Have you heard of a place called Kurudumalai, which is one of the popular and worth visiting places in Karnataka?
Though the name sounds like a place in Tamilnadu, this historically important place is located in Mulabagal taluk of Kolar district in Karnataka.
Many people would have seen the century-old giant idol of Lord Ganesha in Bangalore on Bull Temple Road. The idol at Kurudumalai is as awe-inspiring.
The uniqueness of this place is that the idol of Lord Ganesha here is much older than any other idol in the State or elsewhere in the country!
The head priest of the temple, Sri Ramesh says the idol of Lord Ganesha here has existed for more than a thousand years.
It is believed that in Dvapara Yuga, all thrimurties — Bramha, Vishnu and Maheshwara —  carved this idol and that is why the place was christened Kudumalai.
But, people mis-spelt it as Kurudumalai and the same name has been used by the Government of Karnataka also, says the head priest of the temple. According to him, the height of this Ganesha idol is 19 feet. It is amazing to see the spectacular and elegant way the statue has been carved.
This splendid statue of Lord Ganapa has been the centre of attraction to all visitors who go towards Kolar and Mulabagal through the year. People gather here in large numbers during the Sankashtahara Chaturthi day, which comes once a month.
It is greatly believed that wishes come true when this Lord is worshiped. So people from all parts of the State and elsewhere come and have blessings of this Lord throughout the year.
On special occasions, this stupendous idol is anointed with butter.
The priest says that about 1000 kgs of butter is required to cover the whole statue. It is good news that Sri Veerendra Heggade of Sri Dharmasthala Kshethra has taken keen interest in renovating the temple and also to make its surroundings appealing to people, at a cost of Rs 1 crore!
It is high time that this place is developed as a tourist centre and due importance given to preserve and popularise the culture and heritage here. If you happen to go towards Mulabagal next, which is nearly 90 km from Bangalore City, don’t forget to visit  this huge Lord Ganapa.