Kumbhashi Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple at Udupi is a unique temple as it is located in the middle of a temple pond or pushkarini or kalyani. The shrine is on the Anegudde Vinayaka Temple Road. The shrine is dedicated to Hara and Hari (Shiva and Vishnu). There are other deities in this well-maintained temple. The annual temple festival is noted for the pulling of the chariot or Ratha.
Significance Through the Four Yugas - Kumbhashi Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple Story
Krita Yuga (Satya Yuga)
It is believed that Harihara (a combined form of Vishnu
and Shiva) was worshipped here in golden caves by Lord Parashurama. Because of
this divine worship, the place came to be known as Harihara Kshetra during the
Krita Yuga.
Treta Yuga
When Lord Hanuman was carrying the Sanjeevini mountain to
Lanka, a fragment of the mountain fell here, covering the temple. The region
then became famous as Madhuvana.
Later, Hari, Surya (the Sun God), and Chandra (the Moon God)
performed intense penance here, pleased by the devotion of a sage named
Vasantha (also known as Madhu).
Moved by their austerities, Lord Rudra appeared before them
and granted a boon:
The sacred ponds here would be known as Surya Pushkarini and Chandra Pushkarini.
Dwapara Yuga
During this era, Sage Gautama performed deep penance at this
sacred site.
Pleased with his devotion, Lord Rudra released the sacred
river Ganga from his matted locks, and she flowed into a Kumbha (sacred pot)
here. Rudra granted another boon that:
The Ganga in this Kumbha would never dry up.
The sanctity of this place would be equal to that of Kashi.
Thus, the place became renowned as Kumbhakashi and Gautama
Kshetra.
Kali Yuga
In this age, the demon Kumbhasura was slain here by
Bhimasena.
Following this event, the place came to be known as Kumbhasi.