Basavanagudi/Dodda Ganeshana Gudi

Basavanagudi located in Bangalore India is famous for the Bull Temple. In the local language Kannada, “Basava” means bull and “gudi” means temple. The temple contains a monolith statue of the Bull (Nandhi), the vahana (vehicle) of Lord Shiva.

Built in the Dravidian style of architecture, it is amongst the oldest temples of the city. Also, it is one of the the biggest temple to Nandi in the world. The idol of Nandi Bull, measures 4.5 m in height and 6.5 m in length. The bull also has a small iron plate on its head. As per the tradition, this plate prevents the bull from growing.

According to the legend, a bull used to consume and destroy all the groundnuts and peanuts cultivated in this area. To appease that bull, a temple was built and soon, the bull stopped damaging the crop. Soon, the farmers of Basavanagudi organized a Groundnut Fair (Kadalekai Parase), near the temple and celebrated. This fair continues till date and is attended by the people of Bangalore in large numbers.

Dodda Ganesha Temple at Basavanagudi was constructed by Kempegowda In Kannada “dhodda” means big. It is said that Kempe Gowda once found a big rock and felt that it looked like Lord Ganesha.  The Ganapathi idol in this temple is about 18ft height-16ft width and is one of the biggest idol in Karnataka state.

   

PS: Happy Ganesha Chathurthi people!