Bull Temple

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The exquisite Bull temple was built under the direction of Kempe Gowda, the founder and designer of Bangalore in the 16th century AD. The temple is placed in Basavanagudi and is one of the primitive temples of Bangalore. Bull is an auspicious creature and said to be the vehicle of Lord Shiva. The Bull temple of Bangalore houses a 4.5 m high and 6.5 m wide statue of Nandi Bull. It is said that the idol had been carved out of a single rock. There is an iron plate placed on the head of the bull, which according to a parable prevents the bull from growing further. There are many other interesting facts and legends associated with the origin of the temple. It is believed that the temple was built to dulcify a bull who used to play havoc in the groundnut fields of the farmers. After the temple was built , the bull got appeased and stopped destroying the farms of the farmers. It is since then that the farmers celebrate the first peanut crop of the year with due reverence and visit the bull temple to seek blessings of the bull god. The splendid backdrop of the temple offers views of God Surya and Goddess Chandra on their chariots. Bull temple has been designed in the Dravidian style of architecture and serves as one of the most sought after tourist attractions in Bangalore.