Devanahalli, located at a distance of 35 kms. towards north of Bangalore is a fast growing suburb having an antiquity right from pre-historic times down to period of Tipu Sultan. It was part of Gangawadi and later came under the rule of the Rashtrakutas, Nolamba, Pallavas, Chollas, Hoysalas, and the Vijaynagara rulers.
During the time of Vijayanagara rule, one Malla Baire Gowda of Avati, a feudatory constructed the fort in 1501 AD witht the consent of Devraya at Devanadoddi - the earlier name of Devanahalli. Subsequently in 1747 AD the fort passed into the hands of Wodeyars of Mysore, which was conquered many times from the Marathas and later came under the control of Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan which incidentally was birth place as well.
A spacious battlement is provided towards the inner side of the fortification. The roughly oval east-oriented fortification veneered with dressed masonry has as many as 12 semi circular bastions at regular intervals.
The fort is provide with entrances at east and west decorated with cut plaster work. The bastions are provided with gun-points in brick and lime.
Birth Place of Tipu Sultan : About 35 kms. on the Bangalore - Hyderabad National Highway 7, towards norh of Bangalore at Devanahalli, is situated the birth place of Tipu Sultan (circa 1782-1799 A.D), the erstwhile ruler of Mysore.
The memorial, located about 150 m. south-wet of the Devanahalli fort, is traditionally identified as the spot where Tipu Sultan was born. A four pillar arched structure which rests on a square platform within a masonry enclosure having entrance from the east are the only remains. Background of picture reveals the NH 7 and a few kilometers (25) is the
Nandi Hills. Read about the
Nandi hills here.
The land is very fertile here but due to the real estate boom - rich agricultural land is being turned into concrete blocks for a variety of purposes.
Remnants of the old ways can be still found here like the stone built cattle drinking tub. This is very close to the NH -7 and is located right of the intersection leading to Devanahalli.
You can reach Begur by making a right from Hosur Road at Bommanahalli. This is just a km after the flyover. You pass through Hogasandra. Keep travelling 10 minutes and you will see the temple. Close to the temple is also a fort.
It is surprising that everywhere they say Begur is a more than 1000 year temple and yet there is no sign of the Archaeological Society of India declaring it as a protected monument.
Work is going on in terms of 4 mandapams being built. A picture of the artisans can be seen here.
The temple itself is beautiful BUT neglected and willfully looks abandoned with an encroached lake in front.
The temple is locked except for a few hours in the morning and evenings.
Special days are on Karthika Somvara (Oct-Nov), Navarathri Festival (Oct-Nov), Utsava Moorthi (Festival Idols), Ugadi, Sri Rama Navami and Shankara Jayanthi. Talk of an inscription dating back several years ago where Bengaluru derived its modern name drew us here. However, we saw no such inscription. It must be inside the temple. 
The nandi and a few sculptures are priceless here. Some hieroglypics depicting everyday ancient life can also be observed.
The lions tail is more like a monkeys. What is inbetween it's front feet ? 
I like the last one showing cattle and livestock. Read a detailed description of the Begur temple here. It has some interesting read but is rather exhaustive in its description. I would go here early mornings or evenings when temple is open or else be prepared to just while away your time and swat some flies if any come by. As in all temples they say there are energy zones where when stood or seated will revitalize, have positive attributes, helps in mental peace, protection from enemies, diseases, skin problems, spiritual enhancement and protection from black magic etc.
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