Kotilingeshwara Temple a temple in the village of Kammasandra in Kolar district, Karnataka, India. The Kammasandra village was earlier known as Dharmasthali. This temple is the most unique one in entire India itself. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity in this temple.. The temple has one of the largest lingams in the world.The main attraction of the temple is a huge lingam measuring 108 ft tall and 35 ft tall Nandi statue, surrounded by lakhs of small lingams spread over an area of 15 acres. The temple was founded with the intent of installing one crore lingams, hence the name “Kotilingeshwara” where ‘Koti’ means ‘crore’.
Kotilingeshwara Temple
Koti in Kannada means one crore, Linga represents a form of Lord Shiva, thus Kotilingeshwara represents that nearly this temple has 1 crore of Lingas. This temple is located just 4kms away from Kola Gold field and 6km from Alamaram. The festival of Maha Shivaratri is celebrated here with pomp and glory. Particularly on the day of Maha Shivaratri, this temple draws millions of people from different parts of the country. Devotees will be performing Abhishekam to Shiva on Maha Shivaratri all day long.
History of Kotilingeshwara Temple
In one of the Indian epics i.e. in Ramayana a legend was told. It is said that Lord Rama avenged Ravana for kidnapping his beloved wife Sita Devi. Even though Rama won the battle, a large number of people lost their live. Rama after the battle he travelled from Dhanuskodi to Rameshwaram, he installed a Shiva Linga their and offered prayers for the salvation to those people who died. This story that was happened in Kruta Yuga signifies that whatsoever means, just and truth always wins over evil. Similarly to carry on that truth and divinity to our Kali Yuga age, this temple was constructed.
It was built by an ardent Shiva devotee named Sandhasaiva. This temple was popular among the people with the name Lingamaiah Virat Sannidhi. First Shiva Linga was constructed here on 10th October, 1980. Later on the remaining Lingas were installed.
Kotilingeshwara Temple Architecture
This temple was constructed in a vast stretch of 15 Acres of land. It will take nearly 6 to 7 hours to view every part of the temple. The outstanding feature of this temple is 33m huge Shiva lings, which is considered to be the tallest one in the world. No one can count the entire number of Shiva Lingas in the temple. Nandi Vahana a 35m huge Vigraham was constructed in front of Shiva Lingam.
Besides Lord Kotilingeshwara temple, 11 other sanctums were constructed and dedicated to other gods like Lord Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwara, Anjaneya, Rama; Lakshamana and Sita, Panduranga swamy, Annapoorneshwari, Goddess Karumaari Amma, Kannika Parameshwar, Panchamuktha Ganapathy, Venkataramani swami. People believe that by tying a sacred yellow thread around Cannon ball tree inside the temple, one can lead a happy married life with his/her spouse.
People who want to meditate in a pleasant and silence atmosphere can visit this temple. A meditation centre was exclusively constructed for this purpose. Temple authorities will also provide Kalayna Mandapam facilities for marriages.
Kotilingeshwara Temple Timings and Accommodation
Temple will be opened at early morning 6’o clock and lasts still evening 6. Devotees can install a Shiva Linga here by paying 6,000 rupees. This can be done on the day that is most auspicious and suitable for them.
There aren’t many nice hotels situated around this temple. Temple authorities will be providing accommodation facilities, however prior booking is mandatory.
Advices to Be Followed
- It is advisable to reach the temple during early morning hours. Because there won’t be much people rush during this time and the surrounding atmosphere will be pleasant.
- Carry a few snacks and a water bottle along with you.
- To people who are taking their babies along with them, carry a umbrella along with you. Since temperature will be very high during afternoon time.
- The most appropriate time to visit this temple is during the months of January, February, and March.
- For those people who want to travel to this place by air, the nearest airport is Bangalore. From there plenty of cabs were available to reach the temple.
