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"Groundnuts are fully grown underneath the soil, all the farmers are preparing for the harvest. Meanwhile, they are also worried about a rogue bull which is harming the crops. This time, they have planned to chase it away together. Finally, the bull comes to munch on the groundnuts and farmers start scaring it away. It runs away and sits on the village stone slab under a big banyan tree. People come near to see and realise that the bull has turned into a stone."
Nandi Statue in Bull Temple
Photo Courtesy: Matteo
Well, the folklore of Dodda Basavana Gudi (Nandi Temple) is very interesting. True to the story we can find one of the largest Nandi Statues here. Temples on either side of the busy street dotted with tall trees; a sign of old Bangalore, invites you to Basavanagudi area. Perched in the backdrop of a green rocky park, the age old heritage Dodda Ganeshana Gudi is the soul of Bengaluru.
Entrance of Dodda Ganesha Temple
Photo Courtesy: Mallikarjunasj
'Dodda' in Kannada means big, the monolithic idol of Ganesha is the most revered deity. Be it a new vehicle or a muhurta (beginning) of a new film, everything starts with this temple in the city. Dodda Ganesha along with the Bull Temple is the reminder of Bangalore's glorious past.
It is a common Hindu tradition to start any new work with the blessings of elephant-headed God Ganapathi. In Bengaluru, most important events begin with Dodda Ganapathi Temple located in Basavanagudi.
Gopuram of Bull Temple
Photo Courtesy: Sankalp Varshney
The inner sanctum with the idol of Dodda Ganesha is visible from the entrance. Foot wears are left outside before entering the premises. Right next to Ganesha Temple, there is an elevated path which takes you to the Bull Temple.
Bull Temple
It is believed that the Nandi idol has grown over the years. To stop it from growing further, they have put a wooden plank on the head which is seen even today.
Bugle Rock Park
Photo Courtesy: Sarvagnya
Bugle Rock
Bugle Rock is an old park where Kempe Gowda's (founder of the city) army used to blow the bugle. This park is one of the favourite attractions in Bengaluru. Bugle Rock is just behind Dodda Ganeshana Gudi.
Kadlekai Parshe (Groundnut Fair)
Annual 3-day Groundnut fair is one of the most happening events in the city. Kadlekai Parshe is colourful and exciting. The fair happens near the temple and even traffic is blocked during those days.
A trip to Bengaluru is incomplete if you don't visit Dodda Ganeshana Gudi. It is a popular belief that Dodda Ganapathi is the protector of the city. People have a great devotion and love towards this shrine and the gigantic idol of Ganapati makes you fall in love with him instantaneously
