The Bull Temple is one of Bangalore's oldest temples, which was built in honor of Nandi, the mount of Lord Shiva. The Bull Temple of Bangalore stands on Bungle Hill. The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture and is one of the major Bangalore attractions. The temple built by Kempe Gowda dates back to the 16th century. Various ceremonies take place in the temple premises, which is frequented by devotees from every corner of India. Persons following Hindu religion are only allowed to enter the temple premises.
Location
This 16th century Dravidian temple is located in Basavanagudi, Bangalore. Basavanagudi is situated on the Bungle Hill, which is at the southern end of Bull Temple Road.
About the Bull Temple
The Bull Temple was built by Kempe Gowda in the 16th century. Basavanagudi means 'The Temple of the Bull'. The temple is built of granite rock. The monolithic bull, which is locally known as Basava, is 6 meters long and 4.5 meters tall. It is said that the bull is older than the temple. The outside of the temple is adorned
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by a tall monolithic pillar, which is 20 feet high.The base of the pillar features relief figures on all four sides. The figure of a man plying a stringed instrument is one of the principal attractions within the temple. There is a trident on the head of the bull's statue. The Bull temple of Bangalore also houses a Ganesh temple, where the deity is made of butter. It is also believed that Visva Bharati River originated under the feet of the Lord Ganesh.
Events Held
The Bull Temple bears a small history. It is believed that the adjoining area was an irrigated land, where groundnuts were cultivated. Once a bull started grazing in the field and ate the groundnut crops. To stop him a farmer hit the bull with a club. As a result the bull sat and turned into a stone. From then the bull started growing bigger and bigger. The frightened farmer prayed to Lord Shiva, who told them to place a trident on the growing bull's head. The farmer did accordingly and the bull stopped growing. From then on the farmers have been offering their first crop to the bull, which became a tradition with the passing time. This offering of the first crop was turned into a festival and thus came into being the Kadalekayi Parishe or the groundnut fair. This fair is held in the month of November and is the main event of the place, held in honor of the sacred bull.
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