Kurudumalai

About Kurudumalai

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.

History

We all know that Hanuman was sent in search of Sita across the Indian ocean. But what is not popularly known is that before actually taking that gigantic leap Hanuman first came to this temple of Ganapati and prayed to Him for keeping his memory[Hanuman was very bad when it came to remembering what has to be done] intact and not forget the royal ring that Rama had given him to be shown as a proof of his being an aid of Rama to Sita.

The temple courtyard is built by Krishnadevaraya. The Pujari told us this story as he was showing various incidents sculpted on the pillars inside the temple. It was Krishnadevaraya who allotted lands for the temple’s upkeeping. This Pujari belongs to the 10th genaration since that time.

From the way the pujari referred to Lord Ganesha one felt as though Ganesha was a friend living next door and not the deity. The pujari will vouchsafe that you do aradhana to Ganesha and you are sure to get your wish fulfilled. He cites the incident of an MLA doing so and winning the election for a party which had never before won in the history of that constituency. The erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore Sri Krishnarajendar Wodeyar had also visited this temple.

The temple is not very big if one compares it with the one in say Srirangapatnam. There is nothing to appreciate about the sculpture work. But the main idol of Ganesha is gigantic(may be more than 15feet tall and about 7feet broad) and is beautifully carved. As it is with most idols in India the pujari claims this idol to be Swayambhu. There is not much scenic beauty in this place but as one is going towards Kurudumalai one encounters a lot of places to do some good trekking/rock climbing.

Location info

• **Address:**historically important place is located in Mulabagal taluk of Kolar district in Karnataka.

• **District:**Kolar

• **Nearest City:**Mulabagal

• Best time to visit: Jan-Dec

Climate & weather

Max 36°C, Min 26°C (summer); Max 32°C, Min 23°C (winter)

Things to do at Kurudumalai

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.

Things to visit & highlights

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.

How to reach Kurudumalai

• **Nearest Railway Station:**Kolar

• **Nearest Airport:**Bangalore

• **Road Transport:**towards Mulabagal next, which is nearly 90 km from Bangalore City

Nearest visiting places

• Savana Durga Hills

A left turn some 7 kms before Magadi in Magadi road reduced our travel distance by some 8 kms and itz around 65 kms from bangalore city. Nice road to drive on and lotz of quarries on the way and road having lotz of bends and turns makes your drive a splendid one

• Antharagange Temples

One of the ancient temples of india. It has miraculous water coming from mouth of got cow statue 365 dayz a year. It is a holy place people visit this temple from many parts of the Karnataka, Kolar District and karnataka state on Mahashivratri festival day every year. It is protected by Forest authority of india, has lots of Monkeys and wild Deers

• Chikka Thirupathi Temples

Chikka Thirupathi : This sleepy little town is 10 km off Sarjapur. It takes about an hour from the Sarjapur ring-road junction. The road (if you can call it that) is very bad for a few kilometres after the Wipro office. It gets much better as you near Sarjapur. The scenery certainly isn’t breathtaking, but it is a nice break from the chaos in Bangalore

• Kaivara Temples

Kaivara is centre for pilgrimage. This place is located in the Chintamani Taluk of Kolar district in Karnataka, a state that is in the south western part of India.. It is about 65 km from Bangalore. This place is historically significant. It is said that the Pandavas of the great Indian epic Mahabharata lived here during the exile in the forest (Vanavasa)

• Palar River

Palar is a river of southern India. It rises in Nandidurg hills in Kolar district of Karnataka state, and flows 93 km in Karnataka, 33 km in Andhra Pradesh and 222 km in Tamil Nadu before its confluence into the Bay of Bengal at Vayalur about 100 KM south of Chennai

• Ponnaiyar River

249 The river finally surrenders in to the Bay of Bengal at Cuddalore. The Ponnaiyar river basin is encircled by the Cauvery river basin in the west and south and Palar and Tondiar basins in the east and north respectively

• South Pennar River

The South Pennar River is known as Dakshina Pinakini in Kannada and Thenpennai in Tamil. It is also referred as Ponnaiyar .The river originates in the Nandi Hills in the Kolar district of Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu before entering into the Bay of Bengal

Helpline & emergency contacts

• **Police Station:**Mulabagal

• **Nearest Hospital:**Mulabagal

• Society/Community Phone Number

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Karnataka’s cities offer diverse cuisine. Bangalore has a legendary food scene from iconic darshinis (stand-up eateries) to craft breweries. Mysore is known for Mysore pak and traditional meals. Temple towns (Udupi, Dharmasthala, Murudeshwar) offer excellent vegetarian fare.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore have the widest range of accommodation. Coorg and Chikmagalur offer coffee estate stays and homestays.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Accessibility

Religious sites may have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

Karnataka has a rich collection of churches primarily in Mangalore (Mangalorean Catholic), Bangalore (colonial-era), and Mysore. St. Philomena’s Cathedral in Mysore (neo-Gothic, one of Asia’s largest) and the Rosario Cathedral in Mangalore are the most photogenic. The interiors of Mangalorean churches with their detailed altars are worth shooting.

Best time to visit Kurudumalai

Early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) is the best time for a peaceful darshan with fewer crowds. Major festivals attract large crowds — visit on regular days for a more serene experience. Winter months (October to March) offer pleasant weather for temple visits.

Timings & opening hours

Typically 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Pooja timings vary — morning abhisheka is usually around 6:00-7:00 AM, evening aarti around 6:00-7:00 PM. Some temples have specific timings for darshan. Temple may close during midday hours.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry is generally free for all devotees. Special pooja tickets or darshan packages may cost ₹50-₹200. Camera fee: ₹20-₹50 for still cameras, ₹100-₹200 for video cameras. Parking is usually free or nominal (₹10-₹20).

Duration needed

30 minutes to 1 hour for darshan and exploring the temple premises. If the temple has historical significance or architectural interest, plan 1-2 hours.

Safety tips

Temple premises are generally safe. Keep valuables secure in crowded areas. Follow temple rules and dress code. Remove footwear before entering the inner sanctum. Be aware of your surroundings during festivals when crowds are heavy.

Things to carry

Carry a shawl or scarf for covering shoulders if required. Small change for offerings and donations. Camera (check photography policy first). Water bottle. Footwear bag if you prefer to carry your shoes.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station varies by location — typically the district headquarters station. Nearest airport: Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) or Mangalore International Airport (IXE). Local transport includes buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis.

Frequently asked questions

What is the dress code for visiting the temple? Modest clothing is required. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Traditional Indian attire is appreciated.

Is photography allowed inside the temple? Photography rules vary — check signage at the entrance. Flash photography and video recording are typically restricted inside the sanctum.

What are the main festivals celebrated here? Major Hindu festivals like Mahashivaratri, Navaratri, and annual temple festivals (brahmotsava) are celebrated with special poojas and cultural programmes.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Pilgrims Destination

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.

Photo gallery of Kurudumalai

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Kurudumalai on popular travel photography sites and social media.