Temple

Mylara Lingeshwara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Mailari, a form of the god Shiva in Mylara. Located at center of Karnataka, it is in the extreme south-western corner of Hoovina Hadagali taluk, Bellary. The River Tungabhadra flows just two kilometres away from this temple.
The Mylara temple is managed by the Woodeyar family. These people are called Guru or Swamy. They are responsible for continuing the pooja, traditions which were carried from past generation. It is believed that the totem of the Mylaralinga is a dog.

Legend

Once Mallasura, the demon and his brother performed a severe penance extracted from Lord Brahma. Pleased with the penance, Lord Brahma gave them a boon that they will never be harmed by any human being. Soon the demon began to harass the sages, who then requested Lord Shiva to protect them. Lord Shiva took the form of Mylara and took the forces of the seven crores goravas with him and had a furious battle with Mallasura and his brother Manikasura for 10 days at the end of which Lord Shiva slew them both with his bow. During the battle, Mylara (Lord Shiva) lost his powers and  began to run from the battlefield and hid himself in the Tungabhadra river.  Veerabhadra, Shiva's aide, struck the earth with his long hair and five brave warriors (Panchaveeras) emerged from the spot. The Kanchaveeras confronted Mallasura and Manikasura and handed them over to Mailara. After killing Mallasura and Manikasura, Mailara (Shiva) wore their intestines as his turban, their teeth as a necklace, their mouths as a damaruga (hand drum), skulls as a doni (meal bowl) and their skins as a long coat. The fat of the demons was used as oil and their nerves as the lamp wick.

Architecture

Mylara lingeshwara temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.The most important part of a temple is the garbhagriha (translated as womb-chamber) where Lord Shiva is located in the form of Mylara lingeshwara swamy in standing posture, the statue is located in a small window-less shrine room located at the very heart of the temple. Worshipers consider that energy flows out in all directions from the garbhagriha and this is reflected in the architecture of the surrounding parts of the temple. The inner pillars of the temple are build with sand stone and has granite marble flooring. On three sides temples have blind doors which symbolically allow the deity's energy to leave the inner mandapa of the temple.

Darsan Info

Morning 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (All days of the week)

Darsan Dresscode

Clean and conservative clothing is preferred (Avoid shorts).

Famous Festival

Mailara Jatre
Karanika Utsava

Culture

The temple is located in small village in Bellary district. The place is surrounded by green forest, the climate is modest with lots of green tress surrounding the temple. One can see lots of temples near to this place. The gorava dance(gorava kunita), a dance of the Lord Shiva cult, is popular in areas of the North Karnataka.

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Temple Rituals

Morning pooja and harathi to Lord Shiva at 7:00 AM
While worshipping Mylara Linga, the Goravas used to wear the costume of a black woollen rug, hanging bag made out of skin on the shoulder. Some of them wear a black coat and white dhoti.

Special Rituals

Karanika Utsava (bow-climbing and prophecy-uttering ritual) and Pavada (body piercing ritual) are the rituals that are followed during the Mailara Jatre(fair). 
Karanika Utsava is performed by the Karanika Gorava, who fasts for 12 days, after which he climbs a 12-meter bow and utters a euphoric prophecy regarding regional agriculture, animal husbandry, and politics.

Additional Info