Vanakal Malleswara also known as, Sri Jagadguru Sarvagna Saddharma Peetha and Shaka Matha, is a small hillock in Bangalor Rural District. It is noted for a small temple and its unspoilt surroundings. ‘Vanakallu’ means ‘stone in the forest’ and Malleshwara is a name of Lord Shiva.
Surrounded by eucalyptus groves on three sides and lush green fields on the other, it is a small cluster of several medium sized boulders placed over each other naturally so that several small caves have been formed. A stairway has been built between two large boulders to enable visitors to reach the cave temples.
Legend has it that Lord Shiva came in the dream of a Sadashivaiah from Heggunda village and asked to clean the debris and make a path to the cave temple. He worked for 14 years to make the place accessible, which is today visited by hundreds especially on weekends.
What lures visitors to this place apart from the temple is the tranquility, music of nature and cool climate. The shrine comprises a large cave leading to two smaller caves where the beautiful stone idols of Shiva with a brass face mask are enshrined. The other cave shrine is dedicated to Lord Ganesh, known as Atmalinga Ganapathi Gudi. An ashram at the foot of the rocks is home to several destitute women and orphan children.
Vanakal Malleswara is about 9 km from Dobbspet (Dobbaspet) on Tumkur - Bangalore highway.
