Sringeri Sri Malahanikareshwara Temple – Karnataka

Address

Sringeri Sri Malahanikareshwara Temple – Karnataka

Mallikarjuna St, Menase, Sringeri,

Karnataka 577139

Moolavar

Sri Malahanikareshwara

Amman

Sri Bhavani

Introduction

Location:

• Located atop a hillock in Sringeri, near the Sringeri Bus Stand and within 1/2 km of the Sringeri Sharadamba Temple.
• Accessible via 150 steps.

Architecture:

• The temple is a fine example of traditional architecture with carvings of deities like Narasimha, Virabhadra, and a lotus bud on the ceiling.
• The structure includes a navaranga, antarala, and garbhagriha (sanctum).

Puranic Significance:

• The Sri Malahanikareshvara Linga was worshipped by Sage Vibhandaka, son of Kashyapa, and is considered a destroyer of impurities.
• The Linga is an Udbhava Linga, naturally occurring.
• The temple dates back to the 8th century and was reconstructed during the Vijayanagara period.

Renovations:

• Significant repairs and expansions were undertaken by Sri Narasimha Bharati and Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Swamigal.
• The addition of a spacious navaranga with four pillars showcasing high relief sculptures of various deities.

Deities:

• Main deities: Lord Malahanikareshvara, Goddess Bhavani, Sthambha Ganapati, Chandikeshvara, Ganapati, and Durga.
• Smaller shrines outside the temple: Meenakshi Sachidanandeshvara, Kshetrapalaka, and Bindu Madhava.

Festivals:

• Arudradarshanam (December-January): Dedicated to Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance.
• Mahashivaratri (February-March): Major festival honoring Lord Shiva.
• Rathotsavam (February-March): A chariot procession for Lord Malahanikareshvara.
• Laksha Deepotsavam (November-December): A grand festival of lights during Kartika Purnima.

Special Events:

• The Malahanikareshwara Rathotsava is celebrated on the Maga Amavasya, the day after Mahashivaratri, with a grand procession and special pujas.

Spiritual Significance:

• The temple is a revered place of worship, attracting devotees seeking blessings from Lord Shiva and other deities.

Century/Period

8th-century

Nearest Bus Station

Sringeri

Nearest Railway Station

Barkur Station

Nearest Airport

Mangalore (IXE)

Location on Map

lightuptemple