Kurudumale Ganesha Temple

Introduction to the Kurudumale Ganesha Temple

The Kurudumale Ganesha Temple is a sacred spot in the Kurudumale Village, Mulbagal Taluk, Kolar district, Karnataka. The Temple is on a hilltop called Kootamale; hence the name Kurudumale. It is a protected monument under the Archeological Survey of India, Karnataka.

Legend of the Kurudumale Ganesha Temple

Brahmanda Purana explains the Sthala Purana of the Kurudumale Ganesha Temple. The history of this place is recorded in all the three previous Yugas.

Supposedly, the demigods came to this spot and worshipped Ganesha to give them the boon to get rid of Tripurasura in the Satya (Krita) Yuga. During the Satya Yuga, the first mythological era, Ganesha destroyed the demon Tripurasura. It was why the Trimurti, Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara installed the idol of Ganesha in the Kurudumale Ganesha Temple.

In Treta Yuga, Sri Rama came here and prayed for the power to demolish the demon King Ravana. In Dwapara Yuga, Sri Krishna worshipped Kurudumale Ganesha to escape from humiliation when he was accused of stealing the Syamantaka Mani (Diamond). The Pandavas also offered prayers at this spot before the final battle of the Mahabharata.

The Architecture of the Kurudumale Ganesha Temple

As per the inscriptions on the temple walls, King Krishna Devaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire built the Kurudumale Ganesha Temple in the 13th century. Chola Kings also contributed to it.
The Kurudumale Ganesha Temple is in the Dravidian style. The temple's elaborate carvings were done by the artisan Jakanachari. His son Dankanachari completed the remaining work. Their carvings are very elegant and aesthetic.

The Kurudumale Ganesha Temple faces towards the east. Since the temple was built on a single rock, it has no foundation. The stone carvings are aesthetically etched in the pillars, and depict Krishna and Rama's stories.

The vehicle of Ganesha, Mushika, is made of green stone, seen on the entrance porch facing towards the sanctum. It is 2 feet high. An image of Kumara seated on his peacock can be seen in the Navaranga.

The sanctum is huge. The presiding deity, Ganesha, is made of Saligrama (Black stone) and is in the middle of a 3-foot pedestal. This huge monolith is 14 feet tall and 6-7 feet wide. Ganesha is seen in a sitting position. He is bigger than the Dodda Ganesha of Basavangudi. It is said that the Ganesha idol in the Kurudumale Ganesha Temple grows continuously.

Visitors can see a large Mukha Mandap before the sanctum. People visit the Kurudumale Ganesha Temple before starting any endeavour.

Kurudumale was formerly known as Koodi-Malai, which means 'meeting hill' in Tamil. Hence, it is said that the deities would come to this spot from heaven for recreation. It is also said that the Pandavas worshipped in the Kurudumale Ganesha Temple while living in the forests. The best time to visit the Kurudumale Ganesha Templeis July and October.

Festivals in the Kurudumale Ganesha Temple

The Kurudumale Ganesha Temple celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi with great fanfare.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Kurudumale Ganesha Temple

Devotees pray to Ganesha at the Kurudumale Ganesha Temple for excellence in education and business, job promotion, prosperity, and good health.