Kaiwara Bheemalingeswara Temple – Karnataka

Address

Kaiwara Bheemalingeswara Temple – Karnataka

Kaiwara,

Chikballapur district,

Karnataka – 563128

Moolavar

Bheemalingeswara

Introduction

1. Location:
   • Located in Kaivara, a small town in Chikballapur district, Karnataka, India.
   • Dedicated to Lord Shiva, with the deity being Bheemalingeshwara Swamy.
   • The temple is believed to have been built by Bheema, one of the five Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
2. Puranic Significance:
   • The temple is closely associated with the Mahabharata, one of the greatest epic stories in Indian literature.
   • Kaivara, in ancient times, was known as Ekachakrapuram, a place where the Pandavas are said to have spent part of their agnathavaas (period of exile in hiding).
   • The temple marks the spot where Bheema killed the demon Bakasura, who had been terrorizing the region.
   • According to legend, after slaying Bakasura, Bheema was burdened with Brahmahatya Dosha (the sin of killing a Brahmin). To cleanse himself, he is believed to have consecrated a Shiva Linga and performed penance at this site. The temple was later built around this sacred Shiva Linga, and the deity became known as Bheemalingeshwara Swamy.
3. Beliefs:
   • Devotees visit the Bheemalingeswara Temple to seek blessings for:
     • Salvation (Moksha).
     • Wealth.
     • Relief from diseases.
     • Purchase of vehicles.
     • Gain Knowledge.
4. Special Features:
   • The temple is believed to be over 1800 years old, making it a historically significant site.
   • The town of Kaivara was once known as Ekachakrapuram and is linked to the Pandavas’ exile and Bheema’s battle with Bakasura.
   • The temple is also associated with the poet-saint Narayanappa, also known as Kaivara Thatayya, who lived in the 18th century. He was proficient in Kannada and Telugu and composed numerous Kirtanas in praise of Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped in the Amara Narayanaswami Temple in Kaivara.
   • Narayanappa is also known for his prophetic work, Kala Jnana, which foretold future events.
5. Festivals:
   • The temple celebrates Maha Shivarathri, one of the major Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva, with grand rituals and celebrations.

Century/Period

1800 years old.

Nearest Bus Station

Bangalore International Airport.

Nearest Railway Station

Chikballapur

Nearest Airport

Bangalore International Airport.

Location on Map

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