Kaiwara Bheemalingeswara Temple – Karnataka
Address
Kaiwara Bheemalingeswara Temple – Karnataka
Kaiwara,
Chikballapur district,
Karnataka – 563128
Moolavar
Bheemalingeswara
Introduction
The Bheemalingeswara Temple is situated at the tiny town of Kaivara, in the Chikballapur district of Karnataka, India. This renowned temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built by the mighty Bheema, who is one among the five Pandavas from Mahabharatha. The Shiva Linga in the temple was established the Pandava, Bheem. Therefore, the deity here is known as Bheemalingeshwara Swamy.
Puranic Significance
Mahabharata is one of the greatest epic which depicts the story of the Pandas and the Kauravas. It is also considered the longest known epic poem in the world. The town of Kaiwara and the Bheemalingeshwara temple is closely associated with the epic Mahabharta, and is historically significant. Kaiwara was called Ekachakrapuram during the ancient times, where the Pandava’s are believed to have undergone their agnathavaas (living in hiding). It is also the same place where Bheem had killed Bakasur, the evil demon.
It is said that after killing Bakasur, Bheem was burdened with the Bramhahatya Dosha. In order to get relieved from this, Bheem is believed to have performed penance in this place by consecrating a Shiva linga. Later a temple was constructed around this linga and thus this deity got to be called the Bheemalingeshwara Swamy.
Beliefs
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Salvation
- Wealth
- Relief from diseases
- Purchase of vehicles
- Gain Knowledge
Special Features
As the name suggests, Bheemalingeswara temple is believed to have been built by Bheema. The temple is said to be more than 1800 years old. The place Kaivara was known by the name Ekachakrapuram at the time of the Mahabharatha. It is believed to be the place where the Pandavas had spent a year in hiding after escaping the attempts made on their lives, from the lax palace. This is also the same place where Bheema is said to have killed the wicked demon Bakasura, who was tormenting the lives of people living in this region.
The place is also closely associated with poet saint Narayanappa, who lived during the 18th century. He is considered highly proficient in Kanada and Telugu and was popularly called the “Kaivara Thatayya”. He had composed many Kirtanas in praise of Lord Vishnu, who graces here in the Amara Narayanaswami temple. He is also known for his prophetic work Kala Jnana about future events.
Festivals
Maha Shivarathri
Century/Period
1800 years old.
Nearest Bus Station
Bangalore International Airport.
Nearest Railway Station
Chikballapur
Nearest Airport
Bangalore International Airport.