History of Sai Mandir, Malleshwaram

The history of the Sai Mandir in Malleshwaram dates back to the early 1940s when the names of ‘Shirdi’ and ‘Sri Sai Baba’ began to gain prominence in Bangalore. One of the earliest devotees in Malleshwaram to be deeply influenced by Sai Baba’s teachings was Late Sri S. Raja Iyengar, popularly known as Rajanna. A well-known personality in the locality, he moved around on his bicycle and was a friend to all.

The temple had humble beginnings, initially started in a small rice depot (Akki Mandi) by a group of dedicated devotees. Within a few days, it was relocated to Sampige Road, between 6th and 7th Cross, where it occupied a small shop in a building named Geetha, with a modest rent of six rupees. The temple remained at this location for 45 years, during which Sri N.S.N. Murthy selflessly served as the honorary secretary, demonstrating immense devotion and dedication.

In the 1950s, the temple’s priest, Sri Harohalli Shama Shastry, conducted the daily poojas and rituals. Three major festivals—Sri Ramnavami, Sri Guru Poornima, and Navratri—were celebrated annually, along with special poojas on Thursdays. Due to space constraints, larger gatherings and cultural programs during festivals were held at Sri Kanika Parameshwari Temple (8th Cross) and Sri Ram Bhajan Sabha (East Park Road). The temple remains indebted to these organizations for their generous support.

Several individuals contributed significantly to the temple’s growth and festival arrangements, including Sri Kunanooru Sitharam Shastry, Sri Gururajalu Naidu, and Sri Achyuta Das. Additionally, Smt. Papa Chudamani, Sri Balakrishna, Smt. Sunderamma, and her five daughters, including Smt. Jayalakshamma, composed and sang bhajans that continue to be chanted in daily prayers.

As the temple’s popularity grew, it was relocated to a new and more spacious site between 14th and 15th Cross in Malleshwaram. The construction of the new mandir was made possible through the tireless efforts and contributions of several dedicated individuals, including Sri S. Raja Iyengar, Sri N.S. Seshadri, Sri Krishna Swamy Iyengar, Contractor Sri Ramchandra Rao, Electrical Contractor Sri Padmanabhiah, and Advocate Anantha Ramaiah. The project was spearheaded by Late Sri D.V. Murthy, a visionary leader who played a crucial role in the temple’s development. His dedication, along with the efforts of Sri Nadkarni, Sri S.G. Ramchandra, Smt. Mangala Ramchandra, Smt. Nagarathnamma, Smt. Prema Ravishankar, and Sri Narasimha, was instrumental in building the temple on rocky terrain, stone by stone.

The temple’s new premises were constructed under the guidance of engineer Sri Ravishankar, with contributions from numerous donors from diverse backgrounds. Over the years, the temple leadership has been strengthened by the selfless service of its past presidents: Late Sri Nadkarni (1990-91), Late Sri D.V. Murthy (1991-2005), Late Smt. Mangala Ramchandra (2005-2022), and Late Prof. Vishakanta (2003-2020), who served as the Chairman of the Sai Mandali Trust with exemplary dedication.

A historic moment in the temple’s journey was the consecration of its idol by the revered saint Sri Shivamma Thayee. Born on 29th May 1889 in Vellaikinaru, Coimbatore, she was one of the few fortunate souls to have seen Sai Baba in 1918, just before His Maha Samadhi. On 26th July 1990, the idol was placed in the sanctum sanctorum on the sacred occasion of Nagara Panchami, and on 28th August 1990, Shivamma Thayee personally consecrated it with her divine hands. As a blessing, she also presented a rare and precious photograph of Sai Baba on the temple’s inaugural day.

Today, the Sai Mandir in Malleshwaram is much more than a place of worship; it is a center for spiritual enlightenment, community service, and devotion. The temple strives to promote love, compassion, and selfless service, in alignment with Sai Baba’s teachings. Its management and volunteers work diligently to create a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere where devotees can connect with the divine.

With Sai Baba’s divine blessings, the temple successfully celebrated its Platinum Jubilee in 2016 on a grand scale. The temple continues to grow, serving as a beacon of spirituality for thousands of devotees.

A major milestone in the temple’s journey was the establishment of the Sri Sai Mandali Trust in 2002, thanks to the visionary leadership of Late Sri D.V. Murthy. The trust oversees several noble initiatives, including Anna Brahma (food donation program), Vidya Sharade (educational support for underprivileged children), and Arogya Lakshmi (healthcare services). These initiatives reflect the temple’s commitment to Sai Baba’s philosophy of selfless service.

The Sai Mandir in Malleshwaram stands as a testimony to unwavering faith, dedication, and devotion. With its deep-rooted history, architectural beauty, spiritual services, and impactful community initiatives, it continues to inspire and uplift devotees, serving as a ‘spiritual gym’ for the mind and soul.