Arkeshwara Temple is located at Gottalu village near Mandya
in Karnataka. This 12th century shrine is dedicated to Hindu God
Shiva. Legend has it that Avarike plants surrounded the Shivling worshiped in
the temple. People started worshiping it and called it Arkeshwara Swamy.
The popular story associated with the temple has it that a
cow used to shed all its milk at a particular spot while it was left for
grazing. The owner of the cow attempted to clear the spot where the cow was
shedding all its milk. He accidentally hit the Shivling at the spot and a chunk
came out of it. The chunk from the Shivling flew and it pitched twice before rolling
and settling in the spot where the Arkeshwara Temple is located.
The main sanctum sanctorum houses the Shivling. There are
numerous other subsidiary deities in the temple chief among them are the Nagas, Ganesha and Goddess Durga.
The temple is a popular center in the region for curing
snake bites. Snake bite victims are applied sandalwood paste made in the
sanctum and are miraculously cured.
People suffering from skin diseases also find relief after
offering prayers here.
Chief festivals observed in the temple are Ratha Saptami, Shivratri,
Rathotsava on full moon day in falgun month, Navratri, Vijayadasami and Kartik
Month pujas.
Mandya Arkeshwara Temple Timings
Morning – 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Evening – 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM
The darshan timing is extended during special days.