Label: Popular among Locals
Tags: Temple
Timings: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Time Required: 1-2 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Bull Temple, Bangalore Overview
The Bull Temple, locally known as Dodda Basavana Gudi, is one of the oldest and most iconic temples in Bangalore. Dedicated to Nandi, the sacred bull and vehicle of Lord Shiva, this temple holds great religious significance. It is also the largest temple dedicated to Nandi in the world.
Built in a traditional Dravidian architectural style by Kempe Gowda, the Bull Temple is not just a religious spot but also a marvel of craftsmanship. The massive statue of Nandi, carved from a single granite rock, stands at an impressive height of 4.5 meters and spans 6.5 meters in length. Over the years, the statue has darkened due to the regular application of coconut oil, butter, and 'benne' (clarified butter).
Visitors can also admire the nearby Ganesh Temple, which features a unique butter statue of Lord Ganesh. Weighing 110 kilos, this statue is replaced every four years, and remarkably, the butter remains intact throughout this period. The butter statue is distributed as prasad to devotees, adding to the temple’s spiritual experience.
For anyone visiting Bangalore, the Bull Temple is a must-see for its rich history, religious significance, and fascinating statues.
