Majestic Panchamukhi Hanuman temple at Bidanagere Kunigal

Nestled in the serene village of   Bidanagere  , about   75 km from Bengaluru   along the   Bangalore–Mangalore Highway via Kunigal  , stands one of Karnataka’s grand architectural and spiritual landmarks   the   161-feet Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple  . This remarkable temple, completed after years of devotion, craftsmanship, and perseverance, has quickly grown into a must-visit destination for devotees and travelers alike.

 

The spiritual foundation of this temple lies in the   Panchamukhi (five-faced) form of Lord Hanuman  , which emerges from a powerful episode in the  Ramayana .During the war between Rama and Ravana, the demon king   Ravana sought the help of Ahiravana  , the ruler of   Pathalaloka   (the netherworld).
Ahiravana, assuming the disguise of   Vibhishana  , cunningly deceived Rama and Lakshmana and abducted them to Pathalaloka.

When Hanuman realized that Rama and Lakshmana were missing, his search eventually led him to the mysterious world beneath the earth. There, he noticed   five deepas (lamps)   burning in   five different directions  . Hanuman instantly understood that   Ahiravana could only be defeated if all five lamps were extinguished simultaneously   — an impossible task in his single-faced form.

The Emergence of the Panchamukhi Form  

To accomplish this divine mission, Hanuman manifested into the powerful   Panchamukhi Avatar  , consisting of:

•  Hanuman   – facing east
•  Narasimha   – facing south
•  Garuda   – facing west
•  Varaha   – facing north
•  Hayagreeva   – facing upward

With this five-faced manifestation, he put off all five lamps at once, destroyed Ahiravana, and triumphantly rescued   Rama and Lakshmana  .This heroic tale forms the core inspiration for the grand Panchamukhi Hanuman statue at Bidanagere. 

The temple’s construction began in   2014   and was completed in   2022   under the guidance and spiritual leadership of   Dr. Dhananjaya Guruji  . Over   50 skilled sculptors  , primarily from Tamil Nadu and Kumbakonam, worked tirelessly for eight years to bring this monumental structure to life. The most striking feature of the temple is the   161-feet tall Hanuman statue  , which rises impressively   above a 50-feet deep foundation   and spans   108 feet in width  . Its sheer size and intricacy make it one of the tallest and most detailed Hanuman statues in India.he enormity of the construction can be understood from the materials involved -   85,000 bags of cement  ,  308 tons of iron  ,  500 lorries of sand  ,  5,800 litres of paint  ,  4,800 kg of brass  , For the crown:   gold, silver, and copper coins   were used, adding to the majestic appearance of the idol.

 The temple also houses several noteworthy sanctums and idols:

•  Anjaneya–Suvarchala couple idol   – a rare depiction highlighting Hanuman’s connection with Suvarchala, the daughter of Surya.
• Navagraha couple idols and sanctums  – a unique representation of all nine planetary deities as divine couples.

Dedicated sanctums for Shaneshwara  , Basavanna  . Each sanctum carries its own symbolic and devotional depth, making the temple spiritually wholesome. There is also Dasoha at Basavershwar mutt near to temple. The temple welcomes devotees from   7:00 AM to 9:00 PM   every day.  One of the most special experiences here is the permission for devotees to   walk all the way to the feet of the 161-feet Hanuman statue  , allowing for a humbling and powerful darshan. The vast temple premises, the gentle breeze of the countryside, and the towering presence of Hanuman together create an atmosphere of devotion, peace, and inspiration.

For inquiries regarding   Guruji’s visit  , temple events, or special poojas, devotees can contact the temple administration at  📞   9739466466   . Whether you are a devotee of Lord Hanuman, a lover of temple architecture, or a traveler seeking awe-inspiring destinations, the   Bidanagere Kunigal Hanuman Temple   offers an unforgettable experience. Its majestic scale, spiritual depth, and connection to ancient legends make it a treasured landmark of Karnataka’s devotional landscape. Let this sacred site inspire strength, courage, and devotion — just as Hanuman’s Panchamukhi form inspires generations across time. Do visit this spot and share your experience.