Bull Temple Bangalore: Home to the Sacred Monolithic Nandi and a Timeless Symbol of Devotion

Shiva Bhakt or not, everybody needs to visit the Big Bull Temple Bangalore at least once. The 488-year-old temple holds a significant cultural and religious prominence!

Its magnetism is tied to the enigmatic architecture of the temple and the mystery behind the Nandi statue. Also known as Dodda Basaavana Gudi (Big Bull Temple), it holds secrets of centuries, exploring which is an exciting task. 

Unfold all the details about Sri Big Bull Temple Timings, location, festivals, nearby attractions, Bull Temple history, and much more going forward. 

Bull Temple Bangalore History 

Located in the bustling city of Basavanagudi in Bangalore, the Big Bull Temple has stood the test of time for 488 years. Encoded in its carvings is a reflection of our lives during the Vijayanagara Empire, as it has several elements indicating the same in its architecture. 

The temple, in particular, celebrates Nandi, the sacred vaahan of lord Shiva. Every year it rises up to its zenith with religious processions during festivals associated with Shiva & Shakti. 

Today, Sri Bull Temple stands as a symbol of faith in the divine forces and is significant to the farmers of the region due to the lore associated with its foundation. 

Big Bull Temple History and Timeless Legends 

As far as the legend of Big Bull Temple Basavanagudi, goes, it is a tale about reaffirming faith in the invisible forces of the universe. Big Bull Temple history took root along with groundnuts and peanuts, flowering from the fertile womb of the farmlands of Basavanagudi. 

A giant, chaotic bull would leave the fields in a dilapidated state, which left the farmers in financial distress. Soon enough, the farmers built the Big Bull Temple in hopes of saving themselves from the wrath of the wild animal. 

The mayhem stopped on one hand to some respite, while the statue placed in the Nandi Temple kept growing on the other. Prayers were made, praises of Lord Shiva were sung, and sure enough, the solution showed up. 

Placing a trishul (trident) on the monolithic Nandi’s head stopped the statue from growing. The lore reaffirms many’s faith in the lord, and this very trust brings peace to the heart while standing amid chaos. 

Big Bull Temple Bangalore, is thus revered the same even in today’s day and age, for its connotation that every ordinary man needs to hear– ”peace follows after every storm”.     

The architecture of places as ancient as the Bull Temple tells more elaborate stories than the tales associated with them. Find the details about its beautiful architectural elements in the next section. 

The Glory of Sri Big Bull Temple’s Architecture 

Bull Temple Bangalore is a stunning example of Dravidian-Vijayanagara style architecture, laden with elements from the previous empires–Cholas, Chalukyas, Pandayas, and the Hoysalas. 

A marvelous sight to see is the Nandi idol carved out of a single cut rock, making the monolithic structure a masterpiece. Stone-carved idols such as this have to be preserved from the forces of nature (withering) by constant application of oil, which has turned the color of the Nandi from gray to black. 

Intricately carved Vimana and pillared halls all speak volumes about the philosophy of Vijayanagara style architecture. 

Be sure to plan your visit around the right time of the year, as the memes about unpredictable Bangalore weather are certainly true! 

Sri Big Bull Temple Timings & Best Time To Visit for a Divine Experience 

The Bull Temple, Basavanagudi timings remain the same every day with two slots for devotees to visit. Big Bull Temple timings for the morning session are 8 am to 12 pm. 

If you’re planning your visit around evening, Bull Temple Bangalore timings for the second half of the day are 5 pm to 8 pm. Moreover, entry to the temple is free for all!

Also, in case you’ve been inquiring about the Bull Temple timings today, quit the struggle as the timings remain the same everyday. 

What is the Best Time to Visit the Big Bull Temple Basavanagudi?

A note for all the readers who aren’t fellow Bangaloreans–the best time to visit the Nandi Temple is between October to February. During this time, the weather in Bangalore is usually less humid than in other months and perfect for walking around. 

The best time to witness the opulence of any prominent place is generally to visit during the festive period. 

Tip:- Avoid visiting during the afternoon hours, as the afternoon weather is mostly hot in Bangalore, and to avoid large crowds. 

Festivals Celebrated at the Big Bull Temple Bangalore 

One of the most prominent and widely popular festivals celebrated at the Sri Bull Temple is Kadalekai Parishe. The list goes on to include Maha Shivratri, Karthika Deepotsava, Karaga, and Pradosham as well. 

Here’s more about their significance and the time of the year they’re celebrated: 

• Karthika Deepotsava: Since it is a Nandi temple, it is quite obvious that the festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva are celebrated in full force! Quite like the Karthika Deepotsava celebrated in October/November, and Mahashivaratri. 

• Kadalekai Parishe: The Kannada words in the festival’s name translate to “Groundnut Fair”, which is the prime crop here. This is why Kadalekai Parishe is the most popular festival in Basavanagudi in Bangalore that goes on for 3 days, and is celebrated annually during November–December.

• Karaga: Karaga is a festival unique to Bangalore, centered around Droupadamma or Droupadi, one of the protagonists from the epic of Mahabharata. It is celebrated during March/April, which is also a good time to visit Bangalore. 

Kadalekai Parishe–The Prime Festival of Basavanagudi Bull Temple

Every year, farmers from all over the state offer their first harvest of the crops to the Nandi temple. A lively fair is held, and the streets near the temple are filled with stalls set up by people selling fresh groundnuts, boiled as well as unboiled, and fried groundnuts.

There are also traditional bangles, bags, and lots of delicious food. Entry is free and no ticket is required to attend this fair. For about five centuries, this widely celebrated festival hasn’t lost its roots and is a must-attend.  

As per the Hindu calendar, this festival is annually held on the last Monday of the Karthika month (October/November). This is why the dates may vary every year.

I bet these festivals have made your decision about visiting the temple more solid. In the next section, find several ways to reach the Bull Temple. 

How To Reach Bull Temple? 

If you’ve noticed, the location of the Big Bull Temple Basavanagudi is sort of in its name itself, making it easily navigable. Since it is well-connected to the rest of the city, getting here won’t be a task, especially once you’ve gone through the information mentioned below:

• By Air: The Bull Temple distance from Kempegowda International Airport is around 40 kilometers, which is the nearest.  

• By Railways and Metro: Those planning to reach here via railways must get off at Bengaluru City Junction Railway Station. For further convenience, you may choose the metro and get off at the National College Station, located 2 km away from the temple. 

• By Bus: The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses are regular and are conveniently available. Some of the nearest bus stations to the Bull Temple include Hanumanthanagara Ward Office, Ganesha Bhavan, and N.R Colony. 

• By Road: If you are traveling by car, make sure to avoid traffic and use the GPS to make your travel easier.  

Bull Temple Bangalore Location, Address & Contact

The easiest way to reach here is to remember the Bull Temple Road Bangalore, or Bull Temple Road Basavanagudi, as the landmark, and you can even make it to the temple without a map! 

However, here are all the details about the Bull Temple Bangalore, like location, contact, and address for better accessibility: 

Address: Bull Temple Road, NR Colony, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru – 560004

Bull Temple Phone Number: +91 8026678777 

Some Attractions and Places to Visit Near the Bull Temple

After you soak in the devotional atmosphere of the Bull Temple Basavanagudi, you can also find some of Bangalore’s most charming attractions, such as the green and luscious Bull Temple Park and bustling markets near the temple.

Here are a few popular places and attractions you can explore near the Bull Temple: 

Shree Dodda Ganpathi Temple located in Basavanagudi, is similar to Dodda Basavana Gudi due to the monolithic idols being the standout element of the temple. 

If you’ve been paying attention, both have the word “Dodda” in their name, which is Kannada for “big”. Hence, the name suggests that the temple is dedicated to Big Ganesha.  

A more shocking fact is that the idol is carved out of 100 kg of actual butter, which surprisingly does not melt even on the most humid days!

Located at a distance of 4 km from the temple, Bugle Rock Garden is a must-visit. Once you take a stroll between the lush trees, it will be clear why it is often referred to as a Walker’s Paradise.  

The best time to visit this garden could be in the evening, after 4 pm, and entry is absolutely free. You can use your time to relax here and admire the images of popular and significant personalities like Masti Venkatesh Iyengar, Sir M. Visvesvaraya, D.V Gundappa, and many more, on the walls of the garden.

Govardhana Temple is worth visiting due to its beautiful structure that resembles a cave. The theme of the temple, inspired by the tale of Sri Krishna lifting Mount Govardhana, is visible throughout the premises.

Visiting this temple with the Sri Big Bull Temple wouldn’t be a task, as it is barely 5 minutes away. It is open from 6 am to 8:30 pm, with no charges for entry, which leaves no reason to skip exploring this devotional haven!

Lalbagh Botanical Garden is known for its mesmerizing views, where you can drench in the calmness of its lake, and sit in a corner, admiring its flora and fauna. 

Do not miss the famous glasshouse, inspired by London’s Crystal Palace. The wide variety of species of flowers calls for a flower show, which is held twice a year and boasts the most breathtaking displays. 

Since the entry fee is a minimal amount of Rs. 25 for everyone above 12 years, everybody can witness its beauty. It is open every day from 5 am to 7 pm.   

Gandhi Bazaar is not only one of the biggest and oldest markets in Bangalore, but also one that has everything from puja essentials to clothes. The best restaurants near the Bull Temple are located in this market. 

Visit the market between 6 am and 9 pm, and don’t miss out on the famous masala dosa from Vidhyarthi Bhawan!

If you have some extra time while exploring Bangalore, there are several nearby attractions worth visiting for a perfect blend of spectacular views and excitement. Here are a few popular spots to consider:

• Nandi Hills 
• Hesarghatta Lake
• Shri Ghati Subrahmanya Temple
• Fun World 

It is natural to have built a lot of curiosity about the temple and its surroundings after reading so much about it. Move to the next section to witness the beauty of the Bull Temple Bangalore. 

Bull Temple Bangalore Photos

Curious about what the Bull Temple really looks like? These photos will give you a glimpse into its beautiful architecture and the peaceful devotional atmosphere that brings the temple to life.

With the pictures revealed, let’s look at a few facts about the temple, its idols, and the prominent festivals in the next section. 

Interesting Facts About the Bull Temple 

Along with its rich history and legend, the Bull Temple also holds some interesting facts that make it even more fascinating. Let’s check them out:  

• The idol of Nandi is not covered by a roof, which adds to its striking appearance and also highlights the massive scale of the statue.

• Kadalekai Parishe, also known as the Groundnut fair, is about 500 years old and is still celebrated with the same enthusiasm and liveliness to this day. 

• In Nandi Temple, the idol of Nandi is built with just a single large granite boulder, which makes it an incredible and unique attraction to see. 

• The Bull temple has one of the largest monolithic statues of Nandi in the world.

Hoping that I’ve given you an informative overview of the temple, let’s move to the summary before bidding adieu. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the Bull Temple Bangalore is not just a place of worship; it’s also a timeless and classic blend of legend, history, spirituality, and rich local culture. 

With bustling markets, scenic views of gardens, and other local temples around the temple, you can have a devotional and delightful experience here. 

Whether you are drawn in by the monolithic Nandi idol, the centuries-old architecture, or the vibrancy of Kadalekai Parishe, the Nandi temple offers a unique glimpse into the soul of the Garden City.