What to expect
Highlights
- The giant monolithic Nandi, darkened by centuries of oil and charcoal anointing.
- The 16th-century Kempe Gowda-era Dravidian temple architecture.
- The annual Kadalekai Parishe groundnut fair around the temple.
Bull Temple
The Bull Temple, or Dodda Basavana Gudi, in Basavanagudi enshrines one of the largest Nandi (bull) idols in the world — a single monolithic granite figure about 4.5 m tall and 6 m long, believed to have been carved in the 16th century under the Bengaluru founder Kempe Gowda.
Practical guide
Plan Bull Temple
Typetemple
Nearest baseSouth Bengaluru
Best timeOctober to February
Time needed30 to 45 minutes
EntryFree
Nearest town/baseSouth Bengaluru
DistrictBengaluru Urban
Place typetemple
Time needed30 to 45 minutes; more during the fair.
The Bull Temple, or Dodda Basavana Gudi, in Basavanagudi enshrines one of the largest Nandi (bull) idols in the world — a single monolithic granite figure about 4.5 m tall and 6 m long, believed to have been carved in the 16th century under the Bengaluru founder Kempe Gowda.
The Dravidian-style temple is a living Shiva shrine and the focus of the annual Kadalekai Parishe (groundnut fair) each November–December, when the surrounding streets fill with groundnut sellers and pilgrims.
Visiting
Bull Temple — at a glance
Timings6:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (approx)
Best timeOctober to February; mornings and evenings
Entry: Free
Getting here
How to reach Bull Temple
National College metro (Green Line), Basavanagudi
Kadalekai Parishe groundnut fair in Nov–Dec.
Getting there
How to visit
- In Basavanagudi, South Bengaluru; the National College metro station (Green Line), autos and buses are close, and it pairs with Bugle Rock next door.
- Remove footwear at the shrine and follow the queue for darshan.
Distance by road
- Mysuru145 km
- Chennai350 km
- Hyderabad570 km
- Mangaluru350 km
- Coimbatore365 km
Road km to Bengaluru Urban; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Timing
Best time
October to February; the Kadalekai Parishe (Nov–Dec) is the liveliest but crowded. Mornings and evenings are cooler.
Weather in Bull TempleSeasonal guide
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Visitor notes
- Free entry; modest dress and footwear removal at the shrine. Photography rules vary — ask at the temple.
Safety
Good to know
On the map
Where Bull Temple is
Photos
Bull Temple in pictures
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What’s near Bull Temple
Good to know
Bull Temple — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Bull Temple?
October to February; the Kadalekai Parishe (Nov–Dec) is the liveliest but crowded. Mornings and evenings are cooler.
What are the entry fee and timings at Bull Temple?
Entry: Free. Timings: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (approx). Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Bull Temple?
In Basavanagudi, South Bengaluru; the National College metro station (Green Line), autos and buses are close, and it pairs with Bugle Rock next door. Remove footwear at the shrine and follow the queue for darshan.
How much time do I need for Bull Temple?
30 to 45 minutes; more during the fair.
What else is near Bull Temple?
Nearby you can pair Dodda Ganesha Temple (80 m), Bugle Rock Park (330 m), Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple (780 m), Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace (1.9 km).
Read next
More stories, legends & guides from Bengaluru Urban
Image credits
- Bull Temple:Smuconlaw, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0