Kotilingeshwara Temple

Kotilingeshwara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kammasandra village in Kolar district, Karnataka, about 100 km from Bengaluru. It is notable for housing around 90 lakh small Shiva lingas spread across 15 acres and a 33-metre tall Shiva linga accompanied by an 11-metre tall Nandi statue, among the tallest in Asia. Initiated in 1980, the temple aims to install one crore lingas and attracts devotees especially during Maha Shivaratri.

Visitors can expect a vast open temple complex spread over about 15 acres filled with rows of small white Shiva lingas, a towering 33-metre Shiva linga with a large Nandi statue in front, and several smaller shrines dedicated to deities including Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The site is largely outdoors with paved and unpaved pathways, offering areas for darshan, circumambulation, photography in permitted areas, and shops selling offerings. The atmosphere is that of an active pilgrimage centre with devotees installing lingas.

The temple project was initiated in 1980 by Swamy Sambha Shiva Murthy. The central 33-metre Shiva linga and 11-metre Nandi were established as the focal structures, and the ongoing project aims to install one crore Shiva lingas donated by devotees. Over decades, around 90 lakh lingas have been installed, making it a distinctive modern pilgrimage site in Karnataka.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is a significant Shaivite pilgrimage centre. The name Kotilingeshwara refers to one crore lingas. Devotees believe installing a linga fulfills wishes and brings blessings. The temple sees large congregations during Maha Shivaratri and other Shaivite festivals, and serves as a centre for religious offerings and rituals.