Gavi Gangadhareshwar temple marked a spectacular on Sankranti day

Suryadeva humbly bowed down to Gavi Gangadhareshwar, altering his course

Suryadeva changes his trajectory from Dakshinayana to Uttarayana

The Gavi Gangadhareshwar temple marked a spectacular celebration on Sankranti day. Devotees witnessed the moment when Suryadev humbly bowed down to Gavi Gangadhareshwar, altering his course during 5:20 to 5:23 in the evening.

In this annual Surya Puja, the three eyes of Lord Shiva—Sun, Moon, and Agni—are revered. Lord Shiva, enshrined in a cave spanning 124 feet, becomes the focal point as Suryadeva, born in the east and setting in the west, changes his trajectory during the transition from Dakshinayana to Uttarayana.

The Gavi Gangadhareshwar temple boasts self-arising idols worshipped by Gautama and Bharadwaja, dedicated worshippers of Ishwara and Nandi. Sages, through rigorous penance, constructed the sacred Sannidhana, believed to have been inhabited by Gautama during the Treta Yuga. Kempegowda’s restoration efforts and the construction of iconic structures such as Suryapana, Chandrapana, Trishul, and Damaruga showcase the temple’s rich history.

During the auspicious touch of Suryadeva, a special sunray, falls exclusively on the south-facing Ishwara linga at temple. A sense of awe permeates the air as devotees are forbidden access during the three-minute period when the sun touches shivalinga, a moment marked by a special pooja.

To enable the broader audience to witness this celestial event, LED screens were installed outside the temple. Devotees gathered outside for a view, as the touch of the sun is followed by an elaborate Abhishekam to Shiva. The divine darshan for devotees commences after 6 pm, concluding this extraordinary celebration at the Gavi Gangadhareshwar temple.