SEE: Bangalore, Bull Temple
04. Mar, 2010 
1 Comment
The Bull Temple of Bangalore is adjacent from Dodda Ganesha Temple, a short walk up the hill. Tourists traveling by car & driver are smart to leave their shoes in the car as they exit given both temples require you to remove your shoes. If traveling by bus or walking, bring a cheap pair of sandals that can be left at the entrance to the temple(s). Both are easily reachable by walking along the paved sidewalks though be sure to look out for the high volume of bird poo. There are no feet washing stations so you might think to bring wet wipes if you’re bothered by the dirt.
There is no entry fee and non-hindus are welcome.
What it is
Located in the Basavanagudi region of Bangalore, the Bull temple is one of the prominent landmarks of the city. The name Basavanagudi literally translates to mean “The Temple of the Bull”. Dedicated to Nandi, the mount of Lord Shiva, the Bull temple was built by Kempe Gowda in the 16th century. The majestic structure of Nandi, 15 feet tall and over 20 feet long, has been carved out of a single granite rock.
Outside the corridors of the Bull Temple, there is huge 20 ft high pillar which has its base adorned with relief figures on all sides. One figure is of special interest which shows a male playing a string instrument facing the Big Bull.
Legends abound regarding the origin of the magnificent bull carved in a crouching position. The surrounding area of the temple was inhabited by groundnut growing farmers and a bull used to graze on the flourishing groundnut crop. Enraged at the loss caused by the bull, a farmer hit the bull with a club which was transformed into a stone. Stunned by this event, the worried farmers built a temple to appease the bull of Lord Shiva, Nandi.
Thus originated the practice of farmers offering their first crop of groundnut as an offering to the bull. The occasion gradually metamorphosed into the famous the Kadalekayi Parishe (The Groundnut fair), which is held in the month of November. Every year, during the fair farmers offer their first crop of groundnut to the sacred bull of the temple. Source- Bharatonline.com
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The Bull Temple is situated in Bangalore – the capital of Karnataka. The sculpture of bull is the holy deity in the temple, also known as “Nandi Temple”. The gigantic bull measuring 4.57m in height and 6.10 m in length is carved out of a single rock. It is a sculptural magnum opus.
This Bull Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s Vahana (vehicle), Nandi the bull. Large number of devotees visits the enormous monolithic statue of the sitting bull every day.
The Bull temple is full of liveliness during the Shivratri festival.
Non Hindus are not allowed in the temple. There are continuous festive celebrations throughout the year assisted by the musical programs held in the temple premises.