Bull Temple (Dodda Basavana Gudi)
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, Karnataka
Temple
Vijayanagara / Dravidian Architecture
Vijayanagara Empire
Protected Monument of State Importance (Karnataka Arch. Dept.).
Year Built
1537
Built By
Kempe Gowda I (Vijayanagara feudatory, 16th century)
Patronage
Vijayanagara Empire, Kempe Gowda's lineage
Bull Temple (Dodda Basavana Gudi)
overview
Overview data: 0% complete
Heritage Overview
Temple
Bull Temple (Dodda Basavana Gudi)
Located in Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka, the Bull Temple is famous for housing one of the largest monolithic Nandi (Shiva's bull mount) statues in the world. Carved from a single granite rock, the massive Nandi is about 4.6 meters tall and 6.1 meters long. Built in the 16th century by Kempe Gowda I in the Dravidian style, the temple attracts numerous devotees and tourists. It's particularly famous for the Kadalekai Parishe (groundnut fair) held annually near the temple grounds, a local tradition.
Location
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India(Karnataka)
Year Built
1537
Visit Information
Visiting Hours
Approx. 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM, Daily.
Entry Fee
Free entry.
Heritage Status
Protected Monument of State Importance (Karnataka Arch. Dept.).
Preservation Status
Good, State maintained monument.
Historical Context
Built by Kempe Gowda I, a Vijayanagara feudatory chieftain and founder of Bengaluru, in the 16th century Dravidian style. The massive Nandi monolith is central to its history, possibly inspired by similar large sculptures at Vijayanagara (Hampi) or Lepakshi. Local legend connects its origin to appease a bull raiding groundnut crops, leading to the annual Kadalekai Parishe (groundnut fair), a tradition historically linking agriculture, trade, and worship at the temple site. It stands as a testament to Bengaluru's founding era and Vijayanagara artistic influence.
Archaeological Survey
Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, Karnataka.
Location Map
Architectural Details
Vijayanagara / Dravidian Architecture
Vijayanagara Empire
Built by
Kempe Gowda I (Vijayanagara feudatory, 16th century)
Materials
Granite
Dimensions
Height4.6m
Width6.1m
Length6.1m
Featured Image
Excavation Details
State protected monument. No major excavations reported. Archaeological significance lies in its large monolithic Nandi statue and Dravidian architecture, attributed to Kempe Gowda I (Vijayanagara era, c. 1537 CE).
Restoration Work
State Dept. led upkeep and preservation.
Patronage
Vijayanagara Empire, Kempe Gowda's lineage
Construction Technique
Stone masonry, Carving
Architectural Influences
2 items
Building Techniques
Monolithic carving (Nandi statue), Pillared hall construction
Coordinates
12.941800, 77.571400
Accessibility Info
{"notes":"Located within Bugle Rock park. Temple accessible via steps primarily. Park pathways may be accessible.","restrooms":"Available in park area","wheelchair_accessible":"Limited (steps to temple)"}
Visitor Facilities
4 items
Best Visit Times
Weather in Bengaluru is generally pleasant year-round. The Kadalekai Parishe (Groundnut Fair) period (Nov/Dec) offers a unique cultural experience but is extremely crowded. For peaceful darshan, early mornings (around 6-7 AM) are best.
Seasonal Events
2 items
Visitor Restrictions
Modest dress code is appropriate for a place of worship. Footwear must be removed before entering the temple structure. Photography is generally permitted in the outer areas. Be prepared for large crowds during the Kadalekai Parishe.
View Count
3
Is Featured
Yes
Is Published
Yes
Completion Score
72
Completion Status
in-progress
Created By
68408625-44a5-46e3-b746-71290aac1079
Created At
2025-04-28T08:04:19.982836+00:00
Updated At
2025-04-28T08:04:19.982836+00:00