Know your neighbourhood - 12: Jayanagar & JP Nagar

Overview: After suffering space crunch in the 1940s, Bangalore got its first planned layout of Jayanagar (translates to ‘Victory City’) as the first extension of Bangalore City. Divided into 10 blocks, with Jayanagar 4th block as the most popular with shopping centres and restaurants. Jayanagar 4th Block also has one of Bangalore’s oldest vegetable markets. The South End circle marks the entry into Jayanagar which is also a junction of six roads. Jayanagar is also known for tree lined avenues and probably has maximum trees in any locality in Bangalore. Built by Ranganatha Char, the Ashoka Pillar in Jayanagar was inaugurated by C Rajagopalachari in 1948 and the area was named after Jayachamaraja Wodeyar.

Ashoka Pillar
South End Circle

Jayanagar Shopping Complex

Ancient Shiva temple, Byrasandra

The City Central Library, inaugurated in 1968, is one of the most busiest libraries, and is mostly visited by students preparing for competitive exams.

Central Library

Ragigudda Anjaneya temple in Jayanagar 9th block is a very important centre of pilgrimage of South Bangalore/ The temple itself stands on a rocky hillock which dates back to millions of years. Also pre-historic weapons were found in Ragigudda making it a very important archaeological site.

Ragigudda Anjaneya temple

Tata Silk Farm was set up by Jamsetji Tata in late 1800s by implementing Japanese technology in sericulture. The silk farm does not exist any more. But the area is still popular as Tata Silk Farm.

Tata Silk Farm

Elephant Rock and Patalamma Temple: In a small forgotten corner of Jayanagar is the 500 year old Patalamma temple. The legend says that when Goddess Patalamma, riding an elephant, descended on this place, the elephant took the form of a rock. This elephant shaped rock is known as Aane Bande or ‘Elephant Rock’. The locals have painted the rock with the face of an elephant.

Elephant Rock

JP Nagar: Named after the leader Jayaprakash Narayan, this area was extended south of Jayanagar including the villages of Sarakki, Chunchaghatta and Kothnur. In the middle of rapid urbanisation of South Bangalore is a little lung space called the 'Mini Forest', which is a local favorite among the local residents, and also is surrounded by several restaurants. A very old banyan tree exists in JP Nagar 8th phase near Jambusavaridinne along with a temple built in the 18th century. An interesting 17th inscription has also been discovered in Kothanur Dinne which talks about granting the village for the maintenance of Kote Venkataramanaswamy temple by Narasaraja Wodeyar. A few Herostones can also be seen in the Kothanur village.

Herostones at Kothanur village

JP Nagar Mini Forest
Banyan Tree JP Nagar

Sarakki is an ancient village which was described as Sarakeya in an inscription dated 1650 CE. The village has an ancient Veerabhadraswamy temple and a Herostone was discovered near the area, connected with Sarangadhara, who is associated with some interesting stories about his valour.

Veerabhadraswamy temple, Sarakki

A worn out inscription near Sarakki Lake

Bayalu Anjaneya temple: Towards the south of Jambusavaridinne near Kembathahalli village is the Bayalu Anjaneya temple, which has an ancient image of Hanuman carved out of a rock. This temple is believed to have been consecrated by Vyasarajaru.

Bayalu Anjaneya temple

Chunchughatta: The Karnataka Gazeteer mentions the village Chunchughatta as one of the 3 Vishnu Kshetras around Bangalore, other being Narayanaghatta and Bannerghatta. The village still has a grand fair around the month of March-April which is similar to Bangalore Karaga.

Chunchughatta

Ranga Shankara was opened in 2004 in the memory of Shankar Nag who had the dream of having a space for theatre performances and music concerts.


Rangashankara

Yediyur Lake: Just outside Basavanagudi is the 7 hectare Yediyur Lake, one of the largest and well maintained lakes in Bangalore.

Yediyur Lake

Yediyur Lake

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