temples near bangalore

Kurudumale Ganesha

This is has to be one of my favorite temple stories so far. This temple is very unique from the rest of the temple that we known. To begin with, its massive saligrama Ganesha Idol. The Ganesh Idol here is at least 12 feet long and 6 to 7 feet in width. This is a unique Lord Ganesha statue. This temple is located in Kurudumale in Mulabagalu taluk of Kolar district in Karnataka. The interesting thing about this temple is built of a single rock without any foundation.  The ganesha idol is considered to be very powerful. Many people start new jobs or new work only after taking the blessing of Lord Ganesha. There are no other saligrama Ganesha idol as big as this anywhere on this earth!

Lord Ganesh is one of the best-known and most widely worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. Ganesha is widely revered as the Remover of Obstacles and more generally as Lord of Beginnings and Lord of Obstacles (Vighnesha, Vighneshvara), patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. He is honored at the beginning of rituals and ceremonies and invoked as Patron of Letters during writing sessions.

This Ganesha Idol was established by the trinities (of hinduism) such as Bhrama-God of Creation,  Vishnu-God of Protection, and Shiva-God of destruction  in Satya Yuga to destroy the demon TRIPURASURA. Yuga is the name of an 'epoch' or 'era' within a cycle of four ages. These are the Satya Yuga (or Krita Yuga), the Treta Yuga, the Dvapara Yuga and finally the Kali Yuga.  We are in Kali yuga. Tripurasura was an asura(demon) who tormented people, saints , sages demigods, gods in Krita or Satya yoga. He who inhabited Tripura, a mythological triplet fortress made of iron, silver and gold constructed by Mayasura.  From a boon he had grown very powerful and gods could not destroy him. However his end would come from a bachelor who enters wedlock, yet lives a salebacy life! All the gods came together formed  shakthis known as Siddhi and Buddhi as Lord Ganesha's brides. Lord Ganesh married both Sakthi and buddhi in the presence of all, and later the shakthis turned in to his weapons. Lord Ganesha holds these weapons in hands, always. Meanwhile Tripurasura roams freely causing all the mayhem and chaos around the world. His end is by this Lord Ganesh in Kaliyuga!

As Hindu trinity established this idol, the place came to known as kotadri, and the hill in which it is located is known as ''Kootamale'.' However, over the years it became kurudumale, a very rude form to say. This saligrama Ganesha Idol is the epicenter of all positive energy. This energy is omnipresent, and indestructible. This energy can create any sort of miracle. This idol is being worshipped from past four yugas. Another speciality of this idol is no matter how far you stand and view, the idol only grows bigger and bigger! Something even eye physicians cannot give a conclusive explanation! This is the same idol lord Rama first worshipped in treta yuga before fighting Ravana. Rama emerges victorious and rescues his wife Sita, who was held captive by Ravana! In Dawapara yuga, Sri Krishna worshiped this Ganesha in order to get rid of shamantha kamaniya's curse. The spell is removed. In fact, this is the same temple, where Pandavas visited before they went to war with Kuravas, and pandavas too defeat Kauravas and hence taking back their kingdom! In Kaliyuga, Krishna Devaraya of vijayanagara dynasty understands its importance. In fact lord ganesh shows up in his dreams and request for a temple  to be built around the idol with meticulous details depicting its importance. Today, one can find fine sculptures etched on the temple pillars depicting the stories of Lord Rama, and Lord Krishna.

The basic belief here is anyone who comes to this temple and worship with clean heart before beginning any work; he is sure to taste success in all his endeavors! Not only it has rich mythological history to it, even today one can find a lot of paranormal activities in and around the temple. Koundanya Munni one of the sapta Rushis comes every day to this temple, and sings in praise of lord Ganesha! It is believed that Koundanya rushi is still residing in the near by caves. These caves are accessible to public! This Ganesh is  worshiped by koundanya rushi every day at midnight. Not only Koundaniya munni but also other gods and demigods visit this place every night. People here have reported many tiny lights hovering above, and also have heard a lot of variety of music, prayers.  ''OM'' is resonated very loudly in the nights and no one knows the sources of it. Also, one can find a lot of yagna kundalam! This place is very sacred. Anyone who occupies temple property, death is guaranteed. During Ratha sapthami, many lights travel from the nearby mountain towards the temple. These lights take a round about and travel back to the mountain. This happens every year and there are many witnesses! You may catch a glimpse of it, if your lucky enough.

This is a favorite temple for politicians, many politicians come here to get Ganesha's blessing. All their prayers have been answered. This place is closer to Bangalore.

From Bangalore majestic catch a bus ( if planning to go by bus) to mulbagalu town in Kolar. This place-kurudumale is just a few kilometers from Mulbagalu. The temple is located on a hill which is easily accessible to the devotees through steps. I am not sure of any place of stay like lodge As far as I know devotees rest at the temple complex. The place is very sacred.