Dodda Basavana Gudi (Bull Temple)
Bengaluru, India
- Admire the architecture
- Explore the temple complex
- Offer prayers to Nandi
- Take photos of the Nandi statue
- Witness traditional rituals
Known for:
Description:
Dodda Basavana Gudi, also known as the Bull Temple, is a prominent Hindu temple located in Basavanagudi, Bangalore, India. It houses a massive monolithic statue of Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva. The temple is a significant landmark and a popular pilgrimage site, attracting devotees and tourists alike. The imposing 4.6-meter-tall Nandi statue is carved from a single granite rock and is one of the largest of its kind in the world. The temple complex also includes other shrines dedicated to various deities. The vibrant atmosphere, especially during festivals, adds to the temple's charm. Visitors can witness traditional rituals and experience the rich cultural heritage of the region.
History:
Dodda Basavana Gudi was built in 1537 by Kempe Gowda I, the founder of Bangalore. It was constructed in the Dravidian architectural style, typical of the Vijayanagara Empire period. Legend has it that a giant bull was wreaking havoc on the local crops, and Kempe Gowda vowed to build a temple dedicated to Nandi if the bull stopped its destruction. Miraculously, the bull ceased its rampage, and Kempe Gowda fulfilled his promise by constructing the temple and the massive Nandi statue. Over the centuries, the temple has undergone renovations and additions, but the original essence and historical significance remain intact.