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Are you planning for a picnic from Bengaluru? Head to Kotilingeshwara in Kolar! Kotilingeshwara is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, it houses the world's tallest Shiva Linga.
'Koti' in Kannada means crore and this temple project aims to install one crore Shiva lingas in the temple. Unlike other temples, it is less crowded and ideal for a day's trip.
Location
Kotilingeshwara temple is situated in the village of Kammasandra in Kolar, Karnataka. Kolar district is around 70km from Bangalore. Kotilingeshwara temple is also near to Kolar Gold Fields ( 10km).
Photo Courtesy: Jigansk
History of Kotilingeshwara
It is said that Swamy Sambha Shivamurthy saw Lord Shiva in his dreams. Later, he decided to construct a Shiva temple. The first Shiva Linga of Kotilingeshwara was installed in 1980. Over the years, lakhs of lingams have been installed around this temple.
Photo Courtesy: Mithila
Largest Shiva Linga
The main deity of the temple is the Lord Kotilingeshwara. The main attraction of this temple is the largest Shiva Linga measuring 33 m. There is also a huge Nandi (bull) statue in front of this tall lingam.
Photo Courtesy: Mithila
Number of Lingas
The holy place of Kotilingeshwara temple houses around 90 lakh lingas of different sizes. The temple project is to install one crore lingas in this temple. It is also called as Kotilingeshwara owing to the number of Shiva lingas in the complex.
Photo Courtesy: pponnada
Other temples
The first shrine is dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. The main shrine consists of Kotilingeshwara (main deity) and surrounding the big lingam are the small temples for other Hindu gods. One can also see the shrines of Lord Ganesha, Lord Venkataramana Swamy, Goddess Kannikaparameshwari temple, etc.
Photo Courtesy: pponnada
How to Reach Kotilingeshwara Temple
One has to first reach Kolar and then head to Kotilingeshwara. The temple is around 95km from Bangalore.
Bus: There are many buses from Bengaluru everyday.
Train: You have to either get down in Kolar or Bangarpet railway station.
Photo Courtesy: Hariharan Arunachalam
Kotilingeshwara Temple Timings
The temple is open to public from 6am to 9pm.
Photo Courtesy: SGKiron
Facilities
The Kotilingeshwara Temple organises mass marriages every week. They'll charge only a nominal fee for the marriage and provide other facilities. Every afternoon the temple also serves lunch. Any devotee can install a Shiva Linga in the complex. The temple also has a rest room where the devotees can relax.
Photo Courtesy: Pponnada
Other Attractions Near Kotilingeshwara
Tourists can stroll around Kolar and visit some major attractions.Chikka Tirupati or Bangaru Tirupathi is yet another prime tourist place near Kotilingeshwara. Chikka Tirupathi is 63km from Kotilingeshwara and both temples can be covered in a day.
Photo Courtesy: Ssriram mt
The huge temple complex houses the biggest Shiva Linga and Nandi (Bull - Shiva's animal mount) along with shrines of other Hindu gods. This holy site one of the prominent tourist places in Kolar.
Kotilingeshwara is located in Kammasandra of Kolar near Bangalore. A visit to this beautiful temple is a must.
