Dodda Ganapathi Temple

Dodda Ganapathi Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha located on Bull Temple Road in Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is situated adjacent to the famous Bull Temple (Dodda Basavana Gudi) and Bugle Rock Park. The temple is notable for its massive monolithic Ganesha idol, about 18 feet tall and 16 feet wide, and is believed to have been built by Kempegowda I, founder of Bengaluru, in the 16th century.

Visitors can expect a compact South Indian temple complex with a large pillared hall leading to the sanctum housing the massive monolithic Ganesha idol decorated with flowers and, on special occasions, butter coating. The temple is located in a busy religious precinct next to the Bull Temple, with stone architecture, small shrines, and a courtyard. Visitors can have darshan, observe rituals, and explore the surrounding temple street and nearby park area.

The temple is attributed to Kempegowda I, the founder of Bengaluru, in the 16th century. According to local tradition, the large Ganesha monolith was discovered during excavation and subsequently enshrined. The temple forms part of the historic Basavanagudi temple complex that includes the adjacent Bull Temple, reflecting early settlement and temple architecture of Bengaluru.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is an important place of worship for devotees in Bengaluru. The idol is worshipped as Shakti Ganapati and is uniquely adorned with a butter coating (benne alankara) where devotees offer butter that is applied to the idol. The temple sees large gatherings during Ganesh Chaturthi and is closely associated with the annual Kadalekai Parishe (groundnut fair) held nearby.