Shree Kabbalamma Temple, Kabbalu

Sri Kabbalamma Temple is situated in a village called Kabbalu in Kanakapura Taluk, Ramanagara district of Karnataka. The temple can be reached from Bangalore via Kanakapura or Ramanagara / Channapattana. It is around 70 - 75 km away from Bangalore. Kabbalu Durga is on the rocky hills which is a trekking destination.



Near the Kabbalamma temple there is a small shrine dedicated to Basaveshwara (Bull - the vehicle of Lord Shiva). The miraculous Bull is carrying a bundle of currency notes on its horns. This money is offered to Basava as the devotees' wishes got fulfilled. This temple is planning to build a new temple and also, the plan for the same is displayed in the temple premises. If anybody wish to donate the money for the brand new building can contact the temple authorities.

Sri Kabbalamma Temple Renovation Committee
Kabbalu, Ramanagara, Karnataka 562126
Phone Number: 080-2319000, 080-23617700

Legend and Rituals
Devotees come to this temple to seek fulfilment and solutions in many areas. It is believed that those looking for a good marriage or well-being for their spouse can come and offer prayers at this shrine. The resident bull is also an important part of the more recent legends surrounding the temple, and many come for the blessings from this animal, considered a representation of the deity.

An interesting ritual is associated with this resident bull or Basaveshwara. A devotee who promises to make an offering to the bull will have to sleep on the floor, allowing the bull to walk over him or her. Even small children are made to lie down in front of the bull. Devotees also tie bundles of currency notes to the horns of the bull, as part of the offerings or expression of gratitude for wishes being granted.

Architecture and Festivals
As one approaches the temple, the backdrop of a rocky dome provides the foil for the white obelisk tower of the shrine's high mandapa. The temple is fenced off with walls and sports an arch. The pillared mandapa and the gopuras are the most striking features of this temple, which is built in a Dravidian architectural style.

The main deity is represented in a sculpture, the central shrine of the temple. Other sculptures include that of a Nandi or bull and a small wooden rath or chariot is also one of the attractions in the temple. The temple has a large space in front of it, for festivals to be conducted. From the gateway to the mandapas, the temple is adorned with intricate stone art, depicting the many representations and stories of the mythology associated with the deity.

The main festival that is held at the Shree Kabbalamma Temple is the Kabbalamma Jatre, celebrated with much fanfare by the many devotees, most of them from the surrounding area. During this festival, the deity is carried on a rath or chariot and taken for a procession around the village before it is returned. Devotees all try to be part of the pulling party, as it is considered auspicious.

Nearby Attractions
The Kabbal village, where this temple is situated, is also home to the Kabbal fort, built on a large rock that is around 250 metres high. Kabbal Fort or Kabbal Durga as it is known locally is a great destination for treks and nature photography. The summit of this rocky landscape offers magnificent views of the surrounding arid plains and granite formations. One can see this large rock from many kilometres away and it is considered a major landmark in this part of Karnataka.

How to reach
By bus: Reach Kanakapura / Ramnagara / Channapattana - get a bus to Sathnur. Kabbalu village is near Sathnur. There are plenty of busses to Sathnur from Kanakapura. Sathnur is on the way to Malavalli / Kollegal from Bangalore. But it is better to reach Kanakapura as soon as possible in the morning (at least before 10:00 a.m.). Then catch a bus to Sathnur or Kabbalu. There is some direct busses from Kanakapura to Kabbalu (As told by villagers - Morning 9, and then 3 & 7 in the afternoon)

By own vehicle: Via Kanakapura: Distance 72 km. From Banashankari - Bangalore directly go to Kanakapura (52 km). From Kanakapura take the road which goes to Kollegal / Malavalli and near the board in the above picture (that is around 7 km from Kanakapura) take right, then reach Channapattana - Sathnur road and take left.

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