Bull Temple
About Bull Temple
Far From City: 4 kms from city center
Cost:
About Bull Temple
Weather:
Time Required:1-2 hrs
Open Time:6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Cost:No entry fee
History and Legend of Bull Temple
The area in which the Bull temple is constructed was very fertile for growing rice, peanuts and groundnuts. The rich cultivation of these products was the source of living for the many farmers who had fields here. However, during harvesting season, a mighty bull would rampage through the fields and consume the produce of groundnuts. The farmers were terrified of the bull but also tired of the constant damage it was causing.
One evening, all the farmers gathered together to fight the bull when it arrived. A farmer, in his adrenaline rush, hit the bull on the head with a stick. Instead of running or panicking, the bull sat down still and turned into a statue! However, the statue started growing day by day. Intimidated by this, the villagers prayed to Lord Shiva to help them with his. Lord Shiva placed a metal plate on the head of the bull, and since then, the statue stopped growing.
Nandi and Lord Shiva
Nandi is considered a companion and guardian of Lord Shiva. But it is important to know how he acquired this stature.
A very virtuous sage Shilada, who was a doting devotee of Lord Shiva, was troubled because he couldn't conceive a child. Finally, Shilada decided to immerse himself in the prayers of Lord Shiva till the Lord grants him his wish for a child. Pleased by the sage's grit and devotion, Lord Shiva granted him his wish to father a child. The next day, sage Shilada found his beautiful baby boy in the middle of a groundnut field. He named him Nandi and raised his son to be a doted devotee of Lord Shiva. Nandi was always taught to place his faith in the great Lord Shiva.
Once, a few sages visited Shilada's abode and noticed Nandi. The sages regrettably informed Shilada of their vision that Nandi did not have a long time to live. Shilada was utterly disappointed and fell into a pit of depression. At this, young Nandi comforted his father by reminding him that all problems can be solved by placing their faith in Lord Shiva.
Nandi decided to devote his days and nights in the prayer of the lord. Lord Shiva, pleasurably surprised by the young boy's devotion, appeared before his eyes and Nandi was left spellbound. He lost himself in the light of Lord Shiva. In that moment, Nandi realized that he wanted to spend every waking moment of his life by Lord Shiva. When he requested Shiva to grant him this boon, Lord Shiva told him that he had just lost the bull he travelled on, and that Nandi could be his bull. From that moment forward, Nandi was blessed with the face of a bull and the promise of an eternity by the side of Lord Shiva.
Festivals at Bull Temple
Having witnessed the miracle of God, the people in the village were convinced that the statue of Nandi embodies a holy spirit. To honour this sacred spirit, the celebration of 'Kadalekai Parsihe' commenced. Since the legend says that the 'basava, ' i.e. the bull, used to sneak into the fields in the nights to devour all the groundnuts, the farmers of the area offer their first crop of groundnuts to Nandi.
The temple is lit with 100,000 gleaming lamps, and the entire Bull Temple Road is decorated. The road from Bugle Rock to Ramakrishna Mutt hosts the festivities with joy and delight! Vendors plop down on this road to sell groundnuts of various varieties, and everyone is just waiting to grab their first batch of crunchy nuts. The peanuts are boiled, fried, salted, spiced, sugar coated or even honey roasted; any groundnut you have in mind, you will find it here. People travel from the neighbouring states to witness this event.
This festival is celebrated on the last Monday and Tuesday of 'Kaarthik Maas'.You will also find stalls that sell toys made of mud, clay, stones, etc. There are stalls for other street food and small eats. It is an enjoyable time of the year for the locals and has become an integral part of their religious lives.
Bull Temple Timings
The temple remains open every day from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM including public holidays. No entrance fees are charged for devotees who wish to offer prayers to this powerful deity.
How to Reach Bull Temple
The closest bus stop to the Bull Temple is named after it; Bull Temple Bus Stop. It is 600 meters away from the temple which is approximately a 7-minute walk.The Bengaluru Railway Station is only 6 km away from the temple and takes about 27 minutes to reach in usual traffic. Taxis and autorickshaws frequently ply from different places in the city to this grand temple.
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