Kotilingeshwara Temple Karnataka: Visit the World-Famous Temple of Lord Shiva

Karnataka offers a monumental experience of spiritual landmarks, and one such beauty that holds uniqueness is the Kotilingeshwara Temple Karnataka. Nestled in the midst of the quiet town of Kolar, this temple is Asia’s biggest to house the largest Shivalinga along with a number of small lingas spread across the premises. 

It is not just a spiritual place but a destination for devotees, pilgrims, and curious travelers. So whether you want to explore the vast cultural significance, seek blessings, or need a travel spot, Kotilingeshwara Temple Kolar must be on your list. 

We have listed everything you should know about this holy place in this blog. So read up and save it for your next holiday destination!

Kotilingeshwara Temple Karnataka: Overview 

Kotilingeshwara Temple, Karnataka, is a spiritual landmark for Shiva devotees who visit the place to seek blessings and take part in religious practices. It is believed that one who comes here washes away their sins, removes obstacles from life, and gains powers to fulfill their desires. 

Swamy Sambha Shiva Murthy, a great devotee of Lord Shiva, founded the temple in 1980 with a vision to build a single largest linga to inspire mass devotion and unity. “Koti” in the Kannada language stands for crore, and the name “Kotilingeshwara” means one crore lingas. 

Unlike other temples, this one has modern architecture, which grabs the attention of people around the world. The 33-meter-tall Shivalinga has made its mark in history and is a true representation of culture and belief. 

You can witness a number of shrines on your way towards the main Shivalinga. Offer your prayers to Lord Kotilingeshwara, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Maheshwara, Venkataramani Swamy, Goddess Annapoorneshwari, Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Sita, Lord Anjaneya, Goddess Kanyaka Parameshwari, and Goddess Karumaari Amma.

The temple lights up every Maha Shivratri, inviting lakhs of devotees for a grand celebration and all-night rituals. 

Kotilingeshwara Temple Timings and Ticket 

Kotilingeshwara Temple history is quite intriguing to learn, and the experience goes to another level when you come down to visit. So wear comfortable clothes and walk in the premises in peace!

Ticket Fee: Rs 20 per person 

Camera Fee: Rs 100 per camera 

Vehicle Parking: Rs 30- Rs 50

Timings: 6 AM to 9 PM

Online Booking: The temple does not have an online ticket or service booking facility; thus, you must visit early to get tickets and avoid the rush.

It is best to reach the temple in the morning to watch the sunrise and have a couple of peaceful hours before the crowd starts walking in. You can witness the iconic puja of priests chanting mantras and pouring water on the linga with music and drums.  

Kotilingeshwara Temple Kolar Location and How to Reach

Kotilingeshwara Temple is located in the middle of Kammasandra village, which is approximately 6 km from Kolar Gold Fields. Kotilingeshwara Temple distance from Bangalore is 90 km and is accessible via bus and train. When you come down here, you will escape the city chaos and soak in the spiritual environment while enjoying the rural lifestyle.

Here’s how to reach Kotilingeshwara Temple Kolar:

• Kotilingeshwara Temple Road Travel: If you are traveling in a vehicle, you must reach Kolar first, which is 2–3 hours from Bangalore, and enjoy the ride through nearby villages and towns. 

• By Train: The trains are well-connected in the area. You can reach Kotilingeshwara Temple from Bangalore, Mangalore, Hubli, or Bangarapet Junction and hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the temple. 

• By Air: If you are traveling by air, the nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, where you can deboard and take a cab to reach Kolar. 

Best Time to Visit Kotilingeshwara Temple Karnataka

Kotilingeshwara Temple in Karnataka stays open the entire year; however, choosing the right season can be a treat for a better experience. Kolar district has hot summers, moderate monsoons, and pleasant winters, so planning your trip according to the weather is the best idea. 

• Winters: November to February is the best time to explore the beauty of the Kotilingeshwara temple Karnataka. During this time, you’ll be protected from the scorching heat of the sun, and the cool breeze will make your spiritual experience one of a kind.

• Summers: Summers in Kolar are very harsh, particularly from March to June. Hence, you should try visiting the temple early in the morning for darshan and keep yourself hydrated if you’re planning your trip during the summer.

• Monsoons: Visiting the Kotilingeshwara temple in monsoon is the most peculiar experience, as the moderate rainfall adds charm to the lush greenery. If you enjoy rain, then July to October is the best time for you. For additional safety, it is best to carry extra clothes and an umbrella. 

Well, the most auspicious time to visit the temple is on Maha Shivratri, when you can expect more than a thousand devotees flocking from all parts of the world to worship Shiva and celebrate the grandeur. 

Kotilingeshwara Temple Photos

The temple is not just famous for its spiritual aspects, but also known for its majestic architectural designs. Take a look at these Kotilingeshwara Temple images to be mesmerized by its beauty. 

Things to Do in Kotilingeshwara Temple Kolar

Kotilingeshwara stands as Karnataka unique landmark and a must-visit for all travelers. It is not just about offering prayers, but to submerge in the peaceful surroundings. During your visit, here are the things you can do:

Pray to the 108-foot Shivalinga

The main attraction of the temple is the 108-foot Shivalinga, which is one of the largest in the world. You can offer flowers and milk and pray to the tallest linga for a unique spiritual experience. 

Witness the Sea of Lingas and Seek Blessings from the Giant Nandi 

35-feet-tall Nandi statue stands in front of the Shivalinga, which marks a symbol of devotion. Visitors sit around this area and chant mantras. You can also see millions of small lingas in the premises. Walking among them will definitely leave you awe-struck!

Participate in Rituals 

You can participate in the daily rituals of the temple, which include bathing of lingas and distributing food. Plus, devotees can also get involved in special rituals performed during Maha Shivratri, Shraavana, and Karthika. 

Install Your Own Linga 

The temple follows a unique tradition to place your own linga within the grounds. Devotees nationwide donate lingas of various sizes, causing the temple to expand annually.

Famous Places to Eat in Kotilingeshwara Temple

While the temple offers prasadam to all the devotees, if you are looking to eat a proper meal or chat with friends over some snacks after the tiring trip, these are the best options to explore: 

Maiyas 

Must try: Bisi Bele Bhaat, Special Masala Dosa

Price: Rs 400 for two 

Address: 459/30, 30th Cross, Block 4, Jayanagar, Bangalore

Timings: 7 AM to 10 PM

Rashtrakutas Restaurant

Must try: Chole Rice, Uttappam 

Price: Rs 300 for two 

Address: No. 234/237 Deepa Complex, Bangarpet Main Road, 1st Floor, Kolar 563101 India

Timings: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM

The Great Indian Dine & Cafe

Must try: Dal makhani and rice, and filtered coffee 

Price: Rs 600 for two 

Address: 563103, Ka, India, Kolar 563103 India

Timings: 6 PM to 12 AM

New Ka 07 Multi Cuisine Restaurant

Must try: Fish fry, Masala Dosa, and Kheer 

Price: Rs 600 for two

Address: Ka07 Family Restaurant, NH75, Ajjappana Halli Gate, Mulbagal, Highway, Kolar 563101 India

Timings: 12 AM to 12 PM

Things to Know Before Visiting Kotilingeshwara Temple

Planning all the things in advance helps to avoid last-minute chaos and makes the trip memorable. Along with the ticket planning, here are additional useful things you must know about: 

• The temple’s daily visit timings are 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Make sure to reach here early in the morning for a smooth and peaceful journey. 

• The Shiva Linga installation fee of Rs 6000 is not mandatory, so do not be lured by temple advertisers. 

• Wear modest and traditional attire out of respect for the sacred environment. Make sure to wear sandals to walk comfortably. 

• You can find parking, restrooms, and small shops selling flowers, coconuts, and puja items in and around the temple premises. 

• You must carry snacks and a water bottle for the trip, especially if you’re travelling with family. 

• Photography is allowed, but capturing the daily ritual and the priests is prohibited. If caught, it can lead to a penalty. 

• The temple is family-friendly and accommodates senior citizens well. The ground requires walking, so make sure to only wear easy-to-remove, comfortable shoes. 

• During festival days and pujas, the dress code for men is a shirt with trousers or a dhoti with an upper cloth. Women must wear a saree with a blouse and a churidar with a dupatta. 

Now that we have explored everything about Kotilingeshwara, let’s go ahead and see the nearby area. 

Places to Visit Near Kotilingeshwara Temple Karnataka

It hardly takes more than 3 hours to experience everything the temple has to offer. If you have a whole day to yourself, why not combine it with a visit to other must-visit nearby places too? These are the best options: 

1. Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) – 6 km
2. Bangarapet – 10 km
3. Someshwara Temple, Kolar – 30 km
4. Kolaramma Temple – 32 km
5. Antaragange Hills – 35 km
6. Bull Temple Bangalore – 90 km 
7. Sri Kabbalamma Temple – 180 km 

Wrapping Up!

Kotilingeshwara Temple holds great significance in the Hindu culture and serves as a symbol for devotion, unity, and respect for Lord Shiva. The place not only attracts lakhs of devotees every year, but also fascinates historians and travelers to understand its rich history and absorb the spiritual atmosphere. 

Reaching Kotilingeshwara Temple from Bangalore is super straightforward. You can take any bus, train, or cab to visit this majestic beauty in the midst of rural Kolar culture. 

So whether you want to witness the most-talked-about and grand Maha Shivratri or need to take a break from the chaos, Kotilingeshwara will give you a sense of awe and deep tranquillity.