Sri Katte Basaveshwara Swamy Temple – A Sacred and Serene Legacy
The Sri Katte Basaveshwara Swamy Temple, located at the entrance of Ettinaboodihal village (Yettina Budihal), Bellary, Karnataka stands as a beautiful and picturesque spiritual site.
Origin Legend – A Divine Journey
According to local belief, the temple dates back to the 12th century. A revered saint, believed to have come from the Karimala region of Malenadu (a region known for its dense forests and hills), was traveling with his bull (ettuvu) in search of a sacred place to reside. After exploring many villages, he reached the present-day Basmapura. Feeling a divine connection with this land, he chose to settle there.
One day, the saint sensed his end was near and informed the village devotees about his intended Jeeva Samadhi (a yogic tradition of consciously leaving the body). In accordance with his wishes, the devotees built a samadhi (tomb) at the chosen spot.
Miraculous Incident and Divine Recognition
On the last Monday of the Shravan month, it is said that the saint instructed the villagers (from seven nearby villages) to carry his palanquin from their respective village gates and bring it to Basmapura. As preparations began and rituals were underway, something miraculous occurred — the saint’s devoted bull (named Gooli) leapt into the samadhi and gave up its life.
Touched by the bull’s devotion, the villagers sealed the samadhi with two large stones. Three days later, these stones mysteriously stood upright, and on their surface appeared the form of a bull's face. As this miraculous event occurred on the structure (katte) above the samadhi, the saint came to be known as Sri Katte Basaveshwara Swamy.
The village name Ettinaboodihal (meaning “the place where the bull settled”) is believed to have originated from this divine event. Over the years, the temple has been renovated in stages by the villagers, preserving its sacred history.
Devotion, Rituals, and Beliefs
Sri Katte Basaveshwara Swamy is regarded as the chief deity (grama devata) of the village. Before any auspicious occasion at home, villagers make it a point to visit the temple, perform Rudrabhisheka (a sacred Shiva ritual), offer leaf puja (ele puje), and flower decorations (alankara puje).
The deity is especially believed to fulfill devotees’ desires related to:
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Progeny (santana bhagya)
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Marriage (maduve bhagya)
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Employment and career (udhyoga bhagya)
Offerings made to the deity, particularly bitter gourd (antrakayi), lemons, and flowers, are considered highly sacred prasadam. There is a strong local belief that hanging bitter gourds or lemons at home wards off evil spirits or negative energies.
Renovation and Facilities
Since 2010, the temple has undergone major renovation work through both temple funds and devotee contributions. The facilities now include:
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Guest rooms for devotees
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A Dasoha Mantapa (hall for serving free meals)
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A chariot (theru)
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A stage (uchchaya)
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Event halls for religious or community functions
Annual Celebrations
Every year, on the last Monday of the Shravan month, the temple hosts a holy Gangajal (Ganga water) procession and the grand Rathotsava (chariot festival), attracting devotees from many regions.