Sri Lopamudra Agastya Ashrama

 Sri Lopamudra Agastya Ashrama 
RHWQ+284, Basavanapura, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560083

Drawn by Divine Energy

 Sri Lopamudra Agastya Ashrama, on Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore is the sacred place where Gajaraj Swamigal first heard Sage Agastya speaking to him. One day, Gajaraj Swamigal left his house suddenly. His family wondered where he went without saying anything. When he returned, he narrated what happened.

He said he was drawn by a strong force to go to the Meenakshi Amman temple on Bannerghatta Road in Bangalore. As he stood there, someone tapped his shoulder and said, "go to the Agastya temple a little further down the road". Without questioning it, Gajaraj Swamigal went there. The Dharmadhikari of the temple, Sri Shankar who was himself a greatly advanced soul, took one look at Gajaraj Swamigal and asked him to circumumbulate the Sri Lopamudra Agastya shrine. As Gajaraj Swamigal walked around the shrine he heard the words clearly, "Son, you have come". It was just a few days after this, that Sage Agastya started giving the sacred 'Agasthiyar Vazhipaadu' discourses through Gajaraj Swamigal. 

Sri Shankar Swami

The Ashram was established by Sri Shankar Swami. He too had a direct connection with Sage Agastya. It was through him that Sage Agastya designated the exact spot to construct this temple. 

This temple is constructed over the ground where an ancient Shiva temple existed. It is believed that the temple was associated with Sage Agastya. 

Sage Agastya gave clear specifications to Sri Shankar Swami on the deities to be consecrated at the sacred spot. Each temple was constructed to specifications and dimensions given by Sage Agastya. Each temple faces a certain angle also specified by Sage Agastya.

This temple is unique in that, it is not like regular temples. Here, all men must wear dhotis and women Saris. The temple also does not have rituals like breaking coconuts like other temples. This is a Gnana Bhumi. A place one can sit, meditate and absorb the tremendous energy present in this area.

The presiding deity of the temple complex is Gnaneswhara or Lord Muruga in the form where he holds a palm leaf manuscript in one hand. He is the bestower of knowledge. Also, it is in this temple complex that you will find Devi Sharada and Devi Saraswathi together in one shrine. Other shrines are dedicated to Dwimukha Anjaneya,  Agasteeshwara, Agra Ganapathy, Devi Parvathi and Sri Lopamudra and Sri Agastya.

The temple is open from 8.30 am to 2.00 pm. Priests at the temple do not speak while performing the puja. All devotees are requested to silence their phones and enter leaving all their worldly thoughts behind in this sacred place.