Big Bull Temple – Basavanagudi

About the place

One of the oldest temples of Bangalore – The Big Bull Temple is believed to have been established more than 1000 years ago by KempeGowda-1. This temple was the key reason for the formation of the most popular locality in South Bangalore – “Basavangudi”. The temple is dedicated to the revered divine bull – Nandi (Lord Shiva’s Vahana) also referred to as “Basava” in Kannada language.

What is the specialty of Bull Temple?

The temple houses a gaint sculpture of the divine bull that is carved out of one single granite rock and measures 4.5 meters high and 6.5 meters long.  The architectural style of the Bull Temple is mainly Dravidian and This place is also believed to be the birthplace of the underground stream – Vrishabhavati, where Vrishabha means bull.

A Brief History

To prevent the spread of a deadly disease in the early 19^th century, the Mysore Government decongested the old Bangalore town (Pete area) to surrounding clean spaces that were rich in vegetation, fresh air, and clean water.

This led to the creation of two most popular extensions of Bengaluru city – Malleshwaram to the north and Basavanagudi to the south, wherein both the extensions were named after a deity. The south extension was developed around the Big Bull temple thus bringing the name “Basavana gudi” which translates to “the abode of a bull”.

Many legends are associated with the big bull, the most prominent being the “Kaldlekai parse” or “groundnut fair”. According to local legends, this area was well-known for its rich cultivation of groundnuts. One fine day, a huge bull appeared in the region and started damaging the crops, which worried the farmers, who tried their best to stop the bull. Despite their best efforts, the bull continued its activities.

The farmers soon realized that the bull was none other than the divine bull “Nandi” that belonged to Lord Shiva. The bull was pacified after the farmers accepted to offer their first groundnut harvest to the bull. Hence eventually a temple was built for the bull. Thus commemorating the famous groundnut fair beside the temple.

The festival, known as ‘Kadalekai Parase’ in the native language, s is very popular with locals and traditionally held in the months of “Karthik” or November or December, wherein the first harvest of the crops is offered to the big bull/Nandi by the farmers.

The Basvana Gudi is a huge temple complex that houses several other famous deities such as the Dodda Ganapati, Karanji Anjaneya, Kala Bhairava, Subrahmanya, Renuka Yellama

Best time to visit: 

All year around, and enjoy the Kadlekai parse visit in Karthik Month (Nov/Dec)

Interesting facts: 

• The world-famous “Kadle kai parise” is celebrated in honor of the big bull.