Yellur Sri Vishweshwara Temple, Karnataka

Address

Yellur Sri Vishweshwara Temple, Karnataka

Yellur, Belapu

Udupi district,

Karnataka 574113

Moolavar

Sri Vishweshwara

Introduction

Location:

• Located in Yellur village, Udupi district, Karnataka, India.
• Dedicated to Lord Vishweshwara (Shiva).

Historical Significance:

• The temple is over 1500 years old and is mentioned in 12 rock edicts and Kaifiyaths.
• The temple’s antiquity is tied to the Mahathobhara Sri Vishweshwara Temple and its Puranic legend.

Puranic Legend:

• King Kunda Raja of the Kuthyar Dynasty invited the sage Bhargava Muni, who rejected the invitation due to the absence of temples and sacred elements in the kingdom.
• Upset, Kunda Raja sought Lord Shiva’s blessings by performing a sacrament at the holy river Ganga. Shiva appeared and agreed to stay in his kingdom.
• A tribal woman searching for her son discovered a tuber that began to bleed. Upon hearing the woman cry “Yellu” (her son’s name), Lord Shiva appeared as a Shiva Linga.
• The place came to be called Yellur, with the belief that the mark of the wound on the Linga is still visible today.
• The tuber stopped bleeding only after coconut water was poured on it, which is why offering coconut water has become a ritual in the temple. Coconut oil is also used to keep the temple lamps burning.

Temple Features:

• Main Deity: Lord Vishweshwara (Shiva).
• Additional Shrines: Lord Vinayaka (Ganesha), Goddess Annapoorneshwari.
• Bhagirathi Temple: A small temple near a lake, believed to have once been the source of the Ganga.
• The temple showcases Devaayathana style of architecture, an ancient classical architectural style that has been carefully preserved during renovations.

Festivals:

• The Laksha Deepotsava (Festival of One Lakh Lamps) is a major event, drawing large crowds during November-December. During this festival, one lakh earthen lamps are lit, giving the temple a divine glow.
• Other Shiva-related festivals are also celebrated with great devotion.

Century/Period

1500 Years Old

Nearest Bus Station

Yellur

Nearest Railway Station

Udupi

Nearest Airport

Mangalore

Location on Map

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