Nandikeshvara Temple at Mekkekattu houses a large collection of Bhuta icons made of jackfruit wood. It is believed that Bhutas were installed by the legendary Saint Jambukeshwara to protect himself from evil spirits. There are two shrines, one is dedicated to Nandikeshwara’s consort and other holds a figure of the sacred winged bull, Nandikeshwara or ‘aakasha nandi’, himself. There are more than 150 wooden icons, and 200 aniconic (idol less) supernatural spirits. A hall near the main shrine houses wooden icons of vanquished soldiers, horses, elephants of Keladi kingdom. These wooden images are called 'uru' and the wooden icons hall is called ‘urusaale.’ The annual festival is held in the month of February and March.
