Shri Guru Basaveshwara Swamy Temple is located in the central part of Kottur town in Kottur Taluk of Vijayanagara district, Karnataka.
Kotturu Basaveshwara Temple History - Story
The original temple was dedicated to Shri Veerabhadreshwara, dating back to approximately the 5th century. The present-day Shri Guru Basaveshwara (Shri Kottureshwara) Temple was constructed between 1560 and 1600 AD, making it about 500 to 550 years old.
The temple was built by King Somashekara of Harapanahalli, who was a devout follower. It is believed that during an attack by the Medakari army, several jangamas (spiritual ascetics) miraculously repelled the enemy forces and protected the king. Out of gratitude, King Somashekara built the temple.
The original idol of Veerabhadreshwara is the puratana murti (ancient deity). Later, Shri Guru Kottureshwara, a realized saint, crafted a metallic idol using sacred ash (vibhuti) and installed it as the utsava murti (festival idol), which is still used in processions and rituals.
The temple serves as a center for spiritual guidance and aims to help devotees fulfill their wishes, experience peace and happiness in this world and the next, and understand the fundamental principles of Veerashaiva Dharma, including the doctrines of Ashtavarna, Shatsthala, and Panchaachara. The utsava murti is placed on a throne, symbolizing spiritual authority.
There is also a strong belief that the Veerabhadreshwara idol was installed by King Somashekara in the 16th century.
Religious Observances and Festivals
Devotees especially visit the temple on Mondays, Thursdays, and during Amavasya (new moon). In the month of Karthika, devotees wear the "Kotturesha Lingamala" and observe rituals throughout the month to fulfill their desires.
The most important annual event is the Maha Rathotsava (Grand Chariot Festival), celebrated during the Moola Nakshatra of the month of Magha. Devotees from far and wide undertake a barefoot pilgrimage (padayatra) to the temple, carrying sticks and chanting the name of Kottureshwara. Lakhs of people (hundreds of thousands) participate in this grand spiritual procession, making it a spectacular and awe-inspiring sight.
In earlier times, thousands of families would travel by bullock carts, stay for 2–3 days, prepare offerings, and donate prasada and dakshina to the jangamas, thereby spiritually satisfying the divine forces.
During the month of Shravana, special Rudrabhisheka and mass feeding (dasoha) programs are conducted.
Daily and Special Worship
The temple follows a rich tradition of daily rituals, which include:
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Rudrabhisheka
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Panchamrita Abhisheka
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Ashtottara Namavali Pooja
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Maha Mangalarati
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Leaf worship (Ele Pooje)
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Deepa Aradhane (lamp worship)
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Floral and fruit decorations
Additionally, Padodaka Prasada (holy water from the feet of the deity) is distributed three times daily by Jangama priests, considered spiritually significant.
Historical Significance and Sacred Artifacts
According to old temple scriptures, a purana called Kottur Basaveshwara Charitra was composed by the poet Basavalinga Kavi.
The Gachhina Matha houses the live samadhi shrine of Shri Kottureshwara, and inscriptions can still be found there. Various sculptures and paintings related to Lord Shiva, including iconic depictions of Veerabhadreshwara, idols of Basavanna, Chowdamma Devi carved on temple pillars, and Junjappa Deva on the temple gopuram (tower), are visible even today.
Special Rituals and Customs
Some of the distinctive practices include:
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Sprinkling of sacred water (Madineeru)
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Burning dry coconuts during Karthikotsava
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Rolling prostrations (Deedu Namaskara)
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Lighting Karthika Deepas (lamps)
Devotees also receive sacred food items and Padodaka as blessings from the deity, continuing age-old traditions of faith and devotion.