There are various Lord Shiva temples located throughout the country, but have you heard of the Bull Temple, also known as Dodda Basavana Gudi (the Nandi Temple)? The bull referred to here is Nandi, a sacred Hindu demi-god and a close devotee and attendant of Lord Shiva. Today, let’s learn more about the rare Bull Temple located in Bengaluru.
Dodda Basavana Gudi is situated on Bull Temple Road in the Basavanagudi area of South Bengaluru, part of the largest city in the Indian state of Karnataka. The Hindu temple is located within a park called Bugle Rock and is said to be one of the oldest temples in Bangalore.
Every day, devotees visit and offer butter, ghee, flowers, and fruits to Nandi. It is said to be the largest monolithic Nandi in Asia, standing at 4.5 metres high and 6.5 metres long. The temple is believed to have been built in 1537 by Kempe Gowda I, the founder of Bangalore.
There is a story behind the installation of Nandi. The area where Basavana Gudi now stands was once famous for groundnut cultivation. Bulls used to plough and destroy the crops grown by the farmers here. However, after the construction of the Nandi temple, the destruction by bulls significantly decreased. As a result, the people of this place hold an annual peanut festival and offer the first harvest of their crops to Nandi. This fair is known as ‘Kadalekaayi Parishe’ in the local language. During Kadalekaayi Parishe, groundnut sellers and devotees flock to the area. The name Basavana Gudi was derived from this connection to Nandi.
In addition to the temple, there is also a park nearby. The park includes separate areas for children and elderly people, as well as a large rock garden for youngsters. Many residents come here in the mornings and evenings for exercise and strolls. If you wish to see this magnificent Nandi, visit Basavana Gudi.
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