Dedicated to Mukkanneshwara Basava, the three-eyed, three-horned bull
In Hunsur taluk of Mysuru district, near the Gaddige Sri Kendaganneshwara Swamy Temple, a temple is being built for a three-eyed, three-horned bull named Mukkanneshwara (a deity with three eyes) Basava (bull).
Revered for its supposed miracles, the bull became a household name among devotees. Following its natural death, devotees resolved to honour it by constructing a temple at Sanjeevanagar and installing a grand Panchaloha idol.
As a mark of respect, the deceased bull was paraded before being buried in front of the village, where the temple now stands. The sanctum sanctorum will feature an 800-kg Panchaloha idol replicating the bull and the statue has been carved in Tamil Nadu. Preparations are underway to install the idol within the next three months.
The renowned bronze idol-making company Sri Devasenapathy Sthapathy Sons near Swamimalai, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, has crafted this distinctive idol involving a team of Radhakrishnan Sthapathy, Shrikanda Sthapathy, and Swaminathan Sthapathy, sons of Devasenapathy Sthapathy, acclaimed for their craftsmanship. It took them eight months for them to complete the work.
From wandering calf into a revered bull
The extraordinary calf, born in a village in H.D. Kote taluk, was later brought to the premises of the Sri Kendaganneshwara Swamy Temple as the owner did not know what to do with the animal. With its tiny steps, the calf wandered around the temple premises and Sanjeevanagar, captivating the attention of devotees and temple authorities alike. Out of deep affection, they nurtured and cared for it.
As time passed, the calf began spending more time in the fields of Sanjeevanagar. Villagers, out of reverence and love, ensured that it was well-fed.
Its rare features — three eyes and three horns — imbued it with a sense of divine sanctity. Often seen resting near the Maramma Temple, the calf became an object of devotion, gradually transforming from a wandering youngling into a revered bull in the hearts of the people.
Devotion and growing fame
Devotees visiting the Sri Kendaganneshwara Swamy Temple would often make their way to Sanjeevanagar just to catch a glimpse of the Mukkanneshwara Basava. Word of the bull’s divine presence drew devotees from far and wide. Many believed that standing before the bull and making a sincere wish would lead to its fulfilment.
The fields where Mukkanneshwara Basava wandered were said to yield abundant harvests, and it was widely believed that if the bull passed by a house, it would bring prosperity to the family.
One particular incident further strengthened the villagers’ faith. It is said that a man, angered by the bull straying into his field, struck it with a stick. Soon after, he fell seriously ill and was admitted to the hospital.
His troubles worsened, forcing him to sell his land and home before leaving the village. Realising his mistake, he later returned, seeking forgiveness at the feet of the bull, further cementing its status as a divine presence in the eyes of the people. Over time, several other miracles have been attributed to Mukkanna Basava, solidifying its revered status.
A standing idol of Mukkanna Basava has cost Rs. 27 lakh. Once ready, it will be consecrated, with special pujas and annadana (free food) organised annually.
How Sanjeevanagar became a sacred site
About four-and-a-half-decades ago, during the tenure of Chief Minister D. Devaraj Urs, several families from Mandya district settled on Government land located 2-3 kilometres from the Sri Kendaganneshwara Swamy Temple.
This settlement eventually came to be known as Sanjeevanagar, or ‘Mandya Shed.’ Now, with Mukkanna Basava’s Temple taking shape, the village is on the path to becoming a pilgrimage site. The construction of the temple and the preparations for the idol’s consecration were initiated after discussions with the villagers.
BJP leader Suryakumar, who is the Vice President of the State Horticulture Farmers Association and a close aide of Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar, played a key role in coordinating the project.
Overseeing the temple’s development, Suryakumar noted that the State witnessed positive changes during Vijayashankar’s tenure as MLA and Minister after receiving Mukkanna Basava’s blessings.
This post was published on February 12, 2025 6:10 pm