Nagapratistha), inquire ahead about timings or slots.
- Respect the environment: many snake-idols are placed under trees; avoid littering and maintain decorum.
- Dress modestly (traditional attire preferred); remove footwear where indicated.
- Combine with nearby attractions (such as Makalidurga, Nandi Hills) if you have the time.
