The Guardian Hanuman of Bengaluru & My Ongoing Kote Anjaneya Temple Journey
The Kote Anjaneya Swami Temple, located on K.R. Road near the historic KR Market and the old Bangalore Fort, is one of Bengaluru’s most powerful, ancient, and spiritually significant Hanuman temples.
For centuries, this temple has stood as a symbol of protection, strength, and divine guardianship for the city.
As part of my personal journey of visiting Kote Anjaneya temples one by one, this temple holds a unique place — not just because of its history, but because it represents Hanuman’s presence in the heart of a living, breathing city.
Lord Anjaneya – The Guardian of Bengaluru
This temple is widely believed to be the “Rakshaka Devata” (Protector Deity) of Bengaluru.
Devotees strongly believe that Sri Kote Anjaneya Swami guards the city, shielding it from misfortune, instability, and unseen dangers.
The idol of Lord Hanuman here is known for:
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Radiating immense spiritual energy
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Inspiring courage and clarity
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Being a powerful wish-fulfiller
Even a short darshan is said to leave devotees feeling grounded, confident, and protected.
Location & Accessibility (One of Its Biggest Strengths)
✔ Located on K.R. Road, near KR Market / Kalasipalya
✔ Adjacent to the original Bangalore Fort
✔ Very close to KR Market Metro Station
✔ Well connected by BMTC buses and autos
Because of this, the temple attracts:
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Daily commuters
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Shop owners and traders
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Office-goers
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Students
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Long-time Bengaluru residents
It’s one of the most easily accessible ancient Hanuman temples in the city.
Temple Architecture & Atmosphere
The temple reflects traditional South Indian temple architecture, rooted in fort-era Bengaluru:
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Stone structures connected to the old fort walls
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A spiritually charged inner sanctum
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A tall Garuda Stambha (stone pillar) in front of the temple
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Continuous chanting of Hanuman Chalisa and Rama Nama
Despite being surrounded by busy roads and markets, the temple maintains a deep devotional calm inside.
The Famous Cannonball Legend (Tipu Sultan & Divine Protection)
One of the most fascinating aspects of this temple is its legendary connection to Tipu Sultan and the Third Anglo-Mysore War .
The Incident
During British attacks led by Lord Cornwallis, cannonballs were fired toward:
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Bangalore Fort
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Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace
According to legend:
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A cannonball was fired directly toward Tipu Sultan
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The 80-foot stone Garuda Stambha in front of the Kote Anjaneya temple took the direct hit
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This miraculously saved Tipu Sultan’s life
Aftermath
Out of gratitude for this divine protection:
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Tipu Sultan is believed to have frequently visited the temple
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He offered respect and patronage to the shrine
This legend strengthened the belief that Kote Anjaneya Swami is a powerful protector, not just spiritually but historically.
Shared History with Kote Venkataramana Swamy Temple
The Kote Anjaneya Swami Temple stands next to the Kote Venkataramana Swamy Temple, and together they represent religious harmony and shared heritage.
Historical Roots
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Commissioned during the reign of Chikka Devaraja Wadiyar
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Part of the Bangalore Fort complex
Remarkably:
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The temples and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace share a common wall
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This is often cited as evidence of religious coexistence during Mysore rule
Ancient Origins & Vyasaraja Connection
Local belief and historical references suggest that:
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The Hanuman idol here may be among the 732 Hanuman idols consecrated by Sri Vyasaraja
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Sri Vyasaraja was the royal guru of the Vijayanagara Empire
This places the spiritual lineage of the temple deep into Bhakti movement history.
Why It Is Called “Kote” Anjaneya
The word “Kote” means Fort in Kannada.
Historically:
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The temple stood inside the fort walls
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Soldiers placed their weapons before Hanuman
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They sought victory, courage, and protection before going to battle
Thus, Hanuman here was not just a deity — he was a guardian of the fort and the city.
Kempe Gowda & the Rise of Bengaluru Pete
Kempe Gowda’s long-cherished vision came to life as the Bengaluru Pete evolved around the mud fort known as the Bangalore Fort.
Under Kempe Gowda’s rule, the fort and the surrounding settlement flourished, laying the foundation for what would later become the city of Bengaluru. This period marked the transformation of a strategic military outpost into a thriving center of trade, culture, and devotion.
The presence of powerful shrines like Kote Anjaneya Swami Temple within the fort complex highlights how spiritual protection was considered essential to urban planning during that era. Temples were not just places of worship but also guardians of the city’s prosperity and stability.
Special Days & Devotional Practices
The temple is especially crowded on:
⭐ Tuesdays
⭐ Saturdays
⭐ Hanuman Jayanti
⭐ Ram Navami & festival days
Devotees commonly offer:
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Garlands
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Vada mala
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Oil lamps
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Coconut and betel leaves
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Recitation of Hanuman Chalisa
The atmosphere during these days is intense, devotional, and uplifting.
My Personal Experience & Temple Travel Connection
As someone who has been visiting Kote Anjaneya temples across regions, this temple feels like the spiritual anchor of Bengaluru.
Every visit here reminds me:
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That protection doesn’t always come from distance or isolation
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Sometimes, divine energy stands right in the middle of chaos
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Hanuman’s presence is strongest where life is most active
Standing before this idol, amidst the noise of KR Market, you truly feel how devotion survives time, wars, rulers, and modern life.
Why Kote Anjaneya Temple Is a Must-Visit
✔ One of the oldest Hanuman temples in Bengaluru
✔ Known as the Protector of the City
✔ Deep historical connection to Mysore rulers
✔ Rare temple within a fort complex
✔ Excellent accessibility for all devotees
Kote Sri Anjaneyaswamy Devasthana
XH7G+2GM, Krishna Rajendra Rd, KR Market, Kalasipalya, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560002, India
