The Kotilingeshwara Temple, located in Kamalapura near Kolar, Karnataka, is one of the most fascinating and unique temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple’s name itself means “One crore lingas,” and true to its name, the site houses millions of Shivalingas, making it a sacred and visually striking destination for devotees from across India.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Kotilingeshwara Temple |
| Location | Kamalapura, near Kolar, Karnataka |
| Deity | Lord Shiva |
| Founder | Swami Sambha Shiva Murthy |
| Established | 1980s |
| Architecture | Simple Dravidian style; houses the 108 ft Shivalinga and 35 ft Nandi |
| Unique Feature | Over 1 crore Shivalingas installed by devotees |
| Main Festivals | Mahashivaratri, Pradosha Vrata, Karthika Deepotsava |
| Darshan Timings | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Best Time to Visit | October to February |
| Nearby Attractions | Kolaramma Temple, Antara Gange Caves, Someshwara Temple |
| How to Reach | 97 km from Bangalore, 35 km from Kolar, accessible via NH75 |
The Legend Behind Kotilingeshwara Temple
The origin of Kotilingeshwara Temple is deeply rooted in faith and devotion. According to legend, the temple was built by Swami Sambha Shiva Murthy in the early 1980s. It is said that he had a divine vision of establishing a place of worship where ten million Shivalingas would be installed to symbolize the infinite presence of Lord Shiva.
Devotees believe that worshiping at this temple can bring peace, prosperity, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The temple stands as a powerful representation of Shiva’s energy and benevolence, attracting thousands of pilgrims every year.
Architectural Marvel and Layout
The architecture of the Kotilingeshwara Temple is simple yet magnificent. The temple complex spans over 15 acres of land and is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a serene environment. The highlight is the main Shivalinga, which stands about 108 feet tall, making it one of the largest lingas in the world. Adjacent to it is a 35-foot-tall Nandi statue, facing the linga — a classic representation of Lord Shiva’s vehicle.
The temple complex also contains millions of smaller lingas arranged in rows, each installed by devotees over the years. Visitors are allowed to install a Shivalinga in their name or on behalf of loved ones, a tradition that continues to this day. This unique practice gives the temple its name — “Kotilingeshwara,” meaning “the Lord of a crore lingas.”
Spiritual Importance of Kotilingeshwara
The temple is not just a place of visual wonder but also of deep spiritual significance. The presence of countless lingas symbolizes the omnipresence of Lord Shiva — that He exists everywhere and within everyone.
Devotees believe that offering prayers here, especially during the Mahashivaratri festival, fulfills wishes and purifies the soul. Every year, thousands of devotees gather to participate in the Rudrabhisheka, chanting mantras and offering milk, honey, and water to the lingas.
In addition to the main shrine of Lord Shiva, the temple complex also has smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Goddess Annapoorneshwari, Lord Ganesh, and Nandi. These shrines represent the temple’s inclusive nature, symbolizing the unity of all forms of divinity.
Festivals and Celebrations
Among the numerous festivals celebrated here, Mahashivaratri is the most prominent. The temple witnesses a massive inflow of pilgrims who stay overnight for special poojas and rituals. Karthika Deepotsava and Pradosha Vrata are also observed with great devotion.
During Mahashivaratri, the temple is illuminated beautifully, and spiritual chants echo through the area. The atmosphere is charged with energy, faith, and devotion as devotees perform abhishekam on the Shivalingas throughout the night.
Visiting Experience
Visiting the Kotilingeshwara Temple is an awe-inspiring experience. The sight of endless Shivalingas arranged neatly across the complex is humbling and spiritually uplifting. The temple offers a calm environment away from the bustle of cities, allowing visitors to meditate and reflect in peace.
Photography is allowed, but visitors are advised to maintain decorum and follow temple rules. Footwear is not permitted inside the temple premises, and devotees are encouraged to wear traditional attire.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the temple is during the winter months (October to February), as the weather remains pleasant and suitable for travel. However, if you wish to experience the temple’s spiritual grandeur, visiting during Mahashivaratri (February or March) is ideal.
How to Reach Kotilingeshwara Temple
The Kotilingeshwara Temple is located near Kamalapura village, approximately 97 km from Bangalore and 35 km from Kolar. It is easily accessible by road, and regular buses and taxis operate from Bangalore, Kolar, and nearby towns.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport (Bangalore), around 120 km away.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Kolar, which is well-connected to Bangalore and other major cities.
- By Road: Visitors can take the NH75 (Bangalore–Kolar Highway). The temple is well signposted and easily reachable by private or rental vehicles.
Accommodation and Nearby Attractions
While the temple doesn’t have on-site accommodation, visitors can find several hotels and lodges in Kolar and Bangalore. Nearby attractions include Antara Gange Caves, Someshwara Temple, and Kolaramma Temple, which can be explored on a one-day trip.
Temple Timings
The temple is open to devotees daily, with poojas and abhishekam performed throughout the day.
| Session | Timings |
|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Special Poojas | Mahashivaratri, Mondays, and Pradosha days |
