Jayanagar Ward is one of the 198 wards of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the administrative body responsible for civic amenities and some infrastructural assets of the Greater Bengaluru metropolitan area in the Indian state of Karnataka. Jayanagar Ward is officially known as Pattabhirama Nagar Ward, as it covers the locality of Pattabhirama Nagar, which is a part of the larger Jayanagar area. Jayanagar Ward is one of the oldest and most well-planned residential neighbourhoods in Bengaluru, with a mix of cultural, educational, commercial and recreational facilities.
- How it got its name: Jayanagar Ward is named after Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar, the last Maharaja of Mysore, who inaugurated the foundation stone for the development of Jayanagar in 1959. Jayanagar means “the city of victory” in Kannada, and was designed by Sir M Visvesvaraya, a renowned engineer and statesman. Jayanagar was initially planned as a satellite town to decongest the core city area, but later became an integral part of Bengaluru.
- Popularly known for: Jayanagar Ward is popularly known for its cosmopolitan and cultural vibe, as it has a diverse population of people from different regions, religions and languages. Some of the prominent communities in this ward are Brahmins, Muslims, Tamils, Telugus, Marathis and Gujaratis. The ward is also known for its educational institutions, such as The National College, The Bangalore High School, The Vijaya College and The Vijaya High School. The ward also has many shopping complexes, markets, restaurants, cafes, bookstores, theatres and parks that cater to the needs and tastes of the residents and visitors.
- Historic significance: Jayanagar Ward has a rich history and heritage, as it has many temples, monuments and landmarks that reflect the past glory and present development of Bengaluru. Some of the historic places in this ward are:
- The Ashoka Pillar: This is a landmark monument located at the southern end of Jayanagar 4th Block. The pillar was erected in 1948 to commemorate the third anniversary of India’s independence. The pillar has four lions at the top, which symbolise the four directions and the unity of India. The pillar also has inscriptions in Kannada and English that describe the history and significance of the pillar.
- The Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple: This is a popular temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, located on a hillock in Jayanagar 9th Block. The temple was built in 1969 by a group of devotees who witnessed a miracle of ragi (finger millet) turning into stones on the hillock. The temple also has shrines for Lord Rama, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Durga. The temple attracts thousands of devotees every day, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
- The Lalbagh Botanical Garden: This is one of the largest and oldest botanical gardens in India, located near Jayanagar 1st Block. The garden was started by Hyder Ali in 1760 and later developed by Tipu Sultan and the British. The garden has over 1,800 species of plants, trees, flowers and herbs from different parts of the world. The garden also has a glass house, a lake, a rock garden, a bonsai garden and a rose garden. The garden hosts flower shows twice a year during Republic Day and Independence Day.
- Some of the popular layouts in this ward: Some of the popular layouts in this ward are:
- Jayanagar 4th Block: This is one of the oldest and busiest commercial areas in Bengaluru, with many shops, malls, hotels, restaurants and banks. The area also has many residential apartments and houses that are well-connected by roads and metro rail. The area is famous for its street food, especially chaats, dosas and sweets.
- Jayanagar 9th Block: This is one of the most sought-after residential areas in Bengaluru, with many independent houses, villas and apartments that are spacious and well-maintained. The area also has many parks, schools, colleges and hospitals that provide a comfortable and convenient living environment. The area is famous for its Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple and its annual car festival.
- Pattabhirama Nagar: This is the official name of Jayanagar Ward, and covers the locality of Pattabhirama Nagar, which is a part of Jayanagar 6th Block. The area has many residential houses and apartments that are affordable and cozy. The area also has many temples, churches and mosques that cater to the religious diversity of the residents. The area is famous for its Pattabhirama Temple and its annual Rama Navami festival.
- Spots of interest in this area: Some of the spots of interest in this area are:
- The Madhavan Park: This is a beautiful park located in Jayanagar 1st Block, named after Seshadri Iyer’s son-in-law K Seshadri Madhavan. The park has a circular fountain, a children’s play area, a jogging track and a musical fountain. The park is a popular spot for morning walkers, evening strollers and nature lovers.
- The Jayanagar Shopping Complex: This is a landmark shopping complex located in Jayanagar 4th Block, built in 1975. The complex has over 1,000 shops that sell a variety of goods, such as clothes, jewellery, books, electronics, handicrafts and groceries. The complex also has a food court, a cinema hall and a library. The complex is a shopper’s paradise and a cultural hub of Bengaluru.
- The Yediyur Lake: This is a serene lake located near Jayanagar 6th Block, surrounded by greenery and tranquility. The lake was restored and rejuvenated by the BBMP in 2017, with the help of citizen groups and NGOs. The lake has a walking track, a boating facility, a birdwatching tower and an amphitheatre. The lake is a perfect spot for relaxation and recreation.
- Things to experience in this area: Some of the things to experience in this area are:
- The Jayanagar Food Festival: This is an annual food festival that showcases the culinary diversity and richness of Jayanagar. The festival is held in January every year at the Jayanagar Shopping Complex. The festival features over 100 stalls that offer various cuisines, such as South Indian, North Indian, Chinese, Continental, Arabic and Thai. The festival also has live music, dance and cultural performances that add to the festive mood.
- The Jayanagar Literature Festival: This is an annual literature festival that celebrates the literary talent and creativity of Jayanagar. The festival is held in February every year at various venues in Jayanagar, such as schools, colleges, libraries and auditoriums. The festival features book launches, readings, discussions, workshops, quizzes and competitions that involve authors, poets, publishers, critics and readers from different genres and languages.
Jayanagar Ward is a cosmopolitan and cultural hub of Bengaluru that offers a blend of tradition and modernity to its residents and visitors. Jayanagar Ward is a place where one can experience the best of Bengaluru’s history, heritage, education, commerce and entertainment.
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