Talakadu Arkeshwara Temple – Karnataka

Address

Talakadu Arkeshwara Temple – Karnataka

Vijapura, Talakadu town,

Mysore district,

Karnataka 571122

Moolavar

Arkeshwara

Introduction

Location and Overview:

• The Arkeshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Vijayapura, an outskirt of Talakadu Town in Mysuru District, Karnataka, India.
• The temple is one of the Pancha Linga Sthalams of Talakadu, a group of five significant Shiva temples in the region.

Puranic Significance:

• The Mahalingeshvara Temple is believed to have been originally constructed during the reign of Kulothunga Chola I. Over time, the temple was renovated by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III, the ruler of Mysore during the British Raj.
• The temple’s history spans over 1500 years, making it a significant cultural and historical site.
• Legend of Sage Soma Datta: According to the legend, Sage Soma Datta from Kashi sought salvation from Lord Shiva and was instructed to perform penance at Siddharanya Kshetra. While meditating, the sage and his disciples were attacked by a herd of wild elephants and killed. They were reborn as elephants and continued their worship at a cotton tree. When two Kirata twin brothers, Tala and Kadu, attempted to cut down the tree, they discovered that it bled like a human. Following a divine command, the brothers healed the tree, and it miraculously turned the blood into milk. This event led to the place being named Talakadu after the twin brothers, and Lord Shiva came to be known as Vaidyanatha (healer).
  • Lord Rama’s Association: It is also believed that Lord Rama stayed briefly in Talakadu during his journey to Sri Lanka as part of his expedition.

Special Features:

• The Mahalingeshvara Temple is situated on the banks of the Cauvery River and is considered a monument of national importance. It is protected and preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India.
• The temple faces eastward, with its entrance on the southern side. Key features of the temple include:
  • Nandi, the sacred bull, and Balipeedam located near the sanctum.
  • The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of the Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam, and Maha Mandapam. The presiding deity, Arkeshwara, is enshrined in the form of a Lingam.
• Vaastu Yantram: At the entrance, there is a Vaastu Yantram attached to a rock. According to a local belief, if cows suffering from ailments are tied to this rock, they are believed to be miraculously healed.
• Additional shrines within the temple premises include those dedicated to Durga, Bhairavar, and Abhayangara Lingam.

Festivals:

• The temple celebrates the festival of Rathasaptami with great enthusiasm, drawing devotees from near and far to honor the divine and partake in the festivities.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com

Century/Period

1500 years old.

Nearest Bus Station

Mysore

Nearest Railway Station

Mysore

Nearest Airport

Mysore

Location on Map

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