Located amidst the Kolar district of Karnataka, India, lies the Kotilingeshwara Temple. It is a majestic monument dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple houses the world’s tallest Shiva Linga and the complex boasts unique architecture and religious significance. The beauty of the temple and the importance it holds is quite significant to Hindu mythology. If you are planning a trip down to Karnataka, a detour to Kammasandra is a must to witness the majestic sculpture of Lord Shiva with your eyes.
History And Mythology of Kotilingeshwara Temple
While the grandeur of the Kotilingeshwara Temple speaks volumes, its history is relatively young. The temple’s construction began in 1980 under the guidance of Swami Sambha Shiva Murthy. According to legends, the Shiva lingas were placed at the present temple site by an atheist, who later turned into a devotee of Lord Shiva. The story was turned into an autobiography and made into a film titled Sri Manjunatha in 2001.
The name “Kotilingeshwara” itself signifies “Lord of a Crore Lingas” (a crore being ten million). True to its name, the temple complex houses many Shiva Lingas, with the colossal central Linga standing tall at a staggering 108 feet (33 meters). Besides its historical and mythological significance, Lord Shiva symbolises strength, perseverance, and power. Furthermore, devotees visit the Kotilingeshwara Temple to seek blessings and do prayers.
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Best Time to Visit the Kotilingeshwara Temple
The Kotilingeshwara Temple is open year-round, without any limitations. So, irrespective of the day or month of the year, you can visit the temple and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. Moreover, there are special occasions throughout the year when the grandeur of the temples goes up a notch. Visiting during the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri enables you to witness the grand celebrations. Since Karnataka experiences hot and humid weather during the peak summer months, it is ideal to avoid that period. You can plan your visit during the winter, i.e., between October and March. The weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the outdoor spots.
Essential Information About Kotilingeshwara Temple
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To make the most of your experience visiting the temple, it’s ideal to have basic insights about it. This includes the timings, entrance fees, and rules.
Timings
The Kotilingeshwara Temple timings are from 07:00 am to 09:30 pm. You have to get to the temple gates to secure a place in the waiting line, which can be long. The management inside the temple is swift and organized, keeping the darshan and puja offerings from the devotees quite fast-paced.
Entrance Fee
You have to pay ₹20 as the Kotilingeshwara temple entry fee. It only applies to adults and children who can enter the temple premises for free. The entry fee is uniform for all devotees and there are no extra amenities or favours for special darshan entries. If you are carrying a camera, there is an extra charge of ₹100 for the same. The parking charge outside the temple is ₹30.
Etiquettes and Rules
As you enter the temple complex, maintain silence and decorum. Here, photography is permitted. Maintaining calm and waiting in the designated queues ensure a quick darshan. All you have to do is follow the instructions given by the temple staff.
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What To Do In Kotilingeshwara Temple?
Knowing about the history of the Kotilingeshwara temple will leave you intrigued by the temple’s construction and story. Besides offering your prayers, several other experiences await you inside the temple. You can seek blessings from Lord Shiva and perform abhishekam (holy bath) on the Shivalinga using sacred water and offerings. It’s a highly significant experience for several devotees. You can soak in the majestic view of the tallest Shiva Linga. The sheer scale and intricate design of this structure will leave you speechless. Venture beyond the central Linga and explore the numerous smaller Lingas scattered throughout the temple grounds. Each Linga holds its significance and adds to the temple’s unique charm. Lastly, take the time to soak in the calmness and tranquillity of the space. You can find a quiet spot inside the temple and indulge in meditation and self-reflection.
Highlights Of The Kotilingeshwara Temple
The grandeur and spiritual significance of the Kotilingeshwara temple goes beyond its physical appearance. This is one of the reasons why you should be aware of the Kotilingeshwara Temple story. It explains the highlights of the temple, which include:
- The towering 108-foot Shiva Linga is undoubtedly the temple’s main attraction, the reason why people visit from across India and outside.
- The temple complex houses a staggering number of smaller Shiva Lingas, estimated to be over 90 lakhs (nine million). It adds to the visual spectacle of the temple premises.
- Flanking the central Linga is a majestic statue of Nandi, the sacred bull and Lord Shiva’s loyal mount. The statue stands an impressive 11 meters (36 feet) tall.
- Eleven smaller shrines are dedicated to various Hindu deities inside the temple complex of the Kotilingeshwara Temple.
One of the best aspects of exploring the Kotilingeshwara Temple lies in its peaceful and calming atmosphere. It is an ideal sanctuary for devotees seeking spiritual solace.
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Places To Visit Around Kotilingeshwara Temple
The Kotilingeshwara Temple remains the star attraction. However, it’s not the only spot tourists explore in the area. There are a few worth adding to your itinerary for a wholesome experience:
1. Kolar Gold Fields
Located around 8 km from the temple, the gold fields have a rich mining history. A museum surrounds them, providing access to the mine’s history and significance.
2. Bangarapet
Bangarapet is 14 km from the Kotilingeshwara temple and is a perfect spot for history buffs. The place is home to the Jumma Masjid, a 17th-century mosque showcasing Indo-Islamic architectural influences.
3. Nandi Hills
Although not the closest tourist spot, it is one worth visiting. Located 115 km from the temple, Nandi Hills is a popular hill station famous for attractions like Fort Nandi and Tipu’s Drop.
How To Reach Kotilingeshwara Temple?
Due to the central location of the Kotilingeshwara temple, reaching there isn’t a hassle. The place is well connected via road, trains and air. Here’s a breakdown of all the transportation modes:
By Air: The closest airport to the Kotilingeshwara Temple is the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore (Bengaluru). It is roughly 110 km away, and you can rent a car or take a cab.
By Train: Kolar’s railway station is well-connected to major cities in South India. Take a train to Kolar and hire a taxi or rickshaw to reach the temple.
By Road: Located in Kolar, the town is well connected to all the main highways and nearby towns. So, you can embark on a comfortable road trip to reach the temple.
Depending on the time of year and accessibility, you can choose the best modes of transportation available to reach the Kotilingeshwara temple. With so many options, it’s vital to have a solid plan. Ensure that you keep an eye out for the weather conditions and sort out all the bookings ahead of time so you aren’t facing complications at the last minute.
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The Kotilingeshwara Temple, with its colossal Shiva Linga and serene ambience, beckons pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike. Whether seeking spiritual solace or marvelling at architectural grandeur, this temple offers a unique and enriching experience. A visit down to the temple can be a part of your itinerary the next time you plan your trip to Karnataka.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kotilingeshwara Temple
Are there any specific festivals celebrated at the Kotilingeshwara Temple?
The best time to visit Kotilingeshwara temple is during Shivratri, which is a major Hindu festival. There are special pujas and rituals offered during that period, including the Maha Puja, which is a significant annual event.
Does the temple offer any facilities for pilgrims staying overnight?
Multiple budget hotels and other accommodation options are available near the temple, where you can plan your stay if you are staying overnight.
Is there anything specific to offer at the temple?
Devotees typically offer milk, sacred thread (janeau), flowers, and bilva leaves (considered sacred to Lord Shiva) during their prayers.
Is photography allowed inside the temple premises?
Photography is allowed inside the temple but you’d have to pay an additional fee of hundred rupees if you are carrying a camera.
How much time to spend in Kotilingeshwara Temple?
Depending on the crowd, you will have to wait for 1-3 hours for the temple darshan. Following that, you can go ahead and explore the temple premises and other small Shiva lingams that are significant to the temple’s history.
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