Mallikarjuna Temple, Mudukuthore – Legends

Mallikarjuna Temple, Mudukuthore – Legends

Mallikarjuneswara / Mallikarjuna:

During their exile, Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, stayed here for short duration of time. He installed the Shiva Linga on top of the hill and performed pooja to the Linga with Mallika Pushpa (Jasmine flower). Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Mallikarjuneswara / Mallikarjuna.

Swayambhu Linga:

As per legend, once, a cow belonged to the cowherd of Mudukuthore village would empty its udder on a mound at the top of Somagiri hillock daily and yield nothing to the farmer. The cowherd was curious to know the reason and hence, followed the cow one day. He found the cow emptying its udder on the mound. He got angry and whipped the cow. Unable to bear the blow, the cow jumped and kept one of the foot on top of the mound. As a result, the Linga hidden under the mound came out. The footprint of the cow can be found on top of the Linga.

Mudukuthore:

Mudukuthore (Muduku means diversion and Thore means flow forward) means, roughly, turn and flow forward. It has been so named because the Kaveri River takes a turn here before continuing on her forward journey.