Kotilingeshwara: A Temple Day Trip From Bengaluru

HampiBadami & templesCanyons & caves

Some temple visits stay with you because of one small detail. Kotilingeshwara was the opposite: rows and rows of Shiva lingas, and then the enormous central linga and Nandi that made all of us stop and look up. We had chosen it for a day trip from Bengaluru, but the scale was not something a route map could prepare us for. This is our account of that visit, with the practical bits of taking a child along as well as the darshan.

Here is how our visit went, along with the practical bits I noted down.

A note on this archive story

From the travel archive, first published 7 Nov 2017. This is our experience at the time, not a current price or booking guide. Check opening hours, access, fares and services before making your own plans.

Kotilingeshwara, in Kammasandra in Kolar district, made a striking temple outing from Bengaluru. The enormous Shiva linga, Nandi and the many smaller lingas were what caught our attention. I have left out unverified size records and exact counts; the impression the place made on us needs neither.

As expected Maha Shivaratri is a special occasion and a large number of devotees make it a point to be there on this auspicious day, the tentative footfall across year here is around 2 lakh. Once you enter the place there is a huge area for parking and refreshments. Once you pay the camera fees which I am assuming you will as every nook and corner is allowed to be photgraphed.

The entry is through maze of small temples of various deities. The first of them includes the temple of Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, and Lord Maheshwara temples. This is followed by a temple of Lord Kotilingeshwara.

After them they have arranged ropes to direct the pilgrims through the temples of Goddess Annapoorneshwari Temple, Goddess Karumaari Amma Temple, Lord Venkataramani Swamy Temple, Lord Panduranga Swamy Temple, Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana Temple, Lord Panchamukha Ganapathy Temple, Lord Anjaneya Temple, and finally Goddess Kannika Parameshwari Temple.

After the last temple we came out into rows and rows of Shiva lingas. Quite a sight! Then we reached the huge central linga with Nandi beside it and just stood looking up.

The photographs give you an idea, but standing there among all the smaller lingas felt very different. That was the part all of us kept looking at. I do not need an exact count to remember how impressive it was.

It is as if lord Shiva and basava are showering their love and blessings to all that come and bow their head in his majestic presence. The drive is also a pleasant one from Bangalore with good roads almost everywhere and it takes around 4 hours to reach via car. But be aware the place has very basic facilities in terms of food and water so if you are travelling with Kid bring everything required like milk, diaper from home itself. If you arrive at this place during lunch time a very tasty and sumptuous lunch-prasad is provided to everyone visiting the place.

Management committe also performs community marriage here every year and by paying a basic fees of 400 INR the temple committee will take care of priests with drums, music and chants. A heavenly place to tie the nuptials. There are few limited rest houses also available in temple for people who want to spend some time here. Overall a great place and must see for all residing near Bangalore.

Travel Tips:

The best time to visit: between July and January.

Address: Kodilingam Temple Road, Ghattakamadenahalli, Kolar-563121

Timings: 6:00 AM- 9:00PM

Entry Fee: INR 20 per person

Camera Fee: INR 100 per camera

Parking Charges: INR 30

Linga Installation Fee: Starts from INR 6,000

What I would keep in mind

• Carry water and the snacks your child actually eats.
• Plan around the heat and check current visitor arrangements before setting out.

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