If a traveler wants to explore the architectural and cultural uniqueness of Bangalore then the temples of Bangalore is one of the best ways to know about the rich past of Bangalore. Bangalore, one of the populous and busy metropolises of India has a unique cultural past. The richness of the history of Bangalore is evident through the grand temples of Bangalore. Dodda Ganesha Temple at Basavanagudi is one of the most popular temples in Bangalore.

Dodda Ganesha Temple was built by Kempegowda I, the founder of Bangalore. The temple is located on the Bull Temple Road. The story behind the construction of the Dodda Ganesha temple is interesting. One day Kempegowda by chance stumbled on several large boulders and rocks. One of them had a figure of Ganesha etched on its body.

He ordered his sculptors to carve out a Ganesha idol out of the stone. A beautiful stone idol of Ganesha from a single rock was built. In 1971 the modern structure of the temple was built by Sri Shankaracharya, the Seer of Shringeri Seat. The idol of Ganesha is monolithic and huge, 16 feet wide and 18 feet high. Lord Ganesha of Dodda Ganesha Temple is also known as Satya Ganapathi and Shakthi Ganapathi.

Various people come to Dodda Ganesha Temple for blessings of Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha is decorated very uniquely. The butter coating decoration which is done using around 100 kgs of butter is the most popular one. The ritual of the decoration starts in the evening and is completed by the morning. Along with butter the idol is decorated with other items to make the Lord look gorgeous. Flowers, colored buttons, lace and other items are used to deck up the idol.

Occasionally, the idol of Lord Ganesha in Dodda Ganesha Temple is decorated with turmeric, kumkum, vegetables and fruits. Another popular ritual which is still continuing is the coconut offerings by the people of the waving community residing in the area of the Old City. Browse through the other links of places of worship to know about the other temples in Bangalore.