Sree Mahalingeshwara Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Mahalingeshwara temple in Adoor, is a popular shrine believed to have been constructed by Arjuna, one of the mythical Pandava warrior prince, in the Indian epic Mahabharata. Built in the 13th century, this temple is located on the southern banks of Payaswini River. Sree Mahalingeswara Temple at Adoor in Kasaragod district contains a Sanskrit inscription in Kannada script which has been ascribed to the Western Chalukya King Kirthivarman II (745 - 755 AD). People with health related problems visit this temple. The Lord Siva of this temple is also known “Vaidyanathan”.
Legend has it that it was at Adoor, a scenic village in Kasaragod, where 'Kiratha Yudham' — the battle between Lord Shiva and Arjuna took place. Lord Shiva gave the Pasupathastra to Arjuna at this place. Later the Shiva Lingam worshipped by Arjuna a Harijan, an untouchable, discovered the Shiva lingam while he was on his way to work. Since a common man found the Shiva Lingam, the day has been celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. People throng the temple premises and wear their choicest costumes. They celebrate the Makara Sankramam Festival with remarkable enthusiasm and keenness. They pay homage to the Shiva Lingam and ask for their prosperity and overall happiness. One of the great attractions of Adoor Sree Mahalingeswara Temple is that it has eye catching intricate carvings and colourful paintings on the walls of the temple along with the scenes from holy scripts.
This temple has a huge three tired copper covered Gaja prishta type sreekovil. This is a mahakshetra with namaskaramandapam, tidappally, valiyambalam, agrasala, pond and copper dwaja. The Kiratarjuneeyam story is sculptured around the Valiyabalikkallu.
Location
Adoor
Main Deity
Lord Siva
Other Deities
Lord Ganesha & Lord Vishnu
Festivals
Makara Sankramam is the important festival of the temple. Maha Sivarathri
Main Offerings
Appa Prasadam, Koovalam Maala, Mrithunjaya Homam.
How To Reach
By Air: Mangaluru International Airport is the nearest International Airport situated at 83.5 KM.
By Road: Kasargode KSRTC Bus Depot is 37.6 KM from the Temple.
By Rail: Kasargode Railway Station is 38.7 KM from the Temple.