Sri Kotilingeshwara Temple - A Living Tapobhumi of Lord Shiva Koteshwara
🖼️ Photo Gallery
🛕 Temple Info
Nestled in the heart of Koteshwara town in Kundapura Taluk of Udupi District, Sri Kotilingeshwara Temple stands as a timeless beacon of Shaiva devotion on the coastal belt of Karnataka. The moment one steps into this sacred space, a profound stillness envelops the mind, as though the land itself breathes centuries of prayer, penance, and divine presence.
The temple complex spreads across nearly three to five acres, forming a vast spiritual enclosure that feels both grounding and expansive. At the center of this sacred geography resides Lord Shiva worshipped as Kotilingeshwara, the Lord of a crore (koti) Lingas. The sanctum holds a deeply revered well believed to contain one crore Shiva Lingas, a belief that has drawn devotees for generations and given the temple its sacred name and identity.
Surrounding the main shrine are multiple prakaras (enclosures)—seven are traditionally spoken of—some now blending seamlessly into the town’s pathways, reminding visitors how devotion and daily life coexist here. The towering Dwajasthambha rising nearly 100 feet, crowned uniquely with Nandi atop, is a striking sight and a rare architectural and spiritual symbol.
Behind the temple lies the magnificent Koti Theertha, a vast sacred tank spread across nearly four acres, regarded as one of the largest temple ponds in the Udupi region. Its calm waters, birdlife, and open stone steps offer a rare space for silence, reflection, and meditation. Sitting by this kalyani feels like sitting beside time itself.
The temple houses shrines of Sapta Matrikas, Moole Ganapati, Subramanya, Jyeshta Lakshmi, Mahishamardini, Venkateshwara, Vishnu, Veera Hanuman, Adi Shankaracharya, Venu Gopala Krishna, and many other deities—making the complex a complete spiritual universe rather than a single-deity shrine.
Import
💫 Importance
Sri Kotilingeshwara Temple is revered not only as a Shiva temple, but as a Tapobhumi—a land sanctified by intense penance. Scriptures, inscriptions, and oral tradition speak of millions of sages and seekers performing tapas here, including Lord Brahma himself. This is why devotees often describe the atmosphere as intensely charged, calm, and deeply transformative.
The belief that the sanctum well holds one crore Shiva Lingas makes this temple uniquely powerful. Devotees feel that prayers offered here multiply manifold, returning with strength, clarity, and inner courage. Business owners, newly married couples, families beginning new ventures, and spiritual seekers all visit seeking blessings for stability and auspicious beginnings.
The temple is also among the seven sacred Parashurama Kshetras of Karnataka, believed to be created when Sage Parashurama reclaimed land from the sea. Koteshwara itself takes its very name from this temple, showing how deeply faith has shaped geography and culture here.
A deeply cherished tradition is the Kodi Habba, the annual grand car festival, which sees nearly one lakh devotees gathering in devotion. The towering temple chariot, among the tallest in the region, moves through the streets amidst chants, lamps, music, and collective faith—transforming the town into a living yatra.
📜 History
Sri Kotilingeshwara Temple is ancient beyond precise dating, but inscriptions clearly mention it as early as 1324 AD, with references in the Karnataka Gazetteer. Some traditions attribute its establishment to Lord Parashurama, while others connect its expansion and protection to the Pandavas during their period of exile.
Stone inscriptions found in and around the temple record that the land was once gifted by the Pandya kings of Barkur, indicating the temple’s prominence and prosperity in earlier centuries. These inscriptions also reveal the cultural richness of Koteshwara as a thriving religious and learning center.
The temple’s architecture—massive stone slabs, sloping roofs built without modern machinery, and intricately placed shrines—speaks of an era where devotion guided engineering. The presence of ancient Veeragallu (hero stones) and Shasanas (inscriptions) stands testimony to the land’s layered past.
Local legends speak of an underground tunnel connecting the Koti Theertha to a place nearly 20 km away, adding to the mystique and sacred geography of the site.
🪔 Pooja Timings
Pooja Timings & Sevas
- Morning Darshan: Early morning to afternoon
- Afternoon Closure: Approximately 12:40 PM to 4:00 PM
- Evening Darshan: From 5:00 PM onwards
- Maha Aarti: Around 8:30 PM, a deeply moving ritual with traditional lamps
Special Highlights:
- Every Monday: Anna Prasada served between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM
- Rudrabhisheka, Maha Pooja, and special Sevas available at the Seva counter near the entrance
- During festivals, especially Kodi Habba (Margashira month / Nov–Dec), special poojas and processions are conducted
🚌 Transport Options
By Air:
The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, which is well connected to major cities. From Mangalore, Koteshwara can be reached by road.
By Rail:
The nearest major railway station is Kundapura, located about 4–6 km from Koteshwara. Regular local transport is available from the station.
By Road:
Koteshwara is well connected by road and lies close to NH-66. Frequent buses operate from Kundapura town to Koteshwara. The temple is easily reachable and located within walkable distance from the local bus stand.
🏙️ Nearby Cities
Kundapura – approx. 4 km
Udupi – approx. 36 km
Kollur – accessible via Kundapura
Mangaluru
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