Kurudumale is a sacred place located in Mulbagal in the Kolar district. The temple is at a distance of just 10 kilometres from Mulbagal town. Kurudumale is famous for the Ganesha Temple that has attracted people from near and far for years.
Kurudumale Ganesha Temple . Image courtesy stepstogether.in
Home to one of the biggest idols, the Kurudumale Ganesha Temple has a 13 and a half foot Ganesha idol installed within its walls. Said to be very powerful, the deity is visited by people before the commencement of a new job or new phase of their life.
It is believed that if a person with pure heart asks for something in the presence of this majestic idol, they will achieve what they wish for and great levels of success. As Ganesha is believed to be “Vighnaharta”, he will clear all your hurdles and his blessings are always welcome.
Festivals and weekends are the main times when crowds of people throng the premises of this beautiful temple. Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the grandest festivals celebrated in the Kurudumale Ganesha Temple.
An architectural marvel whose immense size will take your breath away, the temple’s infamous idol is said to be continuously growing. An optical illusion, nonetheless it is one that must be witnessed first hand. The temple provides one with a feeling of tranquility and peace, the power and positivity of the Lord Ganesha that radiates, can be felt by everyone.
Quick Facts about Kurudumale Ganesha Temple, Mulbagal
- Best time to visit: Between July and October
- Temple timings: 6.30 am -1.00 pm & 3.00 pm – 8.30 pm
- Entry Fee: Free
- Location: Mulbagal (MAP)
Legends of Kurudumale Ganesha Temple, Mulbagal
The Ganesha Temple has a lot of little legends wrapped up in its gates.
Kurudumale was formerly known as “Koodi-Malai” which in Tamil means “meeting hill”. Therefore it is said that the Gods would come down from heaven to this spot, for a bit of fun and games, or recreation.
The idol of Ganesha in the temple is believed to have been installed by the trimurthis -Brahma – The God of creation, Vishnu – The God of preservation and Maheshwara – The God of destruction. During the Satya Yuga, which is the first mythological era, Ganesha destroyed the demon
Tripurasura and this was the reason the Gods installed the idol in Kurudumale. They also conducted a Pooja and offered prayers to the deity.
Other legends also talk about how Lord Rama offered prayers at this spot to the idol, during his search for Sita. The Pandavas also offered prayers here before the final battle of the Mahabharata.
History of Kurudumale Ganesha Temple, Mulbagal
Originally under the rule of the Chola’s the temple area later came under the boundary of the Vijaynagara Kingdom. The influences of these dynasties are very evident in the architectural elements present in the temple. In fact, the Someshwara temple close by, was constructed before the Ganesha temple and belongs to the Chola dynasty.
There are inscriptions on the temple wall that also lend evidence to the fact that Kurudumale Ganesha Temple was built during the rule of the Vijaynagara Kings. The inscriptions are all in Tamil and some even date back to the 13th century during the rule of the Hoysala Kings.
It was the mighty King Krishnadevaraya that built the temple. It is said that the huge Ganshea idol was placed in a field on the hill in Kurudumale and for very long was worshipped in an open field.
Kurudumale Ganesha Temple: Nearby Attractions
Entrance to mantapa (hall) in Someshvara Temple, Kolar. Image courtesy Dineshkannambadi
Someshwara Temple
The Someshwara temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva is said to be even older than the Kurudumale Ganesha temple.This majestic temple was built by the powerful Chola rulers. And has some outstanding aesthetic architectural elements. Parts built in the Dravidian style, the temple also features some intricate carvings half done by artist Jakanachari. His son, Dankanachari is the one that completed the rest of the work in the temple. The carving work of the son is said to be more delicate and elegant. Another interesting aspect is the temple has no foundation as such and is essentially built of rock.
Anjaneya Swamy Temple
Located in the town of Mulbagal at a distance of approximately 17 Kilometres from Kurudumale Ganesha Temple, the Anjaneya Swamy temple is dedicated to Hanuman. According to legend, the temple was built by Arjuna, one of the Pandavas after the Mahabarata war. The temple is said to be over 5000 years old.
How to Reach Kurudumale Ganesha Temple
Kurudumale is very easily accessible through various modes. It is well routed through road or rail with not only Bangalore but other cities in and around the area!
By Road
At a distance of 110 Kilometres from Bangalore, Kurudumale can easily be accessed from Mulbagal by road. State corporation buses also ply from various cities in and around to the Kurudumale Ganesha Temple.
By Rail
To get to Kurudumale Ganesha Temple, the nearest railway station is in the Mulbagal taluk, Kolar district. This is about 11 kilometres away from the temple and can be accessed from there by road using autos, or buses. There are passenger trains that constantly operate between the cities of Hassan, Hubli and Mulbagal.
By Air
Air travel as always can be a bit inconvenient, as the closest airport is the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore. From there road or rail modes can be arranged to reach the Ganesha Temple.
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