About Mylaralingeshwara Temple
Mylaralingeshwara Temple is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Mylaralinga, located in Mylara village, Hadagali Taluk, Vijayanagara District, Karnataka. Situated near the Tungabhadra River, the temple is renowned for its annual Mylara Jatre festival and distinctive South Indian architecture. It serves as a major pilgrimage center for devotees from Karnataka and neighboring states, reflecting centuries-old Shaivite traditions and regional cultural heritage.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a traditional South Indian temple complex dedicated to Lord Mylaralinga with a sanctum, pillared halls and temple courtyard. The setting is a rural village environment near the Tungabhadra River with open grounds used for the large annual fair. Inside, visitors can see the linga shrine, ritual areas, and folk religious elements associated with Gorava traditions. During festival season the premises become highly crowded with stalls, folk performances and processions.
Key highlights
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Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Mylaralinga, a fierce form associated with the legend of Mallasura
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Famous for the annual two-week Mylara Jatre fair attracting lakhs of pilgrims
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Traditional South Indian Dravidian temple architecture with pillared halls and gopura
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Located near the Tungabhadra River in a rural pilgrimage setting
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Center of unique folk traditions including Goravas and Karadi Majalu performances
History of Mylaralingeshwara Temple
The temple is believed to have early origins linked to the Chalukya period with later patronage and renovations under Vijayanagara rulers. It is dedicated to Mylaralinga, a form of Shiva revered for slaying the demon Mallasura and his brother Manikasura according to local legend. The architecture reflects South Indian Dravidian style with subsequent additions over centuries.
Culture & Context
A major Shaivite pilgrimage center in North Karnataka, the temple is culturally significant for the annual Mylara Jatre, one of the largest fairs in the region. It is associated with distinctive folk religious practices including the Gorava tradition, Karadi Majalu and ritual reenactments of the Mallasura legend, drawing devotees from Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.