Sri Doddabasavanna Temple, also called the Big Bull Temple or Dodda Basavana Gudi, is one of the most iconic temples in Bengaluru. Dedicated to Nandi (Basava), the sacred bull and vahana of Lord Shiva, this temple was built in 1537 by Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bengaluru.
The temple houses a gigantic monolithic statue of Nandi, carved out of a single granite rock. Standing about 4.5 m tall and 6.5 m long, it is one of the largest Nandi idols in the world. Over centuries, offerings of butter, ghee, and coconut oil have given the statue its distinct dark appearance. Within the premises, there is also a unique shrine where a Lord Ganesha idol made of butter (benne) is crafted every four years, and later distributed as prasadam to devotees.
The temple surroundings are enhanced by the lush greenery of Bugle Rock Park, making it both a spiritual and serene space. Every year, the temple becomes the focal point of the famous Kadalekai Parishe (Groundnut Fair), held on the last Monday and Tuesday of the Karthika month, where farmers from across Karnataka offer their first groundnut harvest to Nandi.
Location: Sri Doddabasavanna Temple (Big Bull Temple), Bull Temple Road, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru
Timings:
Morning: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Evening: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
