Puttur Shree Mahalingeshwara Temple is located in the Indian state of Karnataka. More specifically, this temple is situated in the town of Puttur in Dakshina Kannada district. Puttur is located in a hilly region between the coast and the Western Ghats. The ruling deity of this temple is Lord Mahalingeshwara. Lord Shiva is popularly addressed as Lord Mahalingeshwara. According to Indian Mythology, Lord Shiva incarnated himself as Lord Mahalingeshwara. Therefore, the name of this temple is based on the other name of Lord Shiva. This temple was declared a protected monument under the 1961 Act called the Karnataka Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act. The Directorate of Archaeology and Museums (under the Mysore division of the Government of Karnataka) is presently responsible for the maintenance and conservation of this ancient temple of Karnataka. The Barekere Kedilaya family members serve as the traditional Brahmin priests of this temple.

History of Puttur Shree Mahalingeshwara Temple
Puttur Shree Mahalingeshwara Temple was built around eleventh or twelfth century.

Festival Celebrated in Puttur Shree Mahalingeshwara Temple
Puttur Shree Mahalingeshwara Temple is known for the celebration of a festival called Rathotsava or the Chariot Festival. It is one of the main festivals of this temple, which is celebrated in the month of April with grandeur. The celebration of this festival lasts for about ten days. Puttur is adorned with lights during the occasion. Fireworks are a noteworthy feature of the celebration of this festival. As per estimations, about 1 lakh devotees visit the Puttur Mahalingeshwara Temple to celebrate the Chariot Festival. This testifies to the importance attached to the Chariot Festival in Puttur by the enthusiastic visitors.

Pond in Puttur Shree Mahalingeshwara Temple
A pond is located on the western side of the Puttur Shree Mahalingeshwara. People hold a belief that in ancient times, pearls were found in this pond. The stone steps of the pond will lead one to the water. According to the local dialect, Muttu stands for pearls. It is known that the name of Muttur was initially derived for the temple from the pearls discovered in the pond and Muttur later changed to Puttur, thus providing the temple a part of its name.

Visiting Information
The nearest airport to Puttur Shree Mahalingeshwara Temple is in Mangalore. The nearest railhead to this temple is Puttur Railway Station. Puttur is known to be well connected by roads. Roads leading to puttur are motorable by buses. The town of Puttur is located on Mangalore - Mysore Highway. The Puttur Mahalingeshwara Temple is located at a distance of about 300 kilometers from Bengaluru. From the Dakshin Kannada District Headquarters this temple is located at a distance of about 60 kilometers. Sullia is located at a distance of about 35 kilometers from Puttur, Vitla is located at a distance of about 15 kilometers from Puttur and Mangalore is located at a distance of about 52 kilometers from Puttur.

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Temples of Karnataka
South Indian Temples
Indian Regional Temples
Churches of Karnataka