Srihari Karanth

Bengaluru Karaga | Drone View | Shri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple

Aerial glimpse of the 800-year-old Bengaluru Karaga - the energy among devotees, the priest, and temple community was simply unreal! Bengaluru Karaga! The Shri Dharmaraya Swamy Temple is one of the oldest temples in Bengaluru, believed to be over 800 years old, predating the city itself. Dedicated to Dharmaraya (Yudhishthira), along with the Pandavas and Draupadi, the temple was built by the Vahnikula Kshatriya (Thigala) community, one of the region’s oldest communities. The Bengaluru Karaga is rooted in a powerful legend from the Mahabharata. After the war, the demon Timirasura threatens Draupadi, who transforms into Adishakti and creates warriors known as Veerakumaras. Before leaving Earth, she promises to return every year, an event celebrated through Karaga. At the heart of the festival is the sacred Karaga, a clay pot crowned with a towering floral pyramid, representing Draupadi Devi. It is carried on the head of a priest, who, dressed as a woman, balances it without touching it, even as he runs, dances, and performs rituals through the night. The grand procession winds through the old Pete areas of Bengaluru, accompanied by sword-wielding Veerakumaras, traditional nadaswaram and drum music, and thousands of devotees. In a powerful display of harmony, the procession even visits a dargah, making Karaga not just a ritual, but a symbol of unity and living heritage. Bangalore Karaga! Bangalore Karaga 2026 ------------------------ No Repost/Copying without Permission. ============ Don't forget to Subscribe if you like the video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3lm8E9qTZ28GOzqhDdCplw?sub_confirmation=1 =====================