Open Now

Bull Temple (Dodda Basavana Gudi)

Bangalore, Bangalore Urban, Karnataka
Lord Shiva
More in Karnataka

Type

Hindu Temple

Deity

Lord Shiva

Pincode

560004

A famous Bangalore temple housing one of the largest monolithic Nandi (Shiva's sacred bull) statues in the world — 4.5 metres tall and 6 metres long, carved from a single granite rock. Built by Kempe Gowda I (founder of Bangalore) in the 16th century. The annual Kadalekayi Parishe (groundnut fair) here is one of Bangalore's most beloved folk festivals.

History & Significance

History

Built by Kempe Gowda I in 1537 CE, the Bull Temple is among the oldest temples in Bangalore. Legend holds that Nandi used to emerge from this hillock every night and devour the groundnut crops of local farmers — the farmers appeased the bull by building a temple. The annual Kadalekayi Parishe (groundnut fair, November) has been held for 500+ years.

Plan Your Circuit

Nearby Temples

Closest temples by distance — worth combining into the same trip.