The Nandi referred to is a sacred Hindu demi-god, known as Nandi Nandi is a close devotee and attendant of Shiva. Dodda Basavana Gudi is said to be the biggest temple to Nandi in the world. The stone cult image of Nandi is continually covered with new layers of butter, benne in the local language of Kannada. There is a cult image of the elephant-headed Hindu deity son of shiva Ganesha close by.
Shrine’s History
The temple was built in 1537 by Kempe Gowda under the Vijayanagara empire in the Vijayanagara architectural style, he also founded the city of Bangalore. The temple is named after the large granite Nandi monolith placed on a plinth in the temple shrine which has become blackened from years of being rubbed with charcoal and oil. The temple is a small one, consisting only of the shrine fronted by a porch in the Vijayanagara style. The current tower (vimana) over the shrine was constructed in the early 20th century and is adorned with Saivite figures and motifs.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
It is said to house one of the largest Nandi murthis in the world. The height of the murthi is approximately 15 ft (4.6 m) and it is approximately 20 feet (6.1 m) long.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Bangalore is well-connected by a network of buses from cities like Goa, Mumbai, Pune, Coimbatore and Mangalore. The options range from regular buses to air-conditioned, Volvo and sleeper coaches.
By Rail
Bangalore has two important railway stations – Bengaluru City Railway Station and Yeswantpur Junction. Both railway stations have regular trains running from Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and other major cities.
By Air
Bangalore is extremely well-connected by regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai and most other important cities in India and also has international carriers flowing in and out of the Bengaluru International Airport.
Shrine Timings
6:00 AM – 12:00 PM 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Shivratri
