Kotilingeswara Temple – Weekend getaway from Bangalore

It was a tough decision to venture out after five months of the lockdown because of the pandemic. It was clear that we didn’t want to start our travel to crowded places, monuments or any other public places or travel by public transport. I was looking for a perfect weekend getaway from Bangalore.

The decision was based on my previous article http://tanhadil.in/my-first-travel-after-covid-19-lockdown-travelling-tips/ So we decided to go to Kolar, which is just 70 km away from Bangalore. A very beautiful and scenic drive from Bangalore with lush greenery on both sides of the road,  small rocky hills, well-maintained road and beautiful climate made our journey very comfortable and enjoyable. Though it’s just 70 km away, and a perfect weekend getaway from Bangalore it took nearly one and a half hours to reach Kolar and another half an hour to reach Kotilingeswara Temple driving through a little rough and muddy village road. Kolar, in Karnataka, is also famous for its goldfields.

About Kotilineshwara Temple

The tallest Shivalinga in the world of 33 meters height is installed here at Kotilineshwara Temple along with 11 meters high Lord Nandi ( Bull). ‘Koti’ in the Kannada language means a crore. Though these two are the most sought attractions, not to miss the other 90 lakhs small Shivalings which are installed in the temple. As the name says, Kotilinegeshwara, which means one crore Shivalings, these 90 lakhs Shivalingas are donated by different people and installed here till the temple reach a crore number.

The temple is located in a small village Kammasanadra in Kolar District and is easily approachable. This temple was constructed by Swami Sambha Shiva Murthy in the year 1980. Apart from daily puja /prayers, the temple is also open as a tourist spot. The temple attracts millions of tourists every year, especially during the Shivaratri festival. 

There are 11 other temples of different deities like Lord Vishnu, Brahma, Mahesh, Rama, 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 in the same premises.

Facilities at Kotilingeshwara temple

There are rest houses, taps for washing hands, a Marriage hall where mass marriages are organised, meditation hall and an exhibition centre on the premises.

Like any other pilgrimages, there is a small market selling knick-knacks, small Shivalingas and puja materials. There are enough parking space and eatery shops.

How to Reach Kotilingeshwara Temple, Kolar

By Air

Bangalore Airport is the nearest airport. From the airport, travellers can hire cabs or rely on public transport to reach Kolar. It’s about 100 km and takes nearly 2. 5 hours.

By Rail

There is a well-connected rail network from Bangalore, Mangalore, Hassan, Kolar and Hubli.

By Road

Kola can be reached best by road is from Bangalore. It takes about 2 hours and the drive is a smooth one.

Express Info :

• The best time to visit: between July and January.

• Timings:6:00 AM- 9:00 PM

• Entry Fee: Rs 20 per person

• Camera Fee: Rs 100

• Parking Charges: Rs 30

• Linga Installation Fee: Starts from  Rs 6,000, anyone who wishes can get it installed in their name.