Discover Dodda Ganapathi Temple: Home to Bengaluru's Colossal Ganesha Statue
Located on Basavanagudi Road near the Bull Temple, Dodda Ganapathi Temple is one of the city's most renowned temples, famous for its colossal statue of Lord Ganesha. The statue stands approximately 18 feet tall and feet wide. Also referred to as Shakthi Ganapathi and Satya Ganapathi, local lore holds that the statue grew to its current size spontaneously. The temple is celebrated for its Ganesha festival, drawing visitors nationwide. Throughout the week-long festival, the idol of Lord Ganesha undergoes various decorations. The most captivating is the Benne Alankara, during which the idol is coated with 100 kg of butter, adorned with dry grapes and almonds. Remarkably, despite the warmth in the sanctum sanctorum, the butter does not melt. A visit during this festival offers a spectacular display of devotion.
Significance of the temple:
The 16th-century Dodda Ganapathi Temple features a massive 18-foot-high and 16-foot-wide idol of Lord Ganesha, which is carved from a single boulder. The temple is also renowned for its unique butter coating festival, in which the idol is covered in 110 kilograms of butter, displaying a unique tradition.
Popular Festivals:
- Kadlekayi Parishe
- Ganesh Chaturthi
- Benne Alankara
- Grape Alankara
- Maha Shivaratri
- Tripurari Purnima
How to Reach Dodda Ganesha Temple:
- By Bus: Local buses operate from the Bangalore bus station to the temple.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Bangalore, which connects to destinations across India.
- By Air: Bangalore International Airport provides international and national connections. Taxis are available at the airport for the temple.