Male Mahadeshwara Temple also known as M.M Hills is a Lord Shiva temple in the Hanur taluk of Chamarajanagar district in southern Karnataka. It is located approximately 150 kilometres from Mysuru and 210 kilometres from Bangalore. The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Male Mahadeshwara is a pilgrimage site where Mahadeshwara lived, practised medicine as Sidda, and taught ahimsa to people on and near the seven hills.

The temple, located amid a dense forest, attracts pilgrims and nature lovers. Male Mahadeshwara Hills is a popular pilgrimage destination in the State. It is a hill range in the Hanur taluk 3,200 feet above sea level. It is said that MM Hills comprises seven hills known as ‘Elu Male’: Anemale, Jenumale, Kadumale, Kanumale, Ponnachimale, Pavalamale, and Pachchemale.

The temple’s deity takes the form of a linga. According to records, Mahadeshwara, a Veerashaiva Saint who lived in the 14th and 15th centuries, settled on the top of this hill and attained samadhi (salvation). He had a large number of devotees, so this area became a sacred site. In his honour, the temple was built here. There is also a large image of Nandi (Lord Shiva’s vehicle), as well as several other shrines throughout the area.

Story/Legend of Male Mahadeshwara Temple Chamarajanagar

According to legend, Male Mahadeshwara was born in Adijambava Kula Kali Yuga. Lord Mahadeshwara paid a visit to the home of Junje Gowda, a wealthy landlord from the Kuruba Gowda caste who worshipped the god Beredevara. There, he performed miracles to persuade Junje Gowda of his power and eventually won him over to his side.

Junje Gowda is said to have built all of the temples in eastern Karnataka’s mountainous region known as the Mahadeshwara Hills. However, the Junje Gowda family continues to live in the village of Kadamboor in Hanur taluk, Chamarajangar district.

According to locals, there are seven peaks: Anumale, Jenumale, Kanumale, Pachchemale, Pavalamale, Ponnachimale, and Kongumale. These seven peaks collectively form the Male Mahadeshwara Betta. It is said that the saint Lord Mahadeshwara founded a Mutt here to oversee the religious and cultural affairs of the people of this region. It is also said that through his miracles, he enlightened and uplifted the hill tribes, converting them into his disciples. People from these families have become hereditary ‘Archakas’ at the Mahadeshwara Temple.

History of Male Mahadeshwara Temple Chamarajanagar

Historical evidence suggests that Saint Mahadeshwara lived in the fifteenth century. He came here about 600 years ago to perform penance, and it is believed he is still doing so in the temple’s Garbha Gudi as a Linga. The Linga, which is now worshipped at Garbha Gudi, is self-manifested (swayambhu).

Sri Male Mahadeshwara Swamy was riding a tiger named Huli Vahana (Tiger as a vehicle) and performing a series of miracles around the Betta to save the people and saints who lived there. The village folk occasionally sing Janapada-style songs about Lord Sri Mahadeshwara’s miracles.

Junje Gowda, a wealthy landowner from Kuruba Gowda, built the Mahadeshwara Temple on Male Mahadeshwara Hill. The Lord Sri Mahadeshwara is thought to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Before 1953, Sri Salur Mutt controlled and managed the Temple, which was then handed over to the Madras Government. The Karnataka Government took over management of the Temple once the area was under its control.

The architecture of Male Mahadeshwara Temple Chamarajanagar

The Sri Male Mahadeshwara Temple is a traditional Hindu temple that worships Lord Shiva. The temple is located in the village of Male Mahadeshwara Betta, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, India. The Temple is designed in the traditional South Indian architectural style, with a main structure surrounded by several small shrines and mandapas.

The main temple is made of granite and features a tall tower, or gopuram, at the entrance. Inside the Temple, there are shrines dedicated to various Gods and Goddesses, as well as a large hall or mandapa where rituals and ceremonies are performed. The temple also has a small pond or tank where devotees can take a holy dip.

The Karnataka government, in collaboration with the Male Mahadeshwara Swami Development Authority (MMDA), constructed a 108-foot statue of Saint Mahadeshwara raiding a tiger. The statue was part of the Rs. 20 crore heritage project, which was completed and inaugurated in 2022.

Facts about Male Mahadeshwara Temple Chamarajanagar

• Male MahadeshwaraTemple also known as MM Hills, is a sacred place located in the eastern part of Kollegal taluk in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district, 135 kilometres from Mysore.
• Male Mahadeshwara Hills is surrounded by dense forest and is famous for the Malai Mahadeshwara Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Mahadeshwara.
• Sri Male Mahadeshwara’s ancient and sacred temple is a popular Shaiva pilgrimage site and one of the region’s most powerful Shiva temples.
• The temple is surrounded by 77 hills from the Eastern Ghats. The temple draws a large number of pilgrims from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• Junje Gowda, the rich Kuruba Gowda landlord, built the Mahadeshwara Temple. The Lord Sri Mahadeshwara is thought to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
• Sri Male Mahadeshwara Swamy was riding a tiger named Puli Vahana (Tiger as a vehicle) and performing a series of miracles around the Betta to save the people and saints who lived there.
• There is a water stream flowing from a perennial source known as Antara gange, where devotees take holy baths.
• The location is also known for its scenic beauty, as it is nestled in dense forest and surrounded by the Kaveri and Palar rivers.
• Male Mahadeshwara Hills is well-connected by road, with frequent tourist and private bus service from Mysore.
• A diverse range of animals, birds, and reptiles live in Male Mahadeshwara’s forests. They are also widely distributed.
• Every year, during Maha Shiva Rathri, a large number of devotees visit Male Mahadeshwara Temple to pray to Lord Shiva. On average, darshan takes about an hour to complete, but it can take up to 2-3 hours on special occasions.

Festivals In Male Mahadeshwara Temple Chamarajanagar

• Mahashivratri: Lord Shiva is the subject of this festival. Many devotees hold the belief that he is the Adi guru, the Yogi tradition’s founder. It is seen by recalling Shiva and reciting petitions, fasting, doing Yoga as well as thinking.
• Deepawali – This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness. Many visit this temple during this great festival.
• Navarathri – All ten days of Navarathri are celebrated with great reverence.
• Other important festivals include Hanuman Jayanthi, Sri Rama Navami, Ugadi, and Makar Sankranti.

Best Time to Visit Male Mahadeshwara Temple Chamarajanagar

This place is heavenly and spiritual; you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

How To reach Male Mahadeshwara Temple Chamarajanagar

The Male Mahadeshwara Temple is located in M.M Hills in Hanur taluk of Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka.

By Air: Male Mahadeshwara Temple Chamarajanagar is located 173 kilometres from Bangalore Airport, making it the closest airport for both domestic and international travellers.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Mettur Dam, which is approximately 55 kilometres from the Male Mahadeshwara Temple Chamarajanagar.

By Road: The Sri Male Mahadeshwara Temple is approximately 210 km from Bangalore and 130 km from Mysore. Buses connect Palar and Mysore via M.M. Hills.

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