The older citizens, however call it by the name Koti Bande or Monkey’s Rock. It has become a must -visit for Hanuman devotees across Bangalore.

Years ago, the region called Vijayanagar was nothing but lush forest surrounded by Hosahalli, Tammenahalli, Dasarahalli and other villages.

There was a rock in the midst of the forest where a monkey had made its home, much to the wonder of the villagers. It was harmless, and people sensed something special about it. Urbanisation led to vast stretches of forest being cleared for dwellings and, roads. “When the authorities wanted to clear the rock and surrounding areas, they found that it was impossible. That’s when people realised that the place held divine qualities. They began worshipping the rock and continued to do so even after the monkey died,” informs Muralikrishna, the priest.

Soon enough, the Sri Maruti Bhakta Mandali Trust came into being. Oil paintings of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesha were done on the rock.

Later, Basanna Shilpi, a national award winning sculptor from Mysore, sculpted the idols on the rock.

The temple was dedicated to the public on April 20, 1975, by Chief Minister Devaraja Urs.

It began to grow with contributions mainly by the public. The government also pitched in, granting the surrounding piece of land to the trust. The idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshman were installed next to Lord Hanuman on October 24, 1994. In 1998, the Rajagopuram and prayer halls were built.

The temple celebrates national festivals like Independence and Republic Day with issue-based discussions and celebrates festivals like Ramanavami and Hanuma Jayanti with pomp and splendour. Artistes like Yeshwant Halibandi, Vidyabhushana, Srinivas and Archana Udupa, Shashidhar Kote and others have held concerts during these festivals. Besides, day long bhajans and sahasranama chantings are done during Shravana Shanivaras. Meditation classes are also held every Wednesday.

The trust, not content with religious activities, is quietly making its contribution to society. Poor and needy students are given books and clothes.

It has arranged for a doctor to visit the temple every Saturday. Free medicines are distributed to patients who cannot afford the exorbitant prices. The trust also has plans to open an old age home and an orphanage and a proposal has been submitted to the government in this regard.

“All this has been possible because of the public which has stood by us and brought the temple to this stage. We owe it to them and hope to repay their trust in a meaningful manner,” says K B Puttaswamy, founder secretary of the trust.

The temple has a garden with plants for each of the planets in the solar system. The trust also plans to open a library on the premises.

The temple, located next to Chord Road, is an island of peace and calm despite the number of devotees it attracts.

The loud, bustling world goes by, leaving the devotees undisturbed in their peace and prayers.