Information of Mahalingeshwara Temple, Puttur, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka

Mahalingeshwara Temple near Puttur is a renowned Shiva pilgrim center in Karnataka. This is an ancient temple having a long standing history for more than 1000 years in developing the socio and cultural values of this region. It is the most celebrated temple of Puttur, since its foundation. It has a record of more than 10 Lakhs visitors in a year to this temple. It is located at Puttur Town, Dakshin kannda District of Karnataka State in India.

Mahalingeshwara Temple Religious Significance

Lord Shiva is worshiped for his eternal powers. Most of his devotees come here with true devotions. This temple conducts regular poojas and performs various rituals for its devotees. The Vinayaga Chathurthi and the Maha Shiva Rathri is filled with lot of devotees here. The Navarathri is a grandly celebrated with cultural events. The Rathoutsavam is celebrated very grandly in April month every year. This is witnessed by many devotees and the festive mood last up to 10 days. This is followed by the Jaathrotsava, which is conducted yearly. Apart from these festive celebrations, many devotees visit her annually and give offerings to this temple on a regular basis. A few devotees do come here to get Lord Shiva's blessings from this temple. This temple is an important worship place for its local peoples on all Hindu related auspicious occasions.

Mahalingeshwara Temple Mythology & History

Mahalingeshwara Temple at Puttur has an ancient story behind its formation. Somewhere in the 11th century AD, three Brahmins brought a small Shiva Linga to Dakshina Kanada from their pilgrimage to Kashi located in the Himalayan Mountains. They came to Puttur and wish to see its ruler known as Banga. But the King first rejected this Bhramna, since he was concerned over the labor pain of his sister. One of his ministers explained this actual fact to the Bhraman. The Bhramana relied after praying to this Linga and replied that a baby boy is to be delivered by her now. His words were true and the King was very much pleased by this Bhramana. The king also agreed to provide land for him to build a temple. But when the Bhraman once kept this Linga on the ground and when tried to lift, it was unable to lift by him. Here the Kings soldiers tried their best and left in vain. Then the Kings Elephant were brought here are attempted to lift. All of a sudden the small Linga started to grow up. Hence it is called the Maha Linga, either the huge Linga. This became a worship place and a temple was built in the later years.

Mahalingeshwara Temple Architectural Significance

Mahalingeshwara Temple is built over a stage of time. The present temple is seen in the Malabar and Kanada style of temple architecture. This is a vast temple in a rectangular shape. It is fenced by stone walls by all of its sides. It has got a porch gateway with a small complex on its top. The main deity is placed in the centre of this temple. It is a traditional type of half stone and half wooden structure with clay tiles on its roofs. The important feature of this temple is its huge statue of Lord Shiva in a crossed legged mediation position on the entrance of this temple. This is placed over a mandapa and is visible from all parts of these areas. On its west end a large pond is built here. There are very fine craftsmanship found on stones and woods in this temple. This temple has a huge beautiful Chariot made out of wood. It has got an excellent carving works.