The Puttur Mahalingeshwara Temple is an ancient temple which was constructed in the 12th century A.D. The temple is located in Puttur in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka.
Puttur Mahalingeshwara Temple– Overview
The temple is protected by a 1961 act which created to safeguard historical sites in the state. The temple is currently maintained and conserved by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, under the Mysore division of the Government of Karnataka.
Sri Mahalingeshwar Temple Puttur. Image courtesy: Vinay bhat
Puttur Mahalingeshwara Temple – Architecture and History
The Puttur Mahalingeshwara Temple is dedicated to an incarnation of Lord Shiva known as Lord Mahalingeshwara. On the western side of the temple is a pond. People believe that in ancient times, pearls were found in this pond. The pond has stone steps which can lead one to the water. The word Muttu in Kannada means pearl. This brought the name Muttur which later became Puttur.
Puttur Mahalingeshwara Temple – Religious Significance
One of the main festivals in the Puttur Mahalingeshwara Temple is that of Rathotsava or the Chariot Festival, held in the month of April. People celebrate this festival for ten days with great pomp and show. Puttur dazzles with a beautiful display of lights and fireworks. Around one lakh devotees visit the Puttur Mahalingeshwara Temple during this time. The traditional Brahmin priests of the Puttur Mahalingeshwara Temple belongs to the family of Barekere Kedilaya.
Puttur Bedi , Mahalingeshwara Temple. Image courtesy: BHARATHESHA ALASANDEMAJALU
The Puttur Mahalingeshwara Temple lies at a distance of 300 km from Bangalore and 60 km from the Dakshin Kannada District Headquarters. The nearest railhead is Puttur railway station and the nearest airport is Mangalore. Puttur is well connected by roads and one can take a bus which takes the route of Mangalore – BC Road – Puttur.
