Dodda Ganapathi Temple, Basavanagudi – Bengaluru’s Monolithic Ganesha Shrine

Location

Temple Name: Dodda Ganapathi Temple (also known as Dodda Ganesha Temple)
Address: Bull Temple Road, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Accessibility: Well-connected by BMTC buses, autos, and cabs; ~5 km from Majestic Bus Station and ~6 km from Bengaluru City Railway Station

Deities

Temple Significance

Historical Legacy: Built in the 16th century by Kempe Gowda, founder of Bengaluru, under the Vijayanagara Empire
Architectural Style: Vijayanagara architecture with a simple shrine and porch; later additions include Saivite motifs on the vimana
Spiritual Importance:

Lord Ganesha is worshipped here as the remover of obstacles and bestower of prosperity
The butter-covered idol is believed to fulfill wishes and bring peace

Cultural Magnet: A must-visit for locals and tourists alike, especially during festivals
Annual Festival: Kadalekaayi Parishe (Groundnut Fair) held during Karthika Maasa (November–December), where farmers offer groundnuts to the deity in gratitude

History & Legends

Built by Kempe Gowda: The temple dates back to the 16th century, constructed by Kempe Gowda I, the founder of Bengaluru, under the patronage of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Dodda Ganapathi Idol Discovery: According to local legend, the massive idol of Lord Ganesha was discovered naturally formed from a rock on the hill. Kempe Gowda ordered its consecration and built a shrine around it.
Kadalekaayi Parishe Origin: The nearby Dodda Basavana Gudi (Bull Temple) is linked to the groundnut harvest legend, where farmers began offering groundnuts to Nandi and Ganesha in gratitude—leading to the annual Kadalekaayi Parishe (Groundnut Fair).

Architecture

Style: Vijayanagara architecture with simple yet majestic features
Main Idol: A monolithic 18-foot tall and 16-foot wide Ganesha carved from a single stone, making it one of the largest in Karnataka
Temple Layout:

Modest sanctum with a frontal porch (mandapa)
Later additions include Saivite motifs and decorative elements on the vimana (tower)

Rituals

The temple follows traditional Ganapathi puja vidhanam, with daily and special offerings:

Suprabhata Seva: Early morning awakening of the deity
Abhishekam: Sacred bathing with water, milk, and other offerings
Archana & Alankara: Floral decoration and chanting of Ganesha’s names
Naivedyam: Offering of fruits, sweets, and groundnuts
Butter Alankara: Idol is occasionally covered in layers of butter (benne), especially during special pujas

Sankashti Chaturthi Puja: Monthly ritual observed with fasting and special darshan
Ganesh Chaturthi: Celebrated with grandeur, including cultural programs and mass offerings
Kadalekaayi Parishe: Unique groundnut offering ritual during Karthika Maasa

Festivals Celebrated

Ganesh Chaturthi: The temple becomes a hub of devotion with elaborate decorations, music, and thousands of devotees offering modaks and coconuts.
Kadalekaayi Parishe (Groundnut Fair):

Held annually in November–December during Karthika Maasa
Farmers from across Karnataka offer the first harvest of groundnuts to Lord Ganesha
The fair spans several days, turning Basavanagudi into a festive marketplace

Sankashti Chaturthi: Monthly observance with special darshan and butter decoration
Other Observances: Ugadi, Deepavali, and Navaratri are marked with devotional fervor

Beliefs & Devotional Significance

Obstacle Remover: Devotees believe that worshipping Dodda Ganapathi removes hurdles in personal and professional life
Butter Offering: Symbolizes purity and surrender; devotees offer butter for wish fulfillment
Groundnut Offering: Farmers believe that offering the first harvest ensures prosperity and divine protection
Local Guardian: Considered the guardian deity of Basavanagudi, invoked during new ventures and community events
Legendary Idol: The naturally formed monolithic idol is believed to be Swayambhu (self-manifested), enhancing its spiritual potency

Temple Hours

Special Days: Extended hours during Ganesh Chaturthi, Sankashti Chaturthi, and Kadalekaayi Parishe

Getting Here

By Road

Local Transport: BMTC buses, autos, and cabs are easily available. Nearest bus stop: Bull Temple Circle

Tips

Best Time to Visit: Early morning for peaceful darshan or evening for butter alankara and lighting

Carry Essentials: Water bottle, umbrella (especially during Kadalekaayi Parishe), and comfortable footwear
Combine with Nearby Attractions:

Photography: Allowed in outer premises; restricted inside sanctum
Stay Options: Budget hotels and heritage stays available in Basavanagudi and Jayanagar
Festival Days: Expect large crowds during Ganesh Chaturthi and Groundnut Fair; plan early arrival