Mallikarjuna Temple, Kuruvatti, Karnataka

Mallikarjuna Temple, Kuruvatti, Karnataka

Mallikarjuna Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kuruvatti Village in Hoovina Hadagali Taluk in Ballari District in the Indian state of Karnataka. The temple is situated on the banks of Tungabhadra river. The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Legends

Mallikarjuna Swamy:

As per legend, Lord Shiva killed the demons for the benefit of the world at this place. He revealed himself in a form of Lingam and came to be called as Mallikarjuna Swamy. Lord Nandi came here in search of Mallikarjuna Swamy, found him on the bank of Tungabhadra River, sat in front of him and started worshiping him from then on.

Kuruvathi:

As per legend, Lord Basaveshwara (Nandi, mount of Lord Shiva) came here to heal the wounds (Kuru) of the devotees. Hence, the place came to be called as Kuruvathi.

History

The temple was built in the 11^th century CE by Western Chalukyas and later was extensively renovated by Hoysalas. As per the inscription dated to 1099 CE, the temple was constructed in the memory of deceased Chalukya King Someshvara I who committed voluntary suicide at Kuruvathi in 1062 CE. Lord Shiva of this temple came to be called as Abhinava Someshvara / Ahavamallesvara / Trailokya Mallesvara after the deceased king. The temple might have been constructed between 1070 and 1100 CE by the King Vikramaditya VI, the heir apparent of the deceased Chalukya King Someshvara I.

Most of the inscriptions are dated to Western Chalukyan King Vikramaditya VI. Few of the inscriptions are dated to Gutta Kings, feudatory rulers under the control of Western Chalukyas. Kuruvathi was the abode of Lokabharana, the Rajaguru of Hoysala king Ballala II. The chief queen of Ballala II, Padumaladevi, also made a grant at Kuruvathi to god Ahavamallesvara. The village had been referred as Dakshina Varanasi in one of the inscription.

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2023/02/mallikarjuna-temple-kuruvatti-temple.html

Festivals

The maha Rathotsava is celebrated on Maha Shivaratri Amavasya (new moon) day during February–March. Devotees from all over Karnataka and other nearby states in India visit this place during this festival. The Lord Nandi idol is kept inside the ratha and then it moves based on the particular Nakshatra named Magha that match at some point of time. This ratha does not move unless and until Nakshatra matches Magha (nakshatra). Once the Nakshatra is matched, devotees will pull the ratha.

Later when the ratha starts moving, the devotees then offer flower garlands, coconuts and banana fruits to the Lord Nandi ratha. Daily pujas are conducted for the Lord Nandi. There are some special pujas performed during the time of festivals and during Maha Shivaratri. Holige and ghee is served as Naivedya to Lord Nandi. A special puja is performed to the Lord Nandi and Mallikarjuna Swamy during the Kartika. The devotees are provided with Prasadam (food) on the Amavasya (new moon) day of every month which is provided by the devotees in form of Dana.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 3 Kms from Mylara, 4 Kms from Mylara Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Guttal, 13 Kms from Guttal Bus Stand, 15 Kms from Halavagal, 31 Kms from Ranebennur Railway Station, 32 Kms from Ranebennur, 38 Kms from Harapanahalli, 40 Kms from Haveri, 40 Kms from Huvina Hadagali, 44 Kms from Harihar, 53 Kms from Davanagere, 126 Kms from Hubballi Airport and 168 Kms from Ballari. The temple is situated on Guttal to Halavagal route via Mylara.

Location