In Bengaluru’s Basavanagudi sits the Shree Dodda Ganapathi Temple. Lord Ganesh is said to be the deity of prosperity. Locals adorn him in butter to seek relief from their problems. This temple is a spiritual haven. With lush greenery as a backdrop, the temple is a cultural hub. It highlights the centuries-old history of Bengaluru city. Whether you want to appreciate the Dravidian architecture or seek solace, this temple is a must-visit.
About Shree Dodda Ganapathi Temple
Shree Dodda Ganapathi Temple’s history traces back to the Vijayanagara Empire. Under the leadership of Kempe Gowda I, the temple was constructed. The local legend states that the idol of Lord Ganesh was found by coincidence. Kempe Gowda was overseeing the construction of the Bull Temple until he discovered the idol. He viewed the appearance of the idol as auspicious. Therefore, he decided to build a temple around the idol. He faced quite a few obstacles while constructing the temple. But said to have been guided by the lord in this period.
What makes the temple special is the idol itself. Standing at a height of 18 feet and 16 feet tall, this is one of the largest monolithic statues in Bengaluru. What’s even more special is that the idol is carved out of a single stone. The temple is a vital part of Bengaluru’s spiritual and cultural landscape.
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Shree Dodda Ganapathi Temple Timings
Shree Dodda Ganapathi Temple timings are as follows:
Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Evening: 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Aarti Timings
Aarti is performed twice daily at the temple. The Shree Dodda Ganapathi Temple timings for aarti are:
Morning Aarti: Around 7:00 AM
Evening Aarti: Around 7:00 PM
Entry Fee
There is no entry fee to visit Shree Dodda Ganapathi Temple.
Shree Dodda Ganapathi Temple Architecture
Shree Dodda Ganapathi Temple is an architectural gem. If you want to appreciate the traditional South Indian architecture, this is the temple to start with. The architecture of the temple is a marvel to look at. The rich heritage of the state is reflected in every intricate design. These depict local cultures and religious practices. Beyond that, the Temple architecture is in Dravidian style. Pillars and towers are carved intricately and are decorated with sculptures. You can see the different deities, floral patterns and mythological scenes in these designs. The purpose of doing so is to narrate a story. The courtyard has granite flooring which stays cool throughout the summer season.
The main sanctum is always filled with devotees. This is where you will find the idol of Lord Ganesh. The giant monolith of Lord Ganesh is a standout. Carved from a single granite stone, it is 18 metres tall and 16 feet wide. During the Butter Alankar festival, the idol’s intricate designs are highlighted. In this part of the temple, you will not find many intricate designs. The focus was to highlight the idol rather than decorations. There are shrines for other deities as well. These include Lord Shiva, Lord Subramanya and Goddess Parvati. The temple also has a sacred tank. It is known as the Kalyani. It is used for ritual purposes. The steps of the Kalyani are made from stone. It adds to the aesthetics of the temple. You will find a lot of Sanskrit and Kannada inscriptions at this temple. These serve as a valuable tool for maintaining historical records!
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Best Time To Visit The Temple
The best time to visit Shree Dodda Ganapathi Temple is during the early morning or late evening. You will be able to avoid huge crowds at the temple. Bengaluru is famous for its pleasant weather. Therefore, you can visit the temple year-round. While October to February are cooler months, March to May can get a little humid.
Afternoons are hot, so you should not visit the temple during this time. It is best to visit the temple between 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM. You can be done with your darshan and participate in the aarti. This is a time when the temple is the most serene and quiet. Even with some people in the temple, you will not be disturbed.
There are two special occasions that are celebrated at the Shree Dodda Ganapathi Temple. One is Ganesh Chaturthi and the other is the Butter Alankars festival. If you can, plan your visit during the Butter Alankar festival. This is an annual feast where the idol of Lord Ganesh is covered with at least 100 kilograms of butter! While you can carry your camera inside the temple, you cannot take pictures of the main sanctum. Photography is prohibited in that section. However, you can gain permission from the authorities to click some shots.
How To Reach
Shree Dodda Ganapathi Temple location is well-connected to all major locations. You use the following ways to get to the temple:
By Bus: BMTC buses frequently run to Basavanagudi from different parts of the city. The closest bus stop to Shree Dodda Ganapathi Temple location is Basavanagudi Bus Station.
By Metro: The nearest metro station is the National College Metro Station. You can walk to the Shree Dodda Ganapathi Temple from there.
By Taxi/ Auto-Rickshaw: Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available throughout the city.
By Car: If you are driving, Basavanagudi is easily accessible via major roads. Parking facilities are available near the temple. It can get limited during peak hours or festivals.
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Shree Dodda Ganapathi Temple is a spiritual haven. It is also a work of fabulous craftsmanship. The monolith at the temple has stood the test of time. Plan your trip to Bangalore and immerse yourself in local stories about the temple. You can also explore the architecture of the temple in depth. This divine location is a must-visit in Bangalore.
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Cover Image Credit: ANKAN for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Shree Dodda Ganapathi Temple
What is the importance of S͏hree Dodda Gana͏p͏athi Temple?
Shree Dodda Ganapathi Temple͏ is a cultural landmark. It reflects the rich heritage and traditions of Karnataka.
Shree Dodda Ganapathi Temple- When was it built?
Shree Dodda Ganapathi Temple's history suggests that it was built in the 16th century. It was constructed during the Kempe Gowda I.
What is special about the͏ idol at Shree Dodda G͏͏anapathi Temple?
The idol at this temple is unique due to its massive size. It is one of the largest monolithic statues in Bengaluru.͏ The idol has been carved from a single granite stone.
Which festivals are celebrated at the Sh͏ree Dodda Ganapathi temple?
The main festiva͏ls celebrated at Sh͏ree Dodda Ganapathi Temple are the annu͏al Butter Alankara fest͏ival and Ganesh Chaturthi. During the Butter Alankara festival, the idol is adorned with over 100 kilograms of butter. Ganesh Chaturthi is marked by elaborate rituals, decorations, and a grand procession.
What are the temple’s visiting hours?
- Early morning around 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM
- Evening from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Are there any special rituals or offerings that devotees can participate in?
Devotees can participate in various rituals such as the abhishekam (anointment) and offer coconuts, flowers, and sweets to the deity. Special poojas (prayers) and homas (fire rituals) can also be arranged through the temple administration.
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