The Dodda Ganapathi Temple Bangalore, located in the Basavanagudi area of the city is an enduring icon that connects the modern metropolis to its roots. Bangalore, which is today not only the capital of Karnataka but also a global city in its own right, is rooted in traditions that are a rich part of its heritage.

Dating back to the times of the city’s founding father, Kempe Gowda, the Basavanagudi Dodda Ganesha Temple continues to draw huge crowds to its fold. While locals consider visiting the temple mandatory before undertaking any auspicious task, tourists too are drawn to the temple by its enigmatic and mystical aura.

An Enduring Icon of Faith – Shree Dodda Ganapathi Temple Basavanagudi

Bangalore which today lures millions with dreams in their hearts with its lustre as an IT city was once known for its gardens, lakes, and temples. The city has more than a thousand big and small temples dotting its vast area. South Bangalore is home to many legendary temples including temples to Lord Shiva like Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, and Shri Mallikarjuna Temple. However, the most popular and most-visited temple is the Bangalore Dodda Ganapathi Temple.

Dodda Ganapathi Temple Bangalore – A Divine Landmark

Nestling on the busy Bull Temple Road in Basavanagudi is the Dodda Ganapathi Temple Basavanagudi. The temple is an ode to Ganesha or Ganapathi or Vinayaka, the son of Shiva and Parvathi. Ganesha occupies a prime position in the Hindu Pantheon.

Among the many names by which he is addressed is the name Prathameshwara, which means, “First Of The Gods.” Ganesha is worshipped first before beginning any other task, be it the worship of another God, or the daily ritualistic worship at a temple or home, or wedding ceremony. Even the Sandhyavandanam ritual which is done thrice a day and centres around meditation on the Gayatri Mantra, begins with a prayer to Ganesha.

Thus it is no wonder, that people make a beeline for the famous Dodda Ganapathi Temple before undertaking any venture and pray for its success. On any given day, you are likely to see students praying for success in their exams, businessmen praying for the success of their ventures, couples praying for children, sportsmen, actors, housewives, and people from all cross-sections of society at the feet of their favourite God, Ganesha at the Dodda Ganapathy Temple in Basavanagudi, Bangalore.

About Dodda Ganapathi Temple Basavanagudi

The Dodda Ganapathy Temple is located near the famous Bugle Rock, on the edge pf the Bugle Rock Park of Bangalore. Occupying centre stage inside the sanctum of the temple is a monolithic rock idol of Ganesha. The rock sculpture of Ganesha is believed to be, “Swayambu,” or Self-Emanated.

The Ganesha idol in the Dodda Ganapathi Temple Bangalore measures 16 feet wide and towers to a height of 18 feet. The idol seems to occupy almost the entire area of the Garba Griha or sanctum. The temple is not a temple of artistic or architectural grandeur, your eyes are not drawn by exquisite sculptures but will rather focus on the deity itself.

Visitors both Indians and foreigners are allowed into the hall that stands in front of the sanctum and can view the deity from there. There is no special dress code for entering the temple, however, one should dress prudently and conservatively as befitting a place of sanctity and worship.

Dodda Ganapathi Temple History

There is not much documented or recorded history of the Dodda Ganapathi Temple of Bangalore. However, it is believed that the origins of the temple date back to the 16th century, to the time when Kempe Gowda laid the foundations of a settlement fortified with a mud fort, a settlement that we know today as Bangalore or Bengaluru, a city that is home to almost 14 million people.

The temple built over the Dodda Ganapathi monolithic idol is of more recent origin, while the idol is believed to date back to the 16th century or even beyond. According to some accounts, the location of the Dodda Ganesha Temple was a makeshift war room for discussing military strategy during the Third Anglo-Mysore War. The Generals of Tipu Sultan are believed to have assembled here to discuss military strategy in their campaign against the British forces.

Dodda Ganesha Temple Basavanagudi – Etymology

Ganesha is one of the most popular Gods in Hinduism, not only because of mythological significance but also because of his appearance. His rotund shape, complete with a pot belly, and jovial demeanour has always fascinated young and old alike. The cute and friendly Ganesha has always caught the imagination of children and inspired adults with his wisdom.

Ganesh Chaturthi, the festival that celebrates the birth of Ganesh is celebrated with lots of enthusiasm across the country. The Dodda Ganapathi Temple is a tribute in stone to this aspect of divinity. In Kannada, “Dodda,” means big, and this refers to the gargantuan dimensions of the Dodda Ganapathi idol inside the sanctum of the temple.

Dodda Ganapathi Bangalore – City’s Presiding Deity

The Dodda Ganapathi at the Dodda Ganapathi Temple in Basavanagudi, Bangalore, can be considered as the presiding deity of the city. Bangalore does not have a presiding Goddess associated with its name, like Mumbadevi with Mumbai, and Mangaladevi with Mangalore.

However, it is pertinent to mention that there are not one but four Goddesses of antiquity associated with Bangalore, though they seem to have been lost in the contours of the ever-expanding city. These are four sister Goddesses by the name of Annamma, Patalamma, Gadagamma, and Muthyalamma. The city pays homage to these Goddesses with an annual chariot procession.

Dodda Ganapathi Temple In Bangalore – A Buttery Tribute

The Dodda Ganapathi Temple is a place where the devout flock for favours and divine intervention. Once their wishes have seen fruition, they exhibit their pleasure in the form of worship and offerings. One of the unique and important forms of worship at the Dodda Ganapathi temple Bangalore is what is termed in Kannada as, “Benne Alankara,” which when translated into English means, “Decoration with butter.”

Benne Alankara is a worship or Seva to Ganesha in which about 100 kgs of butter is smeared over the massive Ganesha idol. If you are desirous of worshipping God Ganesha with Benne Alankara, you can book the same at the temple. There is usually a long waiting time, and you would be notified of the day on which the Benne Alankara would be done on your behalf.

How to Reach Dodda Ganapathi Temple In Bangalore

Dodda Ganapathi Temple is located on Bull Temple Road, in the Basavanagudi area of Bengaluru, Karnataka. If you are looking for Dodda Ganesha Temple Directions, then this information will stand you in good stead.

• Dodda Ganapathi Temple Basavanagudi is about 39 kilometres from the Kempegowda International Airport
• Dodda Ganesha Temple Basavanagudi is about 5 kilometres from the Bangalore main railway station
• Dodda Ganapathi Temple In Bangalore is about 4 kilometres from the main KSRTC Bus Stand in the Majestic area.
• Dodda Ganapathi Temple Bangalore is about 8 kilometres from M.G.Road
• You can hire an app-based cab or take a BMTC bus to reach the Dodda Ganesha temple
• The Dodda Ganesha temple is about 1.6 kilometres from the National College Metro Station

Click here for directions to reach the temple.

Dodda Ganapathi Temple Bangalore – Good To Know Information

Shri Dodda Ganapathi Temple Address

235, Bull Temple Road, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560004

Dodda Ganapathi Temple Basavanagudi Contact Number

080 2235 2828

Dress Code For Dodda Ganapathi Temple

There is no specific dress code, however, ensure to dress as befitting a religious place of worship.

Dodda Ganapathi Bangalore Timings

Mornings 5.30 AM to 12.30 PM

Evenings 5.30 PM to 8.30 PM

The temple is open on all days.

Dodda Ganesha Temple Basavanagudi – Nearby Landmarks

When you are visiting the Dodda Ganesha Temple in Basavanagudi, you can also include nearby landmarks in your itinerary for a varied experience of Bangalore. The landmarks near Dodda Ganesha Temple are enumerated below for your information along with the approximate distance from the temple.

• Bull Temple or Basavanagudi at a distance of 100 metres
• Bugle Rock Park and Bugle Rock at a distance of less than 50 metres
• Gavi Gangadhareshwara Shiva Temple at a distance of about 1 kilometre
• Mallikarjuna Shiva Temple at a distance of less than 1 kilometre
• Ramakrishna Matha at a distance of less than 1 kilometre
• Iconic eatery Vidyarthi Bhavan which is known for its Masala Dosas at a distance of less than 1 kilometre
• Gandhi Bazaar, a traditional market, less than 1 kilometre from the temple

If you are in Bangalore, you must make it a point to visit the Dodda Ganesha temple in Basavanagudi and experience the enchanting charm of vintage Bangalore. We hope you liked reading our post about this iconic Ganesh temple of Bengaluru, do let us know in case of any queries. In the meantime do follow us on our social media handles and subscribe to our blog and monthly newsletter.

May the divine blessing of Dodda Ganesha be always with you.

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