The Kotilingeshwara Temple, located in the quaint village of Kammasandra in the Kolar district, is a testament to spiritual grandeur. This sacred place has earned fame for harboring the largest and tallest Shivalinga in Asia. With more than 2 lakh devout visitors making their pilgrimage to this temple every year, it stands as a remarkable place of worship. Maha Shivaratri is a particularly special occasion, drawing a large number of devotees from all corners. The temple is easily accessible from the gold fields of Kolar. The colossal Shivalinga, reaching a towering height of 33 meters, stands as the tallest in the world. Additionally, it is accompanied by an 11-meter-tall Basava statue and surrounded by numerous Shivalingas spread across the premises. The ambitious project of installing one crore Shivalingas has led to the temple’s name, Kotilingeshwara, and currently, approximately a hundred lakh Shivalingas grace the temple.
In This Article
Quick Facts about Kotilingeshwara Temple, Kolar
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to experience the temple’s serenity is between July and January.
- Address: Kotilingam Temple Road, Ghattakamadenahalli, Kolar-563121 (Map)
- Timings: The temple opens its gates from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: A nominal fee of INR 20 per person grants access to this divine abode.
- Camera Fee: Photography enthusiasts are welcome to capture the temple’s beauty for a fee of INR 100 per camera.
- Parking Charges: Convenient parking facilities are available at INR 50.
- Linga Installation Fee: For those seeking a unique experience, the installation of a Linga starts at INR 6,000.
History of Kotilingeshwara Temple, Kolar
The inception of this temple can be attributed to Swami Sambha Shiva Murthy, who initiated its construction in 1980. The first Linga was consecrated in the same year, marking the beginning of a spiritual journey. Alongside the towering Linga, an impressive 11-meter-tall Nandi statue stands atop a grand platform. Within the temple grounds, eleven other shrines pay homage to different deities. These include temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Lord Maheshwara, Lord Kotilingeshwara, Goddess Annapoorneshwari, Goddess Karumaari Amma, Lord Venkataramani Swamy, Lord Panduranga Swamy, Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, Lord Panchamukha Ganapathy, Lord Anjaneya, and Goddess Kannika Parameshwari. Recognized by the government as a tourist spot, the temple welcomes devotees and tourists from around the world who come to pay their respects to the largest Linga in Asia. Two unique flower trees, Nagalinga and Cannon Ball, can be found on the premises, where unmarried women often seek blessings for a happy married life.
Poojas at Kotilingeshwara Temple, Kolar
Daily rituals are meticulously performed by the temple’s priests at all the installed Shivalingas. These ceremonies are accompanied by melodious music and rhythmic drumming, and the priests recite mantras while offering water to the Lingas. Devotees also have the privilege of conducting special poojas by installing Lingas in their names. These can be scheduled on any day chosen by the devotees, and regular rituals are carried out for all the installed Lingas.
Facilities at Kotilingeshwara Temple, Kolar
The temple offers accommodation for devotees in the form of rest houses within the premises. Additionally, the temple hosts free mass marriages, conducted with great pomp and devotion, with approximately twenty weddings taking place every week. A meditation hall is also available for those seeking solace and introspection.
How to Reach Kotilingeshwara Temple, Kolar
- By Air: The nearest airport to Kolar is situated in Bangalore. Travelers can hire cabs or use public transport to reach Kolar from the airport.
- By Rail: Kolar is well-connected by a rail network, with trains operating from Bangalore, Mangalore, Hassan, Kolar, and Hubli.
- By Road: If you prefer traveling by road, the route to the temple passes through Kolar, which is approximately 2.5 hours away from Bangalore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the Kotilingeshwara Temple timings? A: The temple is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Q: How far is Kotilingeshwara Temple from Kammasandra, Karnataka? A: The temple is located in Kammasandra, Kolar district.
Q: How many Shivalingas are there in Kotilingeshwara Temple? A: The temple is home to a staggering one crore Shivalingas, with around a hundred lakh Shivalingas currently in place.
Q: How to reach Kotilingeshwara Temple from Bangalore? A: From Bangalore, you can reach Kolar, and from there, it’s a short journey to the temple.
Q: What are the nearby places to Kotilingeshwara Temple? A: Some nearby attractions include the gold fields of Kolar and the enchanting Cannon Ball and Nagalinga trees.
