Mysore Mudukuthore Mallikarjuna Temple

Address

Mudukuthore, Mysore,

Karnataka 571122

Moolavar

Mallikarjuna

Introduction

Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is a revered Shiva temple near Mysore. It is one of the five Shiva temples in the region, which are popularly known as the panchalingas. Mallikarjuna Temple is in Mudukuthore, while the other temples are in Talakadu. Mudukuthore (officially known as Thirumalakudu Bettahalli) is also close to Talakadu. And it is on the banks of the River Kaveri. Mudukuthore has been named so because the river takes a turn here and flows forward. “Muduku” means diversion, and “thore” means flow forward.

Puranic Significance

Mudukuthore Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is a scenic pilgrimage centre. And devotees come here to take blessings from Lord Shiva. Once in around 12 years, a part of the special ‘Panchalinga Darshana’ worships. It includes a visit to the other four ancient Shiva temples – Arkeshwara, Maraleshwara, Pataleshwara and Vaidhyanatheshwara.

Mallikarjuna Temple is on a hill in Mudukuthore. And as per the legends, Arjuna (one of the Pandavas) stayed on that hill. He carved the idol of Lord Shiva for puja. And the temple got its name from the “Mallika” flower, which he used during his ritual.

Special Features

The temple is said to be more than 1500 years old. The temple is on the small Somagiri hill, two “Nandi” bull statues will welcome to the spacious courtyard. The temple walls are decorated with beautiful frescoes depicting scenes from Indian mythologies. It has a tall deepasthamba, and after the courtyard, the sanctum which houses the Shivalinga. This place is known for the temple of lord Mallikarjuna. The place is nearer to Mysore. During January-February a big festival for a week will be organized where selling of cattle’s and other items required for agriculture take place. This place is very nearer to one more holy place called Talakadu which is situated at the banks of river Kaveri. Talakadu is famous for shiva temples and particularly Vaidyanatheswara temple.