One of the most popular temples in Karnataka, Bull temple is placed on the southern end of Bull Temple Road in Bangalore. The temple, perched atop Bungle Hill, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its main attraction is a huge image of Nandi bull, the vehicle of the Lord. It is said that the temple was constructed in 1537 by Kempe Gowda.
Nandi Bull Statue
The main attraction at the temple is a colossal image of Nandi bull, the vehicle of Lord Shiva. The height of this huge image is 5 m and the width of 6 meters. It is said that this monolithic statue is made even before the temple. This status is made from a single granite stone. The devotees who visit the temple smear coconut oil on the statue, and so from its original grey color, it has turned black. Mythology says the feet of Nandi is the originating point of Vishwa Bharathi River. Behind the statue is a Shiva Lingam.
In same way as the other temples, there is a story behind its construction. It is said that the temple was made to pacify an angry bull that was ready to destroy the whole groundnut field. Locals say that the statue keeps growing in size. The forehead of the bull status also has a trident, which probably was kept here by Lord Shiva so that the statue doesn’t grows further.
Bull temple, Basavangudi has Dravidian style of architecture. Quite close to this temple, there is another temple, dedicated to Lors Ganesha, known as Dodda Ganesha.
Annual Festival
The annual festival of the Bull Temple is Kadalekaye Parishe (Groundnut Fair), which is organized in the month of November or December. During the festival, the farmers offer their first crop harvest to the bull as an act of gratefulness.
