Mangalore: The story begins with Sri Saila Shivacharya Mallikarjuna Swamy coming to Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh and later to Karnataka doing humanitarians works of social service. The seer observed penance in North Kanara, Shimoga and modern Haveri districts of Karnataka in caves and set up monasteries. He stayed in Mallapur near Kumta. He chose the bull as his successor when he was about to die. People wondered whether he had gone mad at 60.
The devotees asked the Guru as to how a dumb animal can guide them in his absence. The Guru replied that he had decided to pour all the merits earned in his life on the bull he chose as his successor to keep Sri Saila branch happy.  Guru Hutcheshwara explained the meaning behind B-S-Va (bull). Several miracles have been performed by this Bull succeeding Guru in Karnataka.
Pradeep K. Kalkura of Kadri invited the Basava (bull) to the Kadri Temple on Monday (Feb28) amid general curiosity and faith of the people who worshipped the sacred Bull that has taken over from a human Guru to serve devotees.