Marulasiddheswara Temple

Marulasiddheswara Temple is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Ujjini village, Kotturu Taluk, Vijayanagara District, Karnataka. It is one of the Pancha Peethas of the Veerashaiva tradition founded by Marula Siddha. Notable for its Chalukya and Vijayanagara architectural features, ancient linga, and religious importance to Lingayat devotees, the temple attracts pilgrims year-round and during its annual car festival.

Visitors can expect a traditional South Indian temple complex with a sanctum housing the Shiva linga, pillared halls, gopura entrance, and stone carvings. The setting is a quiet village environment with temple courtyards, shrines, and open spaces for gatherings. Visitors can observe daily pujas, explore the architecture, see inscriptions and sculptures, and experience devotional activities and local shops selling offerings around the temple premises.

The temple is traditionally associated with Marula Siddha, one of the five acharyas of Veerashaivism, and is regarded as the Ujjini Peetha among the Pancha Peethas. Architectural and inscriptional evidence points to origins in the Western Chalukya period with later contributions under Vijayanagara rulers. It has served as an important Shaiva monastic and pilgrimage centre for several centuries.

The temple is a major religious centre for Veerashaiva-Lingayat devotees and Shaivites. It hosts daily worship, special pujas on Mondays and Maha Shivaratri, and the annual car festival. As a Pancha Peetha, it holds scriptural and monastic importance and continues to influence religious practices and community gatherings in the region.