Mylara Lingeshwara Temple is located in the village of Mailar in Huvina Hadagali Taluk, Vijayanagara, Bellary, Karnataka. The temple lies on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.
Mylara Lingeshwara Temple Story
According to Hindu scriptures and local folklore, the story
of Shri Mailaralingeshwara's incarnation is described in the Kshetra Khanda
of the Brahmanda Purana. It is said that Lord Parama-Shiva incarnated
as Martanda Bhairava, riding a horse, to destroy the demons Manikasura
and Mallasura, accompanied by seventy million deities. After defeating
the demons and for the upliftment of the world, he manifested as a self-originated
(Swayambhu) Shiva Linga at this holy place.
Kapila Mahaguru, while in yogic sleep, had a vision
where Parama Shiva, in the form of Martanda Bhairava, appeared on
horseback, clad in a black blanket and deerskin garment, adorned with sacred
symbols on his forehead, holding a damaru (drum) and sword,
wearing a skull (kapala) and trident (trishula), with mani and
kavadesar ornaments. He said, "I have manifested as a self-originated
Linga in the pit. Pour milk (ksheera abhishekam) over the soil of the pit, and I
will reveal myself in the form of a Linga. Make an idol using the clay of this
sacred pit in the form I have appeared to you." According to the
scriptures, the idol made from the clay by Kapila Mahaguru can still be seen
today.
It is believed that the temple underwent renovations and
developments in the 6th, 10th, 14th, 15th, and 18th centuries, in
various stages.
Mylara Lingeshwara Temple Offerings
At the Shri Mylara Lingeshwara Temple, the turmeric
(arishina) Bhandaara (sacred powder) holds great significance. The chant
"Elu Koti Elu Koti Chang Malo Chang Malo" is a widely known
and powerful name recitation (namasmarane) of the deity.
The temple is also known for miraculous rituals
performed by Kanchaveeras, who pierce their thighs with metal spikes and
sticks during the Bhandaara ceremony to demonstrate their devotion. Another
group, the Goravayyas, perform a miracle involving breaking iron
chains by pulling them, which is part of their traditional practice.
Other sevas (offerings/services) to the deity
include:
- Boat
seva
- Horse
dance seva
- Chamara
(fly-whisk) seva
- Torch
(deepatige) seva
- Rolling
on the ground (urulu) seva, etc.
The Karnika Utsava (prophecy festival) at Shri
Mailara Kshetra is one of its most unique traditions. At the beginning of the Krita
Yuga, after the defeat of Mallasura, it is said that Shiva, when requested
to speak of the future for the welfare of the world, revealed the secrets
and importance of Karnika to sages like Kapila and Gomunis,
instructing them to continue the tradition annually. Following this, the lineage
of Gomunis and Shri Gurus have preserved and carried forward this
tradition.
During the Karnika Utsava, a Goravayya
(devotee) receives blessings from the Shri Guru at the sacred Denkana
Maradi, where the Guru applies turmeric Bhandaara on the devotee's face and
chest, taps his back, and blesses him to speak the prophecy for the welfare of
the world.
The chosen Goravayya then climbs an 18-foot pole, delivers a short prophecy (Karnika nudi) in just a few words, and leaps down. Thousands of devotees from across the state gather to witness this event. The Karnika nudi (prophetic words) are believed to foretell the future of the year, including rainfall, harvest, political changes, and more. This tradition is a major highlight of the temple and a powerful spiritual experience for devotees.