A temple steeped in legends

The ancient shrine of Kurudumale Ganesha is located about eight km from Mulabagilu in Kolar district. The massive monolith Ganesha idol is made out of black saligrama and is about 13 feet high. It is placed inside the garbhagriha on a raised pedestal. This shrine is believed to be more than a thousand years old. There is a large mukhamantapa in front, where a massive monolith mooshika idol sits facing Ganesha. There are no impressive artistic sculptures in the temple and its walls and pillars are made of plain granite. Nevertheless, the idol attracts thousands of devotees.

This temple was constructed during the rule of the Cholas and later renovated by the Vijayanagar kings. There is no vimana over the shrine. Instead, a flat terrace covers the top. It is said that the sculptors Jakanachari and Dankanachari gave finishing touches to the shrine.

According to legends, Ganesha’s idol was originally installed here on a rock by the Trimurtis — Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara — at the point where two hill ranges converge. Hence, it was named Koodumale, which later became Kurudumale. Initially, the idol was supposed to have been kept in an open area on the rocky base, and later the temple was built over it by the Cholas. It is believed that Lord Rama and Lord Krishna had visited Kurudumale to worship Ganesha in Treta Yuga and Dwapara Yuga respectively. Vinayaka Chaturthi is the main annual festival celebrated here.