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| Way to Bull Temple |
The Bull Temple, one of the oldest and beautiful temple in Bangalore, This is almost 400+ years old temple built during the time of King Kempe Gowda the founder of Bangalore.The temple is dedicated to Bull (or Nandhi/Basava) the mount of Lord Shiva.
The Nandi is carved out of one single granite stone and this is a monolithic statue The Bull measures 15 feet tall, 20 feet long and also the name for the locality “Basavanagudi” has come from this temple. In kannada language Basava means Bull and Gudi means Temple
Usually Bull/Nandhi faces towards Shiva in all the temples but here it is other way.In this temple there is Lord Shiva behind the Bull.
ETYMOLOGY:
The area surrounding the bull temple which was known as Sunkenahalli had lots of farm lands where the farmers raised groundnuts. Once a bull was grazing the well grown crops of peanuts and the owner of the land hit the bull with a club. The bull sat there stunned and it turned to be a stone statue. The farmers then decided to build a temple for the bull and they all were shocked to see the bull growing taller and taller. The farmer who hit the bull then prayed for Lord Shiva who advised him to take a trident burried a few feet away from the bull and place it on top of the head of the bull. Thus done, Nandi stopped growing. And from then on the farmers place their first crop of groundnut harvest as an offerring to the bull.
HISTORY:
The temple was constructed in the 16th century and is carved out of single granite block. The temple depicts the Dravidian style and lots of people visit during the months of November and December to participate in the Kallekai festival which is the festival of harvesting peanuts.Bull temple is also considered as “Protected Ancient Monument”.
The temple is built in 1537 by a Vijayanagara king in the Vijayanagara architectural dravidian style. Overall visiting a Bull temple is a great experience. The large trees and the rocks give a great beauty to the place.
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| Bull temple |
Thus every year during the harvest period of November and December a ground nut fair or Kadalekai Parishe is held at the temple premises to show their gratitude.
TEMPLE TIMIINGS:
- The temple is open from 6.00 am to 8.00 pm.
HOW TO REACH?
- Basavangudi is a in Bangalore.
- Bangalore is is well connected by air, rail and road to all major cities of the country and has direct international connections to many cities worldwide.
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